Cannabis is still illegal

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Excuse me while I light my spliff!

Ganga, Cannabis, Marijuana, Weed, Collie, Bush, Draw, call it what you will, is being downgraded from Class B to Class C.

Lots of dos and don’ts

What does this mean to the average man in the street? Cannabis is STILL illegal. Generally speaking, the police will take a softer approach to the cannabis use, but there are lots of dos and don’ts. You can still be arrested for: smoking it in public places or near schools, for possession of what is more than a reasonable amount for your own personal use or for cultivating it or dealing in it. The main point to remember is that cannabis is only downgraded – not decriminalised.

No Change

In fact, the law hasn’t really changed that much except for the fact that you get a lesser sentence if you are convicted. Don’t be confused by the new ruling of downgrading cannabis. What you do in the privacy of your own home should, in theory, be your own business but the law is an ass, as the saying goes. If police enter your home or raid you and find you smoking cannabis you can still be charged if you are in possession of what they deem to be more than what you should have.

Say no to drugs

Giving drugs to young people to smoke or deal in is also an offence. So, remember, cannabis is still an illegal substance. It’s not being decriminalised; it’s only being downgraded so don’t be misled by getting caught. If in doubt, don’t. Just say no to drugs!