ABSTRACT
The Misuse of Drugs Act 1971 and The Misuse of Drugs Regulations 1986 define the basis of control for specific drugs whose misuse leads to social problems. Supply of the specified classes of controlled drugs is restricted to those who may lawfully possess them, including patients to whom they are correctly and properly prescribed. A person other than the patient for whom the drug is prescribed may possess the controlled drug if he/she is conveying it to the patient for whom it is prescribed. The Misuse of Drugs Regulations requires all controlled drugs, other than those specified, to be kept in a locked receptacle. The Secretary of State for Health may require or authorize in writing another person (Family Health Service Authority Medical Adviser) to require the practitioner on occasion to produce registers, documentation and stocks relating to controlled drugs in his/her possession. Under the Misuse of Drugs Regulations, once prescribed, the controlled drugs become the property of the patient.
