Is the UK Seeing "Decriminalisation by Stealth"?
Charges for possession are falling to record lows. Are UK police decriminalising weed without the government's approval?
With charges for possession of cannabis falling to record lows, are UK police decriminalising weed without the government's approval?
Although cannabis use is at its highest since 2007, the number of possession charges has reportedly hit an all-time low. Some are now suggesting that police are engaging in a policy of de facto decriminalisation, despite there being no such ruling by British law.
Quite the opposite, as in recent days, UK Home Secretary, Suella Braverman, has reportedly suggested reclassifying cannabis as a class-A drug — like heroin and cocaine. However, Downing Street has already shot down the proposal to support the existing laws and their proper enforcement.Â
Broadcaster Peter Hitchens criticised the recent suggestion as useless should the UK police be unwilling to enforce current restrictions.
"As long as police won't pursue possession, it matters hardly at all what class it is." Hitchens described the campaign to reclassify cannabis to Class A as nothing but "empty political grandstanding".
According to The Telegraph, the number of people charged for possession has fallen 10%, from 26% seven years ago to only 16% this year. Prosecutions have even dropped to under 10% per cent in some forces. Anonymous sources have informed the publication of an "undercurrent" where police are questioning "the difference between alcohol and cannabis in terms of the demand on public services and the overall effect on society".
There is such high risk around "Class A' drugs like heroin, cocaine, and crack that that is where resources are being focused. The priority is to keep society safe, and it would appear that there are not enough resources to go after everyone found in possession of weed.
This apparent attitude is now beginning to raise eyebrows as some question whether it is a case of "decriminalisation by stealth".Â
It would make sense from a policing perspective. I'm sure that most UK citizens would also understand and prefer the police to focus their efforts on serious crimes rather than charging someone for possessing cannabis.
Â
Â
Â
L
Liz Filmer
