THE LAW

Drug Law & Legal Risk

Participating in chemsex often involves substances that are controlled under UK drug laws. It's important to understand your rights, responsibilities, and the potential legal risks involved, especially when it comes to possession, supply, and police interactions.

Possession & Supply

Most common chemsex drugs — such as GHB/GBL, crystal meth, mephedrone (Meow Meow), and cocaine — are Class A or Class B drugs under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971. This means:

Possession: Even small amounts for personal use can lead to arrest, a formal caution, a fine, or even a prison sentence, depending on the substance and your circumstances.
Supply or Intent to Supply: Sharing drugs with others — even if no money changes hands — can be classed as ‘intent to supply’, which carries much harsher penalties, including lengthy prison sentences.
Possession of GHB/GBL specifically can be risky, as it is often associated with non-consensual drugging cases and treated very seriously by police and courts.

If you're using drugs with others, be aware that 'passing it around' can legally be interpreted as supply, even among friends.

Police & Parties

If police attend a private party, you still have legal rights. Police cannot legally enter your home or private accommodation without a warrant unless:

They believe someone inside is in immediate danger
They are in pursuit of a suspect
They suspect a serious crime is actively taking place

You can ask to see a warrant, and if they don’t have one, you are within your rights to refuse entry. If you are arrested:

You have the right to remain silent, though anything you say (or don’t say) may be used in court.
You have the right to free legal advice and to consult a solicitor before answering police questions.
You are also entitled to an interpreter if English isn’t your first language or if you have communication support needs.
Searches: If arrested, police may search your person, your belongings, or your property. They can also seize your phone and digital devices. You have a right to a written list of any property they take.

Practical Safety Tips

Keep valuables and personal items secure — phones, ID, wallets, and anything that could link you to drugs or photos from a session should be kept out of view or stored safely.
Plan ahead — If you know you're going to be using substances, consider what would happen if police did turn up. Know your rights and communicate boundaries with others.
Avoid putting others at risk — if you're hosting or supplying drugs, you may be held legally responsible even if someone else brings them.

Find Support

If you’ve been arrested or are worried about the legal risks of chemsex, there are services that can help:

Release – Legal advice on drugs and policing: www.release.org.uk
LGBT Foundation – Harm reduction, support, and signposting: lgbt.foundation
Galop – Support around consent, abuse, and coercion during chemsex: www.galop.org.uk
Chemsafe resources