Cannabis Smoke Becomes a Growing Concern in the UK

A recent rise in public cannabis smoking in the UK has residents and authorities alike searching for solutions. The issue is becoming increasingly prevalent, with the distinctive smell of cannabis wafting through both urban and rural areas. Despite its class B classification, police resources are overstretched, and many cannabis smokers operate with impunity.

Key Takeaways:

• The smell of cannabis smoke has become a common issue in the UK, with 64% of adults bothered by it in their area, and 43% reporting it has become more prevalent in the past year (Ipsos poll).
• The use of cannabis in public spaces has increased since the Covid lockdowns, with experts citing a lack of boundaries between private and public spaces as a contributing factor (Simon Harding, professor of criminology and sociology).
• Police are often unable to address the issue due to resource constraints, with 66% of police officers believing the drug has been fully, partially, or mostly decriminalised in practice (Opinium survey).
• Councils are trying alternative approaches to address the issue, such as treating public cannabis smoking as a nuisance rather than a crime, with success in some cases (Ipswich council pilot programme).
• The cultivation of cannabis, or "grows", is also becoming a significant issue, with gangs setting up operations in vacant rooms, flats, and industrial estates (Simon Harding).
• Online sales of cannabis are also becoming a concern, as the drug is now widely available (no specific statistics provided).

Statistics:

• 64% of adults are bothered by the smell of cannabis smoke in their area (Ipsos poll).
• 43% of adults report that cannabis smoke has become more prevalent in the past year (Ipsos poll).
• 45% of city dwellers and nearly a third of rural residents have smelt cannabis smoke near their homes in the past month (Ipsos poll).
• 66% of police officers believe the drug has been fully, partially, or mostly decriminalised in practice (Opinium survey).
• 80% of cases in the Ipswich council pilot programme were resolved with an initial warning (no further details provided).
• 15-20 cases per officer for assaults and other serious crimes (no specific statistics provided).

Sources:

• The Sunday Times, "Cannabis smoke reaches new heights" (no date provided).
• Ipso, "Poll on cannabis smoking in public" (no date provided).
• Opinium, "Police officers and cannabis" (no date provided).
• Ipswich Council, "Pilot programme on cannabis smoke" (no date provided).
• Simon Harding, Professor of Criminology and Sociology at St Mary's University in Twickenham (no date provided).
• The Centre for Social Justice, "Think tank report on cannabis" (no date provided).