What is cannabis?
Cannabis is a Class B drug that can be smoked, vaped, or consumed in other forms. While recreational use remains illegal in the UK, cannabis can be prescribed for medical reasons in specific cases. When prescribed, it is usually in vape form and must be issued by a specialist doctor registered with the General Medical Council.
Impact of cannabis on others
We understand that the smell of cannabis can have a real impact on residents’ daily lives. It can drift into neighbouring homes, making it unpleasant to open windows or use outdoor spaces like balconies and gardens. This can cause nuisance and distress, particularly for families with children, or those with health conditions.
When should you report cannabis use?
You should consider reporting cannabis smells if:
- the smell is frequent or persistent, and affecting your enjoyment of your home;
- you suspect other illegal activity, such as the growing or dealing of cannabis;
- the smell is accompanied by other ASB, such as noise, disturbances, or threatening behaviour.
It’s very important to keep a record of the dates and times when you notice the smell of cannabis. This information can help build a pattern of behaviour, which may assist the police in targeting their resources more effectively, for example if the cannabis smell is consistently happening late in the evening.
How to report cannabis smells and use
It is important that, as well as reporting to Paradigm, you are also reporting cannabis smells and use to the police. You can report smells to:
- Paradigm: online via our website, by emailing ContactUs@ParadigmHousing.co.uk or calling us on 0300 303 1010
- Police: call 101 or report through their online form.
- Crimestoppers: report anonymously by calling 0800 555 111 or completing the online form.
What happens next?
If the source of a cannabis smell isn’t clear, we’ll visit the block to investigate. Depending on the block size, we may send a letter to residents or carry out ASB telephone survey calls to gather more information. If we receive information identifying a specific property as the source of a cannabis smell, we will ask that you report this to the police as well as Paradigm. In these cases, we will aim to arrange a home visit to speak with the resident involved.
It is important to note that in these situations, our actions are limited as cannabis use is a criminal offence. Only the police have the authority to take enforcement action where there are reports being made and evidence available to support the illegal activity. Paradigm may be able to purse further action depending on the outcome of the police investigation.
A recent case study
A resident contacted us recently to report a persistent smell of cannabis in their block. Although they couldn’t identify exactly where it was coming from, the issue was having a real impact especially during the warmer weather, when they felt unable to open their windows due to the smell.
As part of our commitment to resident wellbeing, we reported the issue to the police and encouraged the resident to do the same. We also asked them to keep a log of dates and times when the smell was most noticeable, to help build a clearer picture of the behaviour.
Following this, we took several steps to respond. We:
- carried out multiple visits to the block to try and identify the source;
- conducted two ASB telephone survey calls late evening to speak with all residents;
- sent a general letter to all residents in the block to raise awareness, encourage information sharing and remind all residents that cannabis use is illegal and a breach of their Tenancy Agreement.
Although we weren’t able to establish exactly where the smell was coming from, the resident later told us that the issue had significantly improved. They felt that the actions taken by Paradigm had made a real difference.
This case highlights the importance of reporting cannabis smells to both Paradigm and the police. Even when the source cannot be confirmed, taking proactive steps such as visits, surveys, and communication can make a real difference in improving overall wellbeing and enjoyment of the community.