January 26, 2009: Cannabis: Now Class B Drug
Cannabis is now a Class B drug. The government announced its plans to reclassify the drug in 2008. The government reclassified cannabis from Class C to Class B as part of the drug strategy: Drugs: protecting families and communities.
The Home Office state that concerns about effects of 'skunk' and the mental health of users lead to the change. The police can now take legal action against anyone caught in possession of cannabis, as it has been reclassified from Class C to Class B.
First-time offenders caught with the drug will likely be given a warning. Subsequent offences will result in on-the-spot fines of £80. Anyone with three or more offences on their record will face arrest if found with cannabis.
A resulting conviction of possession could result in a maximum of five years in prison and a fine. Anyone caught selling cannabis could face 14 years in prison. Selling the drug near schools, mental health facilities or prisons will result in stiffer penalties.
The classification of cannabis means:
- the government will robustly enforce laws on cannabis supply and possession
- police and other agencies will work to shut down cannabis farms and arrest the organised criminals who run them
- the consideration of additional aggravating sentencing factors for those caught supplying cannabis near schools
A young person found to be in possession of cannabis will be arrested and taken to a police station where they can receive a reprimand, final warning or charge depending on the seriousness of the offence. Following one reprimand, any further offence will lead to a final warning or charge. Any further offence following a warning will normally result in criminal charges. After a final warning, the young offender must be referred to a Youth Offending Team to arrange a rehabilitation programme.
Home Secretary Jacqui Smith told MPs in May 2008 that her decision to change the classification of the drug reflected the fact that skunk – a much stronger type of cannabis – now accounts for more than 80% of the UK market. It's share rose from just 30% five years ago. At the time she commented:
'There is a compelling case for us to act now rather than risk the future health of young people ... I am not prepared to "wait and see".