Cannabis is one of the issues residents ask us about most frequently. To help clear the air, and give residents a better understand of what to do if there is cannabis use in the area, Paul (Community Safety Manager) has answered some of the most common myths we hear.
Myth: Cannabis is legal now
Cannabis is still illegal in the UK, except in very limited circumstances where it has been prescribed for medical use by a specialist doctor.
Possessing, growing or supplying cannabis is against the law. Using cannabis may also be a breach of your tenancy agreement.
Myth: Nothing can be done if someone is smoking cannabis.
We take reports of cannabis use seriously. It is an illegal drug and can affect other residents and make people feel unsafe in their community.
What we do will depend on the circumstances and the evidence available. This may include:
- investigating reports
- visiting the area where appropriate
- reminding residents of their tenancy responsibilities
- working with the police and other organisations
- taking tenancy enforcement action where there is enough evidence.
Myth: We can evict someone just because a neighbour can smell cannabis
Smell alone is not enough evidence for us to take legal action.
Before we can take tenancy enforcement action, we need to gather evidence. This could include reports from residents, records of ongoing incidents, observations by our staff, and information from the police.
Myth: You should only report cannabis use to the police
If cannabis is affecting you or your neighbourhood, please report it to us as well.
This allows us to investigate, understand the impact on residents, and work with the police and other organisations where appropriate.
If you believe drug dealing is taking place, there is violence, or someone is in immediate danger, contact the police straight away. In an emergency, always call 999.
How you can help
Good information helps us investigate reports more effectively. If you can, please keep a record of:
- the dates and times of incidents
- where they happened
- what you saw or heard
- how the issue affected you.
If you’ve already reported the issue to the police, please tell us the crime or incident reference number.
Reporting anti-social behaviour (ASB)
If you’d like to report cannabis-related anti-social behaviour, please call us on 0300 303 1010, or complete our online ASB reporting form.