CANNABIS use is a controversial topic, with the possibility of fines and arrests for those who possess it.
Here, we look at the laws regarding the drug.
Is it legal for people to smoke cannabis if it’s in their own home?
Simply, no.
Cannabis, also known as marijuana or weed, is classified as a Class B drug.
It lies in the same category as ketamine and amphetamine.
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Just because someone is using the drug within their own premises doesn’t make it legal.
And the pungent, slightly floral smell of someone smoking cannabis is often hard to disguise and most people won’t want the stench creeping over into their gardens or homes.
Despite specialist doctors being granted the ability to prescribe cannabis oil on November 1, 2019, clinicians say the prospect of legalising smokeable marijuana is unlikely.
How is cannabis classified and what are the penalties?
At present, it is a class B, with very limited exceptions.
You can get up to two years in prison for possession of cannabis.
But the penalty for possession would be up to five years in prison if it is decided that there was an intent to supply
If you’re under 18, the police are allowed to tell your parent, guardian or carer that you’ve been caught with drugs.
Police can issue a warning or an on-the-spot fine of £90 if you’re found with cannabis.
If I call the police, will my neighbours find out it was me who dobbed them in?
No. Police will never give away a caller’s identity and your neighbour will not be informed that a complaint came from a neighbour.
A police spokeswoman said that officers might also use tip-offs to advise where they go on patrol.
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Then, if the officers were to smell cannabis themselves, they might knock on the door and investigate that way.
The resulting punishment for the user depends on many different variables including how much cannabis the smoker is in possession of and whether they've been caught with it before.
If you are caught with the drug cops can issue an on-the-spot fine if you have less than one ounce.
Cannabis remains illegal to possess, grow, distribute or sell in the UK, according to the Home Office.
Being caught with cannabis comes with a maximum of five years in prison, an unlimited fine, or both.
While being convicted of producing and supplying the Class-B drug carries up to 14 years behind bars, an unlimited fine, or both.
Police can issue a warning or on-the-spot fine if you're caught with a small amount - generally less than one ounce - if it is deemed for personal use.
What about telling my neighbour's landlord?
Yes, if you know your neighbour's landlord you could tell them.
However, there would be no guarantee that their landlord would not tell them it was you to told on them.
In this case you are better to call the police instead.
Where is it legal to smoke weed?
There are a number of countries where you can smoke weed without getting into trouble.
Canada, some parts of the US and within size limit in Mexico it is all ok.
Belize, Jamaica and Argentina are also ok with the use of the drug.
Uruguay, Belgium, the Netherlands, Switzerland, Portugal, Spain and Australia all have decriminalised possession of cannabis.
Weed has been legalised for personal use in a number of countries, including Norway, the Netherlands and Portugal, which decriminalised the use of all drugs in 2001.
Recently it has also become legal for medical and recreational use across much of the United States, with California the most recent state to allow it for recreational use.
In 2018 Canada legalised cannabis for recreational use, only the second nation to do so.
Campaigners have highlighted the potential health benefits of cannabis, but only when used in moderation.
The drug has been suggested to reduce symptoms in patients who suffer from seizures and chronic pain.
In Australia, Puerto Rico, Poland, Czech Republic, Canada, Turkey, Croatia and Macedonia it is legal for medicinal purposes.
The Liberal Democrats became the first major British political party to support the legalisation of cannabis in March 2016.
On July 21, 2021, it was revealed the UK was Europe's most active market for investment deals into cannabis startups.
The report claimed that there had been a "flurry of interest" after the Financial Conduct Authority allowed the UK and overseas cannabis companies to list on the London Stock Exchange.
How can you tell if a cannabis farm is on your street?
The first thing you would notice is the smell. If the house is not well insulated you will smell cannabis while walking past the house.
If the house has its curtains closed all day and night or if the windows are covered it means there could be a farm inside. Usually, farmers would use artificial light to grow their plants.
If you are a landlord and see the electricity bill is extortionately high, then your tenants could be growing cannabis.
Lights, heaters and dehumidifiers take a lot of electricity and so bills can skyrocket in a short time.
Lots of visitors at unsociable hours can be a tell-tale sign that something more sinister is going on.
