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Drugs and the law

Drugs and the law

Information about the law in New South Wales relating to drugs, including possession, use and supply, manufacturing, importing and exporting.

Drug laws in NSW

In NSW, it is an offence to possess, use, produce or supply a drug which has been declared prohibited.

Photo of Law Courts signage

Drugs and driving

It is against the law to drive under the influence of alcohol or any illicit drug.

Car keys sitting on table

Possession, use and supply

Some of the most common drug offences are for possession, use and supply of prohibited drugs.

Young people exchanging drugs

Manufacturing drugs

It is an offence to manufacture, or to take part in the manufacture of, a prohibited drug.

Beakers lined up in a science lab

Importing and exporting drugs

It is an offence to import, or try to import, prohibited drugs.

Drugs in packages and stacked

Drug use equipment

It is an offence to possess equipment with the intention of using it to consume drugs. 

Abandoned crack pipe laying on ground

Prohibited plants

The cultivation or possession of prohibited plants, such as cannabis, is an offence.

Close up picture of marijuana plant

Police powers

Police can legally give a ‘reasonable direction’ to a person in a public place who they believe on reasonable grounds is supplying, or soliciting supply of, or purchasing prohibited drugs.

Close up of parked police motorcycles

History of drug laws

Patterns of drug use and social attitudes to drug use have changed dramatically over time. 

Front steps of NSW Parliament House

Publications

A Quick Guide to Drugs & Alcohol

An easy to read reference book with information on a range of drugs, drug effects, drugs and driving, pregnancy, treatment, statistics, drugs and the law and where to go for help and further information.

Read

Book cover, Quick guide to drugs and alcohol

Getting help