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For drugs to be safe, they must be tested. Legal drugs are tested over many years and must pass several stages before approval.
Drugs testing
- Allows us to know what the drug can be used for
- Allows us to know any side effects
- Allows us to know which medications or other drugs they interfere with
In I/GCSE, drugs are split into categories depending on how dangerous they are.
The three main categories
Class A
- Highly dangerous, illegal drugs
Class B
- Dangerous, illegal drugs
- Possession and dealing are illegal and there is no reason for anybody to use it
- If you are found with the drug, you could face a prison sentence
Class C
- The drug is allowed to be handled by people with a licence to dispense
- Anybody in possession must have a medical reason and a prescription
- It is illegal to possess the drug without a prescription or dispense the drug without a licence
Some drugs examples
Cannabis
- Currently a class B drug
- At the moment, there is no legal reason for anybody to be in possession of it
- A common drug which has many side effects, especially the new, stronger version known as ‘skunk’
Heroin
- A dangerous drug
- Known as a depressant
- Slows down the heart rate and gives people a feeling of ‘high’
- Allows users to escape reality
Cocaine
- A stimulant
- Affects the heart and CNS
LSD
- A hallucinogen
- Affects the brain
- Has long term effects which can lead to paranoia and disturbing hallucinations
That's the end of today's topic!
Drafted by Yoshi (Biology)