Police settle debate on what to do if your neighbour is smoking cannabis

Police settle debate on what to do if your neighbour is smoking cannabis If you suspect a neighbour is smoking it, here's what to do. Cannabis remains the world's most commonly-used illegal drug and British public opinion is divided over whether it ought to be legalised. You've almost certainly caught its distinctive smell while strolling through any town or city centre and, depending on your location, may have encountered it numerous times. A YouGov poll from earlier this year revealed that 37% of Britons admit to having used cannabis and the nation is divided 47-43% regarding legalisation. Last year, London mayor Sadiq Khan supported a report advocating for the decriminalisation of possessing small amounts of cannabis for personal consumption. However, the government stated the report's proposals were "not the government position and we are not going to be changing our policy". The reality is that, despite patients being able to obtain medicinal cannabis prescriptions from specialist doctors, general possession of cannabis continues to be a criminal offence in the UK carrying a potential five-year prison sentence. So what action should you take if you believe your neighbour is smoking it? Police, UK Government and Crimestoppers guidance is broadly aligned on this matter, reports Wales Online: given that cannabis consumption is against the law, if you believe a neighbour is smoking it you ought to inform the police. This should be done by dialling the non-emergency 101 number or through their website. Regarding its effect on neighbours, police and the Government classify it as anti-social behaviour. The Government states that anti-social behaviour can encompass both criminal and non-criminal conduct, for instance: - noise - verbal abuse, harassment and threats - drug use - causing a nuisance to neighbours - vandalism - graffiti - fly-tipping and littering - discarding syringes or needles. You may also notify Crimestoppers, your local authority or your landlord if you reside in council or housing association accommodation. When you contact police on 101 or submit a report online, they will not disclose your identity to your neighbour. "We wouldn't say information has come from a neighbour as that narrows it down. We'd just say we received a call about 'x'," a police spokesperson has previously told Reach. The National Landlords Association states "just because someone is using the drug within their own premises doesn't make it legal. 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". Real examples of neighbours reporting cannabis use - In Wanstead, London a man was arrested after neighbours repeatedly complained to authorities about the persistent smell of cannabis coming from his house. Police executed a raid and found a stash of cannabis inside. - In Woodville, Derbyshire, police raided a house and found a large-scale cannabis growing operation after a neighbour reported water pouring from the property — a result of the makeshift irrigation system being used. - In Winklebury, Hampshire, a mother was caught running a cannabis factory because a neighbour reported a strong, distinctive odour to authorities. Is cannabis bad for you? Prestigious medical journal The Lancet states: "A myriad of adverse health risks of cannabis use have been established, which highlights the potential negative public health consequences of legalising recreational cannabis. Worryingly, the risks are particularly high in young people." It continues: "Cannabis dependency is a risk among frequent users, and adolescents in particular have a significant risk of developing psychosis and schizophrenia with prolonged use. Additionally, cannabis can also be associated with adverse effects on cardiovascular health and is implicated to have carcinogenic or genotoxic properties. "In addition to these direct health consequences of cannabis exposure, experts also warn on the risk of cannabis-related traumatic injuries and deaths; early data from the USA suggest a possible increase in lethal traffic accidents after cannabis legalisation." Why is cannabis illegal in the UK? Cannabis is classified as a Class B drug in the UK and anyone found in possession could face up to five years behind bars. Yet with it having been approved for specific medicinal purposes, with approximately half the population apparently backing its legalisation and MPs such as David Lammy stating he wants the cannabis market "legalised, regulated and taken away from crime gangs", why does it remain prohibited? There are various factors at play, but as with any substance, the primary concerns remain the health consequences outlined above – most notably psychosis, schizophrenia, difficulty concentrating, memory loss, mood swings, cardiovascular issues and addiction.