It's May 23, 2024, 08:07:08 AM
Cannabis policing relaxed Most cannabis users will not now face arrest Most cannabis users caught by police will in future escape with a warning and confiscation of the drug. Under new police guidelines, cannabis users will only be arrested in certain aggravating circumstances. These could include smoking in public, having the drug around children or for being persistent offenders. But critics say the new rules will cause widespread confusion, with many mistakenly thinking the drug has been made legal. And mental health campaigners were concerned they would send out the message that cannabis was risk-free.The guidance does not specify an amount users can claim is for their own consumption. But anyone under 17 found using cannabis will still be arrested, under the guidelines drawn up by the Association of Chief Police Officers (Acpo). Officers dealing with cannabis possession will still be required to record the incident as a crime. And users will still be arrested in areas where local residents have complained. CANNABIS AND THE LAW Cannabis is due to be downgraded from a category B to a category C drug in January From then on, people will not usually be arrested for possession But it will remain an illegal substance Some circumstances could still lead to arrest - for instance smoking in public, having the drug around children or for being habitual users Under-17s using cannabis will still be arrested Maximum sentence for dealing will remain 14 years Did the trial run work in Brixton? The guidelines apply to police forces in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. They will be implemented early next year, when cannabis is expected to be reclassified from a category B to a category C drug. Government ministers and police chiefs said the guidelines would allow officers to concentrate on dealers, and on more harmful drugs such and heroin and cocaine. "I think that's an important message to get out there," said Caroline Flint MP, the Home Office's drugs spokeswoman. "People who deal in drugs, whether it's cannabis, or crack cocaine or ecstasy... these are serious crimes against individuals and our communities and they will be penalised heavily."
Stil this topic deserves a or two.