General substance misuse questions
Typical questions you may want to ask
1. Is cannabis legal?
- No. Cannabis was reclassified as a Class C drug and is still illegal.
2. Who is Frank?
- Frank is a free and confidential, government-funded, information and support service about drugs. Tel: 0800 776600 Web: www.talktofrank.com
3. What age can you buy alcohol in the UK?
- 18, but if you look under 21 you may be asked for ID.
4. Can you buy cigarettes at 15 if they are for your parents?
- No. It is an offence for a shopkeeper to sell cigarettes to anyone under 16 and shops can be prosecuted.
5. Is it legal to give ecstasy to a friend as long as they do not pay you?
- No. No money needs to change hands for this to be classed as intent to supply.
6. If the police catch you smoking cannabis, will they ignore it?
- No. Smoking cannabis is illegal. If you are under 17, you will be arrested. If you are 18 or over, you may be arrested depending on the circumstances.
7. Are Magic Mushrooms legal if they have not been prepared?
- No. Magic Mushrooms are always illegal. This loophole in the law no longer exists.
8. Is coffee a drug?
- Yes. Coffee contains caffeine, which is a legal drug.
9. Are there any restrictions on buying solvents?
- Yes. It is an offence to supply or sell solvents to under 18s if the supplier has reason to believe they will be misused.
10. Who can support young people to reduce or stop using drugs or alcohol?
- Barnet Impact - Barnet's free and confidential drug and alcohol service for young people. Tel: 0800 783 9762
- Frank - a free and confidential drug information and support service. Tel: 0800 776600
- Solve-it - promotes understanding, awareness and education of the consequences of volatile substance abuse. Tel: 01536 420604
- Quit - a helpline service for people who want support and advice about stopping smoking. Tel: 0800 002200
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