The classification of cannabis has changed, so what’s the difference? And what does it mean if you’re caught with it?

On the 26th of January cannabis was reclassified up from a Class C drug to a Class B which means there are more severe penalties for possession.

An independent expert group that advises Government, the Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs (ACMD) recently reviewed the most up-to-date information of the effects and harms of cannabis use and made a number of recommendations. They found that:

• Most of the cannabis around today is much stronger than it used to be.
• There is a worry that some young people will ‘binge smoke’ strong cannabis to try and get as stoned as possible, which is a particular concern because of the known risks of cannabis to long-term mental health.
• Cannabis can worsen the symptoms of schizophrenia and lead to relapse.
• And as well as its short-term psychological effects, there is a probable, though weak, link between cannabis use and the later development of psychotic illness (such as schizophrenia).

The ACMD thought that cannabis should remain a Class C drug. However the government decided to reclassify the drug because of the evidence that cannabis can be harmful to health, and that if young people smoke a lot of strong cannabis, like skunk, there is a possible increased risk to their future long term mental health. The Government are concerned that cannabis users currently cannot know how its use will affect their mental health in the future.

Class B puts cannabis in the same category as drugs like speed. The maximum penalty for possession has gone up from 2 years in prison to 5 years and an unlimited fine. The maximum penalty for supply, which includes giving or selling to friends, is 14 years in prison and an unlimited fine.

If you’re aged between 10 and 17 and caught with even a small amount of cannabis the police will always take action. They could arrest you or refer you to a Youth Offending Team. As well as confiscating your cannabis the police are likely to:

• Give you a reprimand if it is the first time you’ve been caught with cannabis. It’s likely that your parents will be informed as well.
• Give you a final warning and be referred to a Youth Offending Team if it is the second time you’ve been caught.
• Arrest you if it’s the third time. That could lead to a conviction and a criminal record.

If you’re 18 or over and caught with cannabis, the police will always consider arrest. They will confiscate the drug and are likely to:

• Give you a cannabis warning if it’s the first time.
• Give you a Penalty Notice for Disorder if it’s the second time. This is an on-the-spot fine of £80.
• Arrest you if it is the third or more time you’ve been caught with cannabis. That could lead to a conviction and a criminal record.