Which of the following is an example of Class B drugs?

• A. Cannabis, codeine and ketamine.
• B. Heroin, cocaine and methamphetamine.
• C. Benzodiazepines, tranquillisers and sleeping tablets.
• D. LSD and psilocybin.

Answer: (B)

Drugs are grouped into Class A, B and C under drug control schedules to reflect their relative harm and abuse potential. Class B includes substances that carry a substantial risk of harm and dependence, but not the highest level of risk seen in Class A. An example commonly listed in Class B is cannabis, along with codeine and ketamine. In contrast, heroin, cocaine and methamphetamine are placed in Class A because they’re seen as having very high abuse potential and serious health harms. Benzodiazepines and other tranquillisers or sleeping tablets sit in Class C due to their dependence risk but overall lower harm compared with Class B or A. LSD and psilocybin are Class A. So the set that fits Class B here is cannabis, codeine and ketamine.