Q&A: How will law work?
13 April 2012
- What is the law now? Cannabis is a class B drug. You can be arrested for possession. The maximum sentence for possession is five years.
When the law changes on 29 January will cannabis still be illegal?
Yes. It will still be a criminal offence to possess cannabis in any form.
- Can I be arrested? Yes. But police have new guidelines that mean that most people who are stopped will have the drug confiscated and be given a warning. Officers should only arrest repeat offenders or those smoking in a public place.
What happens if I have a joint in the street?
You could still be arrested - especially if you are near a school.
- What punishment could I receive? Most people will escape with a warning - but it is still possible to be jailed for possession of cannabis (maximum term two years). Police have been told to arrest under-18s they find in possession of cannabis.
- Will there be cannabis café³€ No. If somebody tries to set up one they will be treated as a dealer - meaning they face a maximum sentence of 14 years.
If I smoke cannabis because I suffer from multiple sclerosis will I be arrested?
It is unlikely as long as you do it in your own home. But cannabis is not legal for medical use - and the law is not going to be changed.
