:: Cannabis Laws UK          Print

Most people found in possession of small amounts of cannabis are unlikely to be arrested. Instead, the police will give them an informal on-the-spot warning and confiscate the drug.

• Cannabis is a Class C substance. It's illegal to own it and it's illegal to supply it. It's also an offence to grow cannabis.
• Possession can get you up to two years in prison and an unlimited fine, although most people are either cautioned or fined. Serious offences of supplying cannabis can get you up to 14 years in prison and an unlimited fine.
• Supplying includes passing a joint to a mate. If you're convicted, the court has discretion to take account of the circumstances of the offender and the offence before passing sentence.

Reclassification of cannabis

• The Government reclassified cannabis from a Class B to a Class C drug on 29th January 2004 across the United Kingdom.
• Reclassification means the Government acknowledge that cannabis is not as harmful as other Class B substances like Speed. But the supply and possession of cannabis is still illegal. Penalties for supplying stay the same (with a maximum of 14 years). The maximum prison sentence for possession has been reduced from five years to two. Fines and other non-custodial sentences like compulsory community service will still apply.
• For those over 18, most offences of cannabis possession are likely to result in a warning and confiscation of the drug. But you could be arrested if you smoke in a public place, near a place where there are children e.g a school, or where public order is at risk. Those who repeatedly commit offences will be arrested and will be prosecuted.
• If you are under 18, and it's your first offence of cannabis possession you will normally be arrested, taken to the police station and given a warning or a reprimand.

If it's not your first offence, you will be given either a final warning or you will be charged. If you have been given a warning in the past and you get caught again you'll most likely be charged. When you get a warning you are referred to the local Youth Offending team (YOT).

Driving while stoned

• Cannabis affects your ability to drive safely. This puts other road users at risk. The police are using new roadside tests known as Field Impairment tests to determine whether motorists are unfit to drive. You could be required to provide a blood or urine sample for analysis. If you are convicted of being unfit to drive you could face prison, heavy fines or be disqualified from driving.
• There has been a recent increase the training which police officers receive, to determine weather or not a person has been smoking cannabis. A new campaign has been launched in 2006 to clamp down on drug-drivers.

Fact: Passing drugs among friends is supplying in the eyes of the law.

Fact: Allowing people to take cannabis in your house or any other premises is illegal.

Fact: A drug conviction could stand between you and your ideal job.

Fact: If the police catch someone smoking cannabis in a club they will have the power to prosecute the landlord, club owner or person holding the party.
 

Using cannabis to relieve pain

• The possession of cannabis is an offence whatever you're using it for. The Government is exploring cannabis-based treatments. These are being tested at the moment and if they prove successful, the Home Secretary has said he's willing to change the law to allow cannabis-based medicine on prescription. This medicine could be available in 2004.