Controlled drugs = chemical substance that has the effect of changing the way someone behaves.

Side effects

• mental illness (paranoia, anxiety, schizophrenia, depression and psychosis)
• psychological and physical dependence (addiction)
• incontinence
• risk of HIV and hepatitis
• strokes
• lung, kidney and heart damage
• gangrene
• coma
• death.

The law divides drugs into three classes (A, B and C):

	Drug	Possession	Dealing
Class A	Ecstasy/Crystal MDMA, LSD, heroin, cocaine, crack, magic mushrooms, Methamphetamine/ Crystal Meth.	Up to seven years in prison or an unlimited fine or both.	Up to life in prison or an unlimited fine or both.
Class B	Amphetamines, Methylphenidate (Ritalin).	Up to five years in prison or an unlimited fine or both.	Up to 14 years in prison or an unlimited fine or both.
Class C	Cannabis, tranquilisers, some painkillers, Gamma hydroxybutyrate (GHB), Ketamine. Diazipan and Tomazipan	Up to two years in prison or an unlimited fine or both.	Up to 14 years in prison or an unlimited fine or both