Class C

Cannabis Reclassification
On 29th January 2004, cannabis will be reclassified from a Class B to a Class C drug across the UK. As a controlled drug, production, supply and possession remains illegal.

Changes to the law/penalties
Cannabis will still be illegal. It is only the penalties that will change.


Supply, dealing, production (including cultivation) and trafficking
The maximum penalty will remain at 14 years’ imprisonment. In addition, the maximum penalty for dealing ALL class C substances will increase from 5 to 14 years’ imprisonment. Other class C drugs include GHB and Valium.

Possession
The maximum penalty will be reduced from 5 years’ to 2 years’ imprisonment. Under new police guidance (applying to England and Wales), there will be a presumption against arrest for adults, but not for young people. (more...)

For adults
Most offences of cannabis possession will likely result in a warning and confiscation of the drug – unless there are aggravating factors, such as smoking in a public place or repeat offending, which may lead to arrest and prosecution. (more...)


For young people under 18
For a first offence of cannabis possession, young people under 18 will be arrested, taken to a police station and given a formal warning or reprimand. Further offences will lead to a final warning or charge

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