Offences

I1I211Exceptions to offences

1

It is not an offence under this Act for a person to carry on any activity listed in subsection (3) if, in the circumstances in which it is carried on by that person, the activity is an exempted activity.

2

In this section “exempted activity” means an activity listed in Schedule 2.

3

The activities referred to in subsection (1) are—

a

producing a psychoactive substance;

b

supplying such a substance;

c

offering to supply such a substance;

d

possessing such a substance with intent to supply it;

e

importing or exporting such a substance;

f

possessing such a substance in a custodial institution (within the meaning of section 9).

4

The Secretary of State may by regulations amend Schedule 2 in order to—

a

add or vary any description of activity;

b

remove any description of activity added under paragraph (a).

5

Before making any regulations under this section the Secretary of State must consult—

a

the Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs, and

b

such other persons as the Secretary of State considers appropriate.

6

The power to make regulations under this section is exercisable by statutory instrument.

7

A statutory instrument containing regulations under this section may not be made unless a draft of the instrument has been laid before, and approved by a resolution of, each House of Parliament.