As of 29th January 2004, cannabis has been reclassified from a Class B to a Class C drug in the UK. Here's a summary of how the changes may affect you:
If you're 17 or under, you'll be arrested and taken to a police station for a formal warning (your parent or guardian will be asked to attend). If it's not your first offence you may earn a drugs conviction in court.
If you are over 18, the police will confiscate your drugs and will most likely give you a warning - but they still have the power to arrest you if you are:
(a) a repeat offender
(b) smoking in public
(c) a threat to public order
(d) have cannabis near any premises used by children.
Supplying and dealing remains a far more serious offence than possession and the maximum penalty for supplying and dealing Class C is still 14 years plus an unlimited fine.
Here's a summary of what reclassification means:
Before: CLASS B CANNABIS
Illegal.
If you are under 18, you will be arrested and given a formal warning.
Up to 5 years in jail for possession
Up to 14 years in jail for supplying or dealing
After: CLASS C CANNABIS
It's still illegal
If you are under 18, you will be arrested and given a formal warning
Up to 2 years in jail for possession
Up to 14 years in jail for supplying or dealing
Cannabis is still illegal., but the maximum penalty for possession has gone down to two years in jail. If you're over 18 years old, the police will now most likely confiscate the drug and give you a warning rather than dragging you down the Cop Shop
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