What constitutes "dangerous drugs"?

I. What constitutes "dangerous drugs"?

Dangerous drugs refer to any of the drugs or substances specified in Part I of the First Schedule to the Dangerous Drugs Ordinance (Cap. 134). Most commonly encountered and abused dangerous drugs include marijuana (cannabis) and related cannabinoids (including cannabidiol (CBD)), cocaine, crack cocaine, ecstasy (MDMA), heroin, ice (methamphetamine hydrochloride), ketamine, opium.  With effect from 18 July 2025, all etomidate and its analogues (space oil) are also added to the list of dangerous drugs. 

They are categorised into four main groups: narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances, benzodiazepines, and new psychoactive substances (NPS). 

Narcotic Drugs 

Primarily opioids such as heroin and morphine, which induce sedation, euphoria, and high addiction potential when injected or smoked. Codeine, a weaker narcotic used as a cough suppressant, can cause drowsiness and dependence when abused. 

Cocaine – a potent stimulant derived from coca leaves, producing intense euphoria and alertness but leading to cardiovascular failure, paranoia, and severe addiction. 
 

Psychotropic Substances 

Includes ketamine, a dissociative anaesthetic that causes delirium, detachment, and motor impairment, and methamphetamine, a stimulant associated with increased energy, paranoia, and psychosis. 

Ecstasy (Methyl​enedioxymethamphetamine or MDMA) – a synthetic stimulant and hallucinogen that heightens mood, empathy, and sensory experiences, but carries risks of dehydration, hyperthermia, and long-term serotonin depletion. 

Cannabis (Marijuana) and cannabis resin (hashish) – derived from the cannabis plant, these substances contain THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), the main psychoactive compound that alters perception, coordination, and memory. Overuse may lead to dependency, reduced cognition, and mental health issues. 

Benzodiazepines 

Examples include diazepam and midazolam, which are prescribed for anxiety and sleep disorders, but misuse can result in hypotonia, coma, and dependence. 

New Psychoactive Substances (NPS) 

Etomidate and its analogues (e.g. metomidate) are synthetic sedatives causing nausea, tremors, and respiratory failure when abused. Other examples include CBD (a cannabinoid), which has been subject to increasing control due to its psychoactive effects and potential for misuse.