Is Morphine legal in United Kingdom?
- Legal status
- Morphine is a Class A controlled drug under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971 and a Schedule 2 controlled drug (CD POM) under the Misuse of Drugs Regulations 2001 — a marketed strong-opioid analgesic available on prescription.
- Consequences if caught
- Unauthorised possession up to 7 years; supply or production up to life imprisonment (Class A).
- If prescribed or medical
- Prescribed and dispensed as a Schedule 2 controlled drug for severe and cancer pain, subject to controlled-drug prescription and record requirements.
- Documentation
- A Home Office personal import/export licence is advisable for more than a 3-month supply; carry the medicine in original packaging with a doctor's letter or copy of the prescription and declare it.
Court records
We have applied to The National Archives for the licence required to analyse Find Case Law records, and will publish outcomes once it is determined.
Source checked Find Case Law, The National Archives · 2026-08-26
Morphine in related jurisdictions
Other substances confirmed in United Kingdom
Drug laws and enforcement change and vary within a country. This is not legal advice. Always confirm with United Kingdom’s embassy or official drug authority before traveling; penalties can be severe, including imprisonment.
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