As you may be aware from reports in the media and elsewhere, cannabis and cannabis resin was reclassified under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971 from a Class B to Class C drug, from 29 January 2004.  Given this change, and in conjunction with the Northern Ireland Drugs and Alcohol Campaign, the Community Safety Unit is taking the opportunity to provide information to the wider public about what this actually means in practice, through a public information campaign.  The campaign is a joint initiative between the Community Safety Unit, NIO, the Health Promotion Agency and the Northern Ireland Drug and Alcohol Campaign.

The most important piece of information is that despite reclassification, it remains illegal for any individual to have, give away or deal in cannabis.  Despite many reports to the contrary, the police still have the power to arrest anyone found in possession of the drug.  The maximum penalty for trafficking in cannabis remains at 14 years imprisonment.

Finally, cannabis can be harmful to your health.  Long term use can result in respiratory problems associated with smoking and psychological disturbance with heavy use.

On this web-site you will find a pdf version of the leaflet and poster we are using as part of the public information campaign.  This gives information about what the change in the law means.  You can also find an audio recording of the radio advertisement that was broadcast in the 4 weeks from 29 January to inform the public that cannabis remains an illegal drug.

Information is also available on the National Drugs helpline, 0800 776600

Background

The decision to reclassify cannabis was taken by the Home Secretary following advice from the Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs (AMCD).

The AMCD concluded that while cannabis is not a harmless substance and that it poses risks to health and society, it is less harmful than other substances within the Class B schedule of the Misuse of Drugs Act.  It therefore recommended that it should be re-classified to Class C under the Act.

The reclassification came into force on 29 January 2004 through the Criminal Justice (2003) Act which amended the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971.  The main changes introduced were that:-

•Cannabis and cannabis resin are reclassified from a Class B to a Class C drug.

•The maximum penalty for trafficking in Class C drugs (on indictment) has been increased from 5 to 14 years.

In addition an Order-in-Council, (the Criminal Justice (No2) (Northern Ireland) Order 2004) was made to amend Article 26 of the Police and Criminal Evidence (Northern Ireland) Order 1989, to provide the police with summary arrest powers in respect of anyone found in possession of cannabis or cannabis resin.

Click here to download the reclassification leaflet(1.45MB PDF)

Click here to download the reclassification poster (1.66mb PDF)

Click here to download the reclassification radio advert