The classification of a drug under this Act is based on the risk of harm the drug poses to individuals, or to society, by its misuse; and accordingly—
drugs that pose a very high risk of harm are classified as Class A drugs; and
drugs that pose a high risk of harm are classified as Class B drugs; and
drugs that pose a moderate risk of harm are classified as Class C drugs.
Section 3A: inserted, on 15 November 2000, by section 3 of the Misuse of Drugs Amendment Act 2000 (2000 No 47).