<P> It is often presented as little more than a list of prohibited drugs and of penalties linked to their possession and supply . In practice , however , the act establishes the Home Secretary as a key player in a drug licensing system . Therefore , for example , various opiates are available legally as prescription - only medicines , and cannabis ( hemp ) may be grown under licence for ' industrial purposes ' . The Misuse of Drugs Regulations 2001 , created under the 1971 Act , are about licensing of production , possession and supply of substances classified under the act . </P>
<P> It is often presented as little more than a list of prohibited drugs and of penalties linked to their possession and supply . In practice , however , the act establishes the Home Secretary as a key player in a drug licensing system . Therefore , for example , various opiates are available legally as prescription - only medicines , and cannabis ( hemp ) may be grown under licence for ' industrial purposes ' . The Misuse of Drugs Regulations 2001 , created under the 1971 Act , are about licensing of production , possession and supply of substances classified under the act . </P>
what is the purpose of the misuse of drugs act 1971
what is the purpose of the misuse of drugs act 1971
establishes the Home Secretary as a key player in a drug licensing system
establishes the Home Secretary as a key player in a drug licensing system