All drugs are illegal, excluding prescription medication (that has been prescribed to you), or over the counter medications. The law is very strict and penalties can be high, including going to prison.

If you are present in a place where there are illegal drugs found, such as a car or house, you can be charged by police if you knew that the drugs were there, even if the drugs are not yours. It is also an offence to manufacture, cultivate, sell or supply any illegal drugs.

If you don’t have a prescription for a prescription medication, then it is illegal to have it in your possession. If you have prescription medication you should always keep it in its original packaging to prove you are entitled to it.  It is illegal to possess or use prescription medication without a valid prescription. For example, if your friend asks you to hold onto their prescription medication for them and the police find you in possession of that medication without a prescription, you can be charged with an offence. It is also illegal to manufacture, cultivate, sell or supply any prescription medication.

Any person convicted of a drug offence will receive a criminal record. A criminal record can lead to difficulties in obtaining a job, getting credit, or getting visas for overseas travel.