Policing marijuana—the UK experience

PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad - Countries all over the world take different approaches to the policing of marijuana possession and consumption. In many places it is widely assumed that the drug is legal, whereas in fact it is technically illegal, but tolerated in specific circumstances, such as a decision not to prosecute those who possess small amounts for personal use. In the United Kingdom, marijuana is a “Class B” drug: it’s illegal.
The maximum penalty for supplying or producing marijuana is 14 years imprisonment and/or an unlimited fine; the maximum penalty for possession is five years imprisonment. However, imprisonment for possession of marijuana (as distinct from supplying) is very rare.