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HOW IS IT USED?

SMOKED AS A JOINT

Cannabis is usually smoked in a cigarette called a ‘joint’, normally rolled with tobacco.

SMOKED USING A BONG OR PIPE

Smoked in a pipe or a water ‘bong’ (a pipe which passes the smoke through water to cool and filter it).

When smoked, cannabis usually affects you quite quickly.

VAPORISERS

Vaporisers (about £50 to buy) are less risky - they get just hot enough to release the THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol, the bit that gets you stoned)  but not the tar.

EATING

Sometime people will eat cannabis, mixed with other ingredients, eg. in biscuits (cookies) or cakes.

• If it is eaten, the effects take much longer to be felt, but can build up and get stronger over a longer time.
•  It is much harder for someone to control the dose of the drug when cannabis is eaten.

PROBLEMS

PHYSICAL HEALTH

Your lungs were not meant to take in hot, noxious gases, so smoking cannabis, even on its own, is probably not good for your lungs .

Cannabis is usually smoked with tobacco which is known to cause serious health problems including cancer and heart disease. The nicotine in tobacco is very addictive

MENTAL HEALTH

If you feel down, cannabis will probably make you feel worse. You may feel sick, confused and worried – but these feeling will normally wear off as the cannabis does.

If you have an underlying mental health problem or one that you may not know about, using cannabis may bring it on. So, if you find yourself at the checkout at your local Asda stocking up on silver foil to stick to the inside of your house to stop people reading your mind, you might want to consider cutting down or even sacking cannabis altogether.

DEPENDENCY

Using cannabis can become a habit. Regular users may find it hard to stop. If you smoke cannabis with tobacco you may find it even more difficult to give up cigarettes

MOTIVATION

When you use cannabis, you may keep forgetting what you’re doing and find it hard to concentrate. You might find you can’t work or study properly. You may still feel spaced out the next day.

ACCIDENTS

Cannabis can make you clumsy and slow to react. Don’t smoke cannabis if you are going to drive or operate machinery.

IN CONTROL

• If one of your friends is having a bad time sit them somewhere quiet and comfortable, away from others. Stay calm and keep them calm, take their mind off things by talking to them. Tell them the bad feelings will wear off soon.
• Cannabis lowers blood-sugar levels. You will feel better if you have something sweet to eat or drink.
• If you feel bad when stoned you should think about stopping, if only for a short time. Give your mind and your body a break.
• If you use it every day, have a couple of days off each week. Smoke fewer spliffs a day, or put a bit less in them.
• If you are trying to cut down, avoid places, people or events that remind you of cannabis.
• Don’t buy extra, thinking you will save some for tomorrow – you probably won’t.

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ALCOHOL & HEALTH - INFORMATION & ADVICE 

A drink on a night out, or at home after a hard days work, can help you relax.
However, getting carried away and drinking too much, too often, can lead to all kinds of problems.

The information in this booklet will explore these issues and help you understand the harm that can be caused by alcohol and keep you safe.

BODY DIFFERENCES

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In this booklet, when we say ‘cannabis’, we mean ‘herbal cannabis’ or what’s commonly called skunk, weed, herb, grass, green, or bud. But names can change depending on where you live.

It’s the dried flowers and leaves of the cannabis plant, different from hashish (resin) or synthetic cannabinoids like spice.

Increasingly, cannabis is consumed in herbal rather than resin form. It’s usually smoked in joints, pipes, or vaporisers, but can also be drunk as a tea, or eaten in some kind of bake or cooking.

Over the last 30 years, cannabis has been the most used illegal drug in England and Wales. The most recent UK figures (taking us to March 2023) suggest just over 2.6 million adults aged 16 to 59 used cannabis in the last year. The true figure is probably much higher.

These days, a significant amount of herbal cannabis is grown in the UK, but we still import a substantial amount, particularly cannabis resin, from Europe and North Africa.

The information on this page will help you understand what cannabis is, the warning signs of developing a problem, reducing the risks, and how to cut down or stop.

The cannabis plant contains hundreds of naturally occurring chemicals – sixty of which, known as cannabinoids, are unique to the plant.

Out of these, two chemicals matter when it comes to getting stoned: THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), which is the main psychoactive substance, and CBD (cannabidiol).

THC is responsible for the euphoric high and that feeling of being ‘stoned’. It can also make you feel paranoid and anxious, particularly if the cannabis you’re taking contains high levels of THC.

CBD, on the other hand, has a calming and relaxing effect.

It’s possible the CBD might cancel out some of the paranoia or anxiety that comes from the THC – but the evidence is mixed on this.

If herbal cannabis gives you panic attacks or makes you feel edgy and anxious, it’s best to stop using it. If you can’t, or don’t want to stop, try switching to resin (hash), which has higher levels of CBD.

Strength describes the intensity of the high from cannabis, while potency refers to the percentage of THC in the
plant’s resin.

Less resin with high THC will produce a higher high than more resin with low THC. The strength also varies based on the plant variety, cultivation method, part consumed, preparation, and storage.

In the early 2010s, average THC content in cannabis was lower than today. By the early 2020s, THC levels had risen significantly, with strains like ‘skunk’ bred for high THC. Advances in cultivation techniques continue to produce even more potent cannabis strains.

Not everyone who uses cannabis will  develop mental health problems. 

However, evidence suggests that it may worsen existing mental health issues in some people, particularly if they’re smoking cannabis that’s high in THC. It may also bring on mental health issues, such as psychosis, in anyone with an condition they may not have been aware of. 

Cannabis users with close relatives who have episodes of psychosis or schizophrenia might have a higher genetic risk of experiencing similar issues.

Psychosis includes hallucinations and delusions. 

Hallucinations make someone experience things that other people aren’t, including hallucinations or
hearing voices. 

Delusions are when people have unusual beliefs that other people don’t, and feeling detached from reality.

Schizophrenia is a mental illness that affects how someone thinks or feels. Symptoms of schizophrenia include hallucinations and delusions. But often it will have other symptoms like feeling flat or emotionless or withdrawing from other people.

If you feel your cannabis use is affecting your mental health, you should stop using it. If you can’t stop, try using a less potent form of cannabis, like cannabis resin (hash) and get medical help or talk to your local drug and alcohol service.

Young People and Mental Health

Teenagers and young adults, whose brains are not yet fully developed, are particularly at risk of mental health issues. Studies have found that starting and regularly using cannabis at a young age can lead to lasting cognitive problems, which don’t fully go away, even if the person quits using cannabis later in life. 

Physical Health

Smoking harms the lungs. Inhaling any burning organic matter releases harmful toxins into your body. Cannabis can also contain pesticides and
fertilisers used during its production, as well as bacteria which grows on the buds and can compromise the immune system. This can be a problem for those living with HIV/AIDS or, cancer.

Some people have a positive experience using cannabis, but it can become an issue for others. 

You may be getting bored with being stoned. It might be affecting your health, draining your finances, and interfering with your relationships, education, or work. 

If you’ve been using more cannabis than before, feel moody or irritable without it, spend a lot of time acquiring and recovering from its effects, and notice that it’s replaced other activities you used to enjoy, it might be time to consider cutting down or stopping.

If you recognise any of these, it could be time to think about your cannabis use. 

There are several steps you can take, which may help.

1. Think about why you want to change

 Put together a list of pros and cons about your cannabis use

You can refer to this during moments of weakness, to remind yourself why you decided to make changes in the first place.

Create a cannabis diary

Create a diary of how much you smoked in the last week or two. Make a note of how much you spent, where you smoked and who you were with. It will help to motivate you and identify high-risk situations

 2. Plan ahead

Tell your friends or family that you intend to break the habit

It makes it easier to refuse a joint when it’s offered, and your friends and family understand more if you’re being a bit on edge.

Think about high-risk situations

Take temptation away by avoiding situations where you’d normally getting stoned. 

 Cravings and withdrawal symptoms

Withdrawal symptoms will depend on how much you normally smoke and how long you’ve been smoking. They can include any of the following: 

• irritability
• a craving to smoke 
• anxiety
• depression
• anger
• confusion

 They can have a physical effect on you such as the following:

• problems sleeping 
• restlessness
• loss of appetite
• tremors
• sweating (mainly at night)

Symptoms start between one and three days after stopping cannabis and last for around two weeks. They’re not harmful and are in fact a positive sign that your body is adapting to being.

Cravings last only a few minutes so if you can distract yourself for about 10 minutes whenever you get one (such as going out for a walk), then the urge will pass and each one will get easier. 

Start to cut down

Some people find it easier to give up completely by cutting down on their cannabis use beforehand. Delay the first smoke of the day, put less cannabis in each joint, or simply have fewer joints.

 3. Getting on with it

Deal with high-risk situations

Clear your flat of any cannabis paraphernalia, including skins, pipes, bongs, etc. Delete your dealer’s number from your phone.

Stay active

Doing an activity will help take up the space in your head that cannabis occupied.

Do something new

Start a new hobby or enrol on a course.

Look after yourself

To lower your stress levels, eat a healthy diet, get as much sleep as you can, drink plenty of water and exercise. 

4. Keep going

You might not succeed the first time, especially if you’ve been smoking cannabis a long time. Don’t beat yourself up about it. You haven’t failed, you’ve just taken the first step. Try again. It’ll probably be easier next time.

Cannabis is illegal. It is a class B drug. It’s against the law to possess, sell, give away, grow, or let your premises be used for smoking it

Possession can get you up to 5 years in prison, an unlimited fine, or both. Supply and production can result in up to 14 years in prison, an unlimited fine or both. 

Some police forces will deal with possession for personal use by steering you away from the criminal justice system, especially if you’re under 18. Instead, they pick from the following options:

• Issue a warning.
• Make you pay an on-the-spot fine. 
• Give you a ‘community resolution’ (e.g. make you do an educational course on drugs). You won’t get a criminal record, but it will show up on an enhanced DBS check.  
• Issue a ‘conditional caution’ (e.g. a rehabilitation course, unpaid work, or a fine). A conditional caution will go on your criminal record. 

A persistent offender will be prosecuted. Find out about penalties here: 

gov.uk/penalties-drug-possession-dealing 

If you’re under 18

The police will make a note of the incident. A first offence might receive a youth caution, which is a formal warning. If it’s not your first, you might get a youth conditional caution, which could involve attending drug education and support programmes. This approach is intended to keep you out of the criminal justice system and to support, rehabilitate and educate instead.

For repeat offences, you could be taken to youth court, which might result in fines, community orders, or even detention. Initial cautions aren’t criminal convictions, but are recorded and can affect future opportunities and travel.

Growing cannabis 

People growing a small number of plants can often be charged with possession, supply and production. If convicted, you could get a short prison sentence. Commercial growers face even longer inside.

Drug driving

You might think that cannabis is safer than alcohol, but it slows down reactions and focus wanders. It can also cause paranoia, drowsiness, distorted perception and a sense of disorientation – all of which could make you lose control.

The effects of cannabis fade after a matter of hours, but it can be detected in your body for up to four weeks. 

It’s illegal to drive with over the permitted level of cannabis in your system. If you test positive, you can receive a driving ban, large fine, or go to prison.

A criminal record can affect your future employment and travel.

Even spent convictions that don’t need to be declared can show up.

There are also lots of everyday jobs that require an ‘enhanced check’ such as teaching, driving a taxi and becoming a soldier. 

Each country has its own set of laws on drug convictions, which might cause you travel problems.

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Cumbria, Northumberland, Tyne and Wear NHS Foundation Trust

DRD Co-ordinator (Aberdeenshire)

Life+

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Growing up can be tough; always under pressure from your friends and family to do the right thing - look right, sound right and behave right.

But, as a young person, what is the right thing when it comes to drugs and alcohol? should you take that white powder or neck that pill? What’s in it, how will it make you feel, what are the risks?

The only way to avoid the risks of using drugs and alcohol is not to use them at all. If you use drugs and alcohol or are thinking about it, it’s essential to learn as much as you can about the substances you are using.

This page provides you with clear, non-judgemental information about some of the most commonly used legal and illegal substances, including:

• Alcohol
• Amphetamine
• Cannabis
• Cocaine
• Ecstasy
• Ketamine
• Nitrous oxide
• Mephedrone
• Solvents

The final section in this booklet is called ‘Staying Safe’. It includes information about mixing drugs and alcohol, feeling unwell, and looking after yourself and your mates.

The amount of alcohol in a drink is measured in units. Different drinks have a different number of units. The number of units in a bottle or can of alcohol is printed on the label or packaging.

The effects of alcohol

• Can slow down your brain which, in small amounts, can make you feel relaxed and sociable.
• Can cause slurred speech, blurred vision, confusion, loss of coordination, and heightened emotions, the more you drink.

The problems with alcohol

• Can damage your liver, stomach, kidneys, brain, muscles, skin and bones and causes cancer.
• Can cause impotence (brewer's droop), infertility (shooting blanks), shrink the testicles, and grow breasts, in men.
• May cause loss of periods, infertility (can't have a baby), and fat redistribution, in women.
• Can cause addiction.
• Can result in unconsciousness and sometimes death, if you drink a lot very quickly.

Young people, under 16, should not drink alcohol at all as this can damage developing organs. The best advice is not to drink alcohol until you're 18.

When over 18, men & women should drink no more than 14 units a week, spread evenly across a few days with a couple of alcohol-free days.

Alcohol and the law

If you are under 18 it is against the law for you:

• To sell you alcohol or for an adult to try and buy it on your behalf.
• To buy alcohol, attempt to buy alcohol, or to be sold alcohol.
• To drink alcohol in licensed premises, with one exception - 16 and 17 year-olds accompanied by an adult can drink (but not buy) beer, wine, and cider with a table meal in a pub or restaurant.

The effects of amphetamines

• Can speed up your heartbeat and breathing.
• Can also cause anxiety, paranoia, irritability, twitchiness and insomnia.

The problems with amphetamines

• Can lead to tolerance, meaning you have to take more to get the same effect.
• Excessive use can lead to psychosis (loss of contact with reality), chest pain, heart problems and high blood pressure.
• Can cause something called formication, which is the excessive itching and scratching of the skin, leading to skin infections.
• The purity of some amphetamines can be as low as 5%.

Amphetamines and the law

• Amphetamines are illegal, Class B drugs. 
• Possession of Class B drugs carries a maximum sentence of 5 years' imprisonment and a fine. 
• Supplying (selling or giving away) carries a maximum sentence of 14 years' imprisonment and a fine.

Cannabis comes from a plant called Cannabis Sativa.
Cannabis normally comes in a solid brown lump called hash (the resin scraped from the plant), or the dried flowers of the plant, known as grass, weed or Skunk.

The main chemical in cannabis is called THC (Tetra-Hydro-Cannabinol), which is the bit that makes you feel trippy. Different types of cannabis have different levels of THC.
It is normally smoked, rolled with tobacco in cigarette papers, or in a pipe or bong, but it can also be eaten.

The effects of cannabis

• Cannabis can make you feel relaxed, trippy, talkative and giggly.
• It can make you feel tired, lazy and sleepy.
• Can make colours, music and taste seem more intense.

The problems with Cannabis

• Cannabis can cause paranoia, anxiety and panic attacks.
• In some people, cannabis can bring on mental health problems.
• The earlier you start smoking cannabis, the more likely you are to have problems with it.
• Can cause lung damage if smoked.
• Cannabis become a habit and lead to a lack of motivation and problems concentrating at school or work.

Cannabis and the law

• Cannabis is an illegal, Class B drug.
• It is illegal to have, sell, grow or give away.
• If you are under-18 and caught with cannabis your parents or guardian will be contacted, you could get a reprimand and possibly a referral to a Youth Offending Team.
• If you are over-18, a first-time offence will usually get you a 'cannabis warning,' a second offence will get you an on-the-spot fine, and a third offence will result in prosecution and a criminal record.

There are products which claim to have the same effects as cannabis (Spice, Black Mamba, etc.), but these can also be harmful and are illegal under the Psychoactive Substances Act 2016.

Cocaine is a substance obtained from the leaves of the coca plant.

It normally comes in a white powder form. The purity of cocaine can vary greatly throughout the UK, from between 15-55%.

The effects of cocaine

• Can cause an energy rush, and feelings of exhilaration, confidence and wellbeing.
• Can also cause effects like edginess, paranoia, anxiety and shaking.

The problems with cocaine

• Cocaine is normally snorted through a rolled-up note or straw. The cocaine and the chemicals it is mixed with are acid and can burn or damage your nose.
• The note or straw you use may have been up others peoples' noses and can be covered in snot, viruses and germs.
• The initial effects of cocaine only last between 15 and 30 minutes. Using again and again to achieve the same effect can lead to tolerance, where you have to use more and more to get the same buzz further down the line, addiction.
• Cocaine increase blood pressure, heart rate and body temperature.
• Using cocaine increases the risk of stroke or a heart attack.
  
  

Cocaine and the law

• Cocaine is an illegal, Class A drug.
• Possession of Class A drugs carries a maximum sentence of 7 years imprisonment and/a fine.
• Supplying (selling or giving away) carries a maximum sentence of life imprisonment and a fine.

MDMA usually comes in tablet form, known as 'ecstasy', or powder, known as 'MDMA powder.'

Tablets come in various shapes and colours. MDMA powder usually comes in white or off-white crystals or powder.

Remember, not all tablets claiming to be ecstasy or powder claiming to be MDMA, actually contain any real MDMA.

The effects of ecstasy

• Can cause an initial rush, jaw clenching, nausea, and nervousness.
• Can increase energy levels and give a warm 'loved-up' huggy feeling.
• Can cause sounds, colours, and feelings to be more intense.

The problems with ecstasy

• Ecstasy can cause you to overheat, particularly if you are jumping up and down (sometimes called dancing!) in a nightclub and don't drink enough liquid, take a break, or get some fresh air.
• Ecstasy causes your body to retain water (you can't pee!) which alters your body's chemical balance.
• If you also drink a lot of water, this can cause your brain to swell.
• Deaths from ecstasy have often been caused by drinking either not enough or too much water.
• Your body needs about a pint of fluid - water, isotonic drink or fruit juice - an hour, to function properly in a hot environment.
• Ecstasy normally takes half an hour to an hour to start working but can take longer. Being impatient and taking more can increase the dangers.
  The comedown from ecstasy can leave you feeling tired and depressed for a few days afterwards.

Ecstasy and the law

• Ecstasy is an illegal, class A drug.
• Possession of Class A drugs carries a maximum sentence of 7 years imprisonment and/or a fine.
• Supplying (selling or giving away) carries a maximum sentence of life imprisonment and a fine.

Ketamine is an anaesthetic that comes in the form of a clear liquid, tablets, or powder ranging in colour from off-white to light brown.

The effects of Ketamine

• The effects of Ketamine vary depending on your environment. In small doses it normally acts as a stimulant, boosting your energy levels, and making you feel high and trippy.
• Larger doses can cause a strange 'out-of-body' effect, with hallucinations, feelings of calm and serenity, distorted reality, panic attacks, unpleasant feelings and fear.
• These feelings can last up to 90 minutes.
• The out-of-body experience is known as being in a 'K hole'.
  Physical effects can include loss of control over your body, loss of coordination, difficulty speaking, moving, hearing and seeing (delirium), numbness and nausea. 

The problems with Ketamine

Obviously, if you are having an out-of-body experience and can't move your arms and legs, then you're particularly at risk, especially in unfamiliar surroundings.

Because Ketamine is an anaesthetic and numbs your body, you can't feel pain as much as you would normally, so you can injure yourself without realising.

• Regularly using a lot of Ketamine can cause serious bladder problems, with severe pain and difficulty peeing.
• Too much Ketamine can affect your breathing, leading to unconsciousness or heart failure.
• Ketamine can be addictive.

Ketamine and the law

• Ketamine is an illegal, Class C drug.
• Possession of Class C drugs carries a maximum sentence of 2 years imprisonment and/or fine.
• Supplying (selling or giving away) carries a maximum sentence of 14 years imprisonment and a fine.

Mephedrone (4-Methylmethcathinone) also known as Meph, Meow Meow, M-Cat, is a synthetic chemical, similar to amphetamines.

Usually an off-white powder. Normally found in tablets or capsules. It can have a sharp chemical or fishy/bleachy smell.

Effects of Mephedrone

• Feelings of wellbeing,
• alertness,
• increased confidence and becoming more talkative.

Adverse effects of Mephedrone

• Increased heart rate.
• Palpitations, heavy sweating.
• Blurred vision.
• Hot flushes.
• Irregular heartbeat.
• Nausea, and muscle tension, especially in the face and jaw.

The main after-effects are tiredness, feeling dizzy and feeling low.

The problem with Mephedrone

• Can be mixed with unknown substances.
• Damage to the nose through snorting.
• Anxiety, panic attacks and agitation.
• Raised blood pressure, which can lead to heart problems and strokes.

Stimulants can cause you to overheat, especially if you are bouncing around in a nightclub.

There isn't enough information around at the moment to predict if Mephedrone is addictive or will cause long-term damage to your health.

Mephedrone and the law

• Mephedrone and other cathinone-based substances are illegal to possess, supply or produce.
• It is a class B drug.
• Possession could get you up to 5 years in jail and a fine.
• Supplying (even giving it away) gets up to 14 years in jail and a fine.

Nitrous oxide is a colourless and mainly odourless gas. It's Common street names include laughing gas, noz or noxy.

It comes in small, silver pressurised containers (bulbs) or large canisters, usually transferred from a canister into a balloon for inhaling.

> The effects of nitrous oxide

Users feel light-headed, dizzy, giggly, and euphoric.

You may experience sound distortions and hallucinations – when you see or hear things that aren’t there. It can also cause confusion, headaches, nausea, and paranoia.

 > The problems with nitrous oxide

Using pressurised gas directly from a canister is dangerous.

Inhaling in an enclosed space or putting your head in a bag of gas can lead to unconsciousness.

Using it in hazardous locations, like high buildings or close to water etc., is risky.

Prolonged and heavy use can result in vitamin B deficiency and nerve damage.

Symptoms of nerve damage can include numbness or pins and needles in the arms and/or legs.

Excessive use can cause breathing difficulties and heart problems.

The law: nitrous oxide is a Class C drug. Supply or possession with the intention of using it to get high is illegal.

Solvents come in many forms, such as household products like glues, lighter fluid and aerosol sprays, and are normally inhaled.

The effects of solvents

• Can cause intoxication (feeling very drunk), dizziness and drowsiness.
• Can cause sickness and vomiting.
• Can lead to aggressive and risky behaviour.

The problems with solvents

• Can cause your heart to beat irregularly or stop, even on first-time use. This can happen whether they are sniffed from a bag, an aerosol or sprayed into your mouth.
• Can cause loss of consciousness. If you use solvents in a dangerous location or place your head inside a bag, there is the added danger of having an accident or suffocating.
• Can cause burning or a rash around your mouth and nose.

Solvents and the law

• It is illegal to supply solvents to persons under the age of 18 if the supplier knows or suspects the product will be sniffed.

Low and slow

Give drugs time to work - rushing to take more is risky. Effects vary based on how you feel, where you are, and what’s in them, so take it slow.

Synthetic opioids

Be aware that drugs are increasingly being mixed with dangerous synthetic opioids like nitazene and fentanyl, which can cause overdose even in tiny amounts. You won’t be able to see, smell, or taste them - take it slow and be careful.

Avoid using drugs alone

Never use drugs alone - it’s dangerous, as no one can help if things go wrong. Have a friend present who knows what you’ve taken. If someone becomes unresponsive, put them in a recovery position (on their side, top knee and arms bent), check their breathing, call 999 and be honest about what they’ve taken so medics can help properly.

Mixing drugs and alcohol

Using drugs and alcohol together can be unpredictable and dangerous, especially since alcohol dehydrates you. Mixing cocaine, ecstasy, or other substances with alcohol can put you at serious risk.

Pre-loading

Having drinks while getting ready might seem like a good way to start the night, but it makes you more likely to get into trouble later. Take it easy - the night’s just beginning!

Pace yourself

Want to make your night last? Have food first, grab water between drinks, and don’t feel pressured to drink every round. Put your drink down between sips - holding it means you’ll drink faster.

Violence

Keep your cool if someone’s giving you grief - walking away might feel tough, but it’s better than getting hurt or in trouble.

Sex

If you’re planning to hook up, bring protection and use it. Emergency options are available if needed - visit your GP, walk-in centre, or pharmacy within 72 hours.

Don't flash your valuable

Keep your phone and valuables safe - consider bringing a backup phone for nights out. Be careful at ATMs - shield your PIN and stay aware of your surroundings.

Keep an eye on your drink

Never leave your drink unattended or take one from someone you don’t trust.

Looking after yourseleves and your mates

We all need to look out for each other! If you’re heading off with someone new, let your friends know where you’re going. Maybe even send them a quick photo of who you’re leaving with.

If a friend’s feeling unwell, get them somewhere quiet and cool, keep them sitting up, and give them water. If they’re not responding, put them in the recovery position and get help immediately.

Getting home safely

Plan your journey home before you go out - it makes everything easier! Pre-book a taxi if you can, and arrange a meeting point in case you get separated from your friends. If you end up walking, stick to well-lit streets and main roads, no matter how tempting those shortcuts might be.

Remember - the best nights are the ones where everyone gets home safe!

What happens if you're caught with drugs, what will the police do, what are the legal options?

Supplying Drugs

Supplying illegal drugs includes possession with intent to supply, or give away for free to friends, and will almost certainly result in a criminal record, severe sanctions and possibly prison time.

Maximum penalties range from 14 years for Class C drugs to life imprisonment for Class A drugs.

Possessing Drugs

It’s illegal to be in possession of drugs and can get you from 2 to 7 years in custody, depending on the class of drug.

Out of court resolutions

If you’re found with a small amount for personal use, some police forces will take a different approach. They might opt to deal with the matter using what’s known as Out of Court Resolutions (OoCRs), with the following aims:

• Keep you out of the court system
• Help you address issues around drug use
• Divert you from repeat offending

Types of OoCRs

Community resolution: the police can make you attend an educational course on drugs and their anti-social effects to try to address the cause of your drug use.

Conditional caution: the police could opt for this if you’re a repeat offender when it’s not in the public interest to prosecute. It can include some kind of intervention to address drug use, such as referring you to a drug and alcohol service or other agency. It goes on your criminal record.

Restorative interventions: the police can consider these alongside a community resolution or conditional caution. You might need to attend drug awareness sessions or do community work and educational programmes.

OoCRs for children and young people

• Youth community resolution
• Youth caution
• Youth conditional caution

Additional things to consider

Failure to complete or engage with OoCRs will land you in court for the original offence.

If you’re under 18, the police are likely to inform your parents or carers.

A drug possession conviction can impact your life, such as restricting travel abroad (e.g. the US), or affect job opportunities.

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