What is meant by the term Hard Drugs?

This term usually refers to drugs that are seen to be more dangerous and more likely to cause dependency such as heroin and crack cocaine than those designated as soft drugs such as cannabis and LSD.

While there is an element of truth in the distinction, it is generally a value judgement used for propaganda purposes by both pro and anti-drug lobbies and so is best avoided.

The terms ‘hard’ and ‘soft’ when applied to drugs have no legal or pharmacological validity.