This Order brings certain drugs under the control of the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971 (c. 38) (“the Act”) in line with recommendations from the Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs. It amends Schedule 2 to the Act, under which controlled drugs are classified as Class A (Part 1), Class B (Part 2) or Class C (Part 3). The classification of a drug affects the criminal penalties that result from offences relating to that drug.

Article 2(2) widens the scope of the provisions which control 2-benzyl benzimidazole opioids (commonly known as nitazenes) and acyl piperazine opioids, in order to capture more substances which fall within those classes of drugs as Class A drugs. Article 2(2) also controls seven piperidine benzimidazolone (‘brorphine-like’ or ‘orphine’) opioids, and adds two generic definitions to cover orphine and spirorphine compounds.

Article 2(3) of this Order brings ten semi-synthetic cannabinoids and two precursor acids of tetrahydrocannabinol (‘THC’) under control as Class B drugs under the Act as well as expanding the types of synthetic cathinones brought under control.

Article 2(4) of this Order brings nine new substances under control as Class C drugs under the Act.

Article 2(5) of this Order substitutes the definition of ‘cannabinol derivatives’ with an updated definition which captures additional substances.

A full impact assessment has not been produced for this instrument as no, or no significant, impact on the private, voluntary or public sector is foreseen.