Page 12 | Cannabis should not be decriminalised - AIBU?

Alwaysoneoddsock · 2025-05-28T16:57:13+00:00

I hate the smell of cannabis. It’s becoming the norm to smell it. I think decriminalising this drug will make it more prolific. It is a gateway drug. It does not help mental health (in fact it worsens it). People driving under the influence of cannabis is a real issue. AIBU to say it should not be decriminalised?

ClafoutisSurprise · 29/05/2025 18:11

Having suffered the horrific smell coming through the walls and antisocial antics cannabis provokes from previous nightmare neighbours who smoked 24/7, I personally dread it being decriminalised. Our neighbours were evicted, but if it had been legal we’d still be living with it now.

However, the real problem is antisocial behaviour and the attitude we have in the UK that people can do whatever they like in their own home even if it impacts others. Cannabis itself isn’t the issue (as far as that goes, I don’t know enough about the health aspect to have a view) and I’m sure many people enjoy it in a way that doesn’t negatively affect others.

QuaintShaker · 29/05/2025 18:14

WilfredsPies · 29/05/2025 11:41

@SpanThatWorld

Tobacconists and Off Licence operators are not comparable to drug dealers though, are they? They are law abiding people who have gone into those industries in the knowledge that they are required to pay taxes etc and they are willing and prepared to do so. If drug dealers were interested in abiding by the laws and paying taxes, they wouldn’t have become drug dealers. All they care about is making money and keeping every penny of it for themselves.

And where weed has been decriminalised, it’s not our current weed dealers who have gone into production to manufacture it, or opened businesses registered to sell it. It’s more of those law abiding people who have seen a business opportunity. Our current drug dealers will simply undercut those selling it legally, just as many people never go to a shop to buy cigarettes and tobacco, but get it from a bloke they know, or they will diversify into different and stronger products.

The posts above mention Canada, where weed has been decriminalised. Well guess how the illegal dealers have replaced their lost income? https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lanam/article/PIIS2667-193X(23)00131-X/fulltext

Weed is legal in San Francisco. Look what they’re dealing with https://news.sky.com/story/the-million-dollar-streets-strewn-with-bodies-contorted-by-the-effects-of-fentanyl-12871961

Portugal decriminalised drugs and invested heavily in treatment programmes. And it took a moment for the dealers to respond. But they definitely responded https://knowledge.wharton.upenn.edu/article/is-portugals-drug-decriminalization-a-failure-or-success-the-answer-isnt-so-simple/

Edited

The onset of opioid crisis predates legalization of cannabis in Canada.

I cannot find a single study that suggests cannabis legalization was led to increased opioid use. Studies range from saying it does reduce opioid use to that it might reduce opioid use.

https://sph.rutgers.edu/news/states-legalized-medical-marijuana-see-decline-nonmedical-opioid-use

States With Legalized Medical Marijuana See Decline in Nonmedical Opioid Use

https://sph.rutgers.edu/news/states-legalized-medical-marijuana-see-decline-nonmedical-opioid-use

Nospringchix · 29/05/2025 18:20

Hulabalu · 28/05/2025 22:19

It absolutely reeks . I know some people have it for health reasons but wish they could have it in tablet or patch form as the stench really is a plague on our public spaces and even gardens / own homes if neighbours smoke the putrid stuff. It should not be decriminalised. People should be arrested for smoking or carrying unless have prescription for tablet form

The trouble is with a tablet or edible form is that it takes ages to work, could be up to 2 hours. Not great when you're in agony and need prompt relief, which is what vaping can achieve. Dry herb vapes do not smell as much as smoking does and the smell dissipates much quicker.

EasternStandard · 29/05/2025 18:26

MooseAndSquirrelLoveFlannel · 29/05/2025 18:00

OK, I'll bite as I can see HAs and "enforcement" mentioned a few times..

I'm an ASB officer for a VERY large HA. We cover the whole of England.

I've worked this role for oooh, 20 years, give or take.

Cannabis smoking is our 3rd biggest report type, after verbal abuse and noise.

You know how many people I have evicted just for smoking cannabis......0.

Why?

Because HAs cannot evict their own residents, only a court can do that. That person could break every single section of their tenancy agreement, pay £0 rent and still unless a Judge agrees that person keeps their home. (There are mandatory possession grounds here, but cannabis smoking wouldn't apply)

I have secured evictions when that person is doing other ASB which is evidenced, but how do you evidence a smell? We rely on police finding the drugs, testing the drugs and convicting them in court for possession.

I did think I had a slam dunk case once. Up North in Derby, block of 6 flats. 1 prolific cannabis smoker. Perfectly polite resident but smoked like a chimney. 5 complainants, detailed diaries from each of dates/times they smoked it. Police issued CPWs (never found actual drugs but could smell it). 6 months of reports, cannabis smoker never, ever engaged with me..

So, I thought fuck it. Completed a proportionality assessment and served a NOSP. Breached NOSP so sent to court. 4 residents attended to give evidence, perp turned up, said he smokes it to "relax".

Judge turned to me and said "MrsMoose are you seriously suggesting I should make this person homeless, and unable to access ongoing housing purely because he is creating a bad smell"

"No Judge, I am asking for possession of the property because he is in breach of his tenancy, smoking an illegal substance and having a detrimental effect on his neighbours ability to enjoy their homes"

Judge responds "MrsMoose, I do not agree that a smell is enough to warrant making someone homeless. If the witnesses here don't like the smell, tell them to open their windows. Case dismissed. Costs to be paid by the Claimant"

So, we lost AND had to pay the dope heads legal fees.

Of course, very few Judges live in an area where prolific cannabis smoking is likely to be an issue..

But now, my HA will not enforce cannabis smoking unless it's linked to other ASB..

What we're seeing much more of now is young teenagers, mostly male, around 12-16yo getting involved with gangs and smoking cannabis. Their behaviour is vile, social services try to intervene but the family and teen doesn't engage properly and eventually it escalates until that teen does something serious. One particular case springs to mind where the boy stabbed a rival on a bus.

For HAs it's not just "sue" or "enforce". The legal system in this country is complex and HAs are required now under govt legislation to always be working to MAINTAIN tenancies, not applying for evictions.. it has to be some serious ASB to consider evictions and smoking cannabis is not that.

Believe me, it annoys me having to tell complainants this and directing them to the police reporting websites instead (knowing police won't do anything) but other than sending a letter saying we've had a report your smoking cannabis, please stop, there is little else a HA can do as the power lies with an outdated court system.

Interesting @MooseAndSquirrelLoveFlannelI think some are unaware of the impact on others in some areas.

JennieTheZebra · 29/05/2025 20:23

I’m a MH nurse working at a drug and alcohol service. I’m honestly not sure if cannabis should be legalised, there are pros and cons either way. What I do want to say is that heroin use is overwhelmingly linked to trauma. No one starts using heroin, or even coming into the orbit of regular heroin users, for the fun of it-and they certainly don’t move on to heroin from weed due to some hypothetical “gateway effect”. Heroin suppresses, usually horrific, memories and that’s why people get hooked.

TheUser420 · 29/05/2025 20:42

Nospringchix · 29/05/2025 18:20

The trouble is with a tablet or edible form is that it takes ages to work, could be up to 2 hours. Not great when you're in agony and need prompt relief, which is what vaping can achieve. Dry herb vapes do not smell as much as smoking does and the smell dissipates much quicker.

Show quote history

Ingestion and smoking create different types of Cannabinoids .

bombastix · 29/05/2025 20:48

JennieTheZebra · 29/05/2025 20:23

I’m a MH nurse working at a drug and alcohol service. I’m honestly not sure if cannabis should be legalised, there are pros and cons either way. What I do want to say is that heroin use is overwhelmingly linked to trauma. No one starts using heroin, or even coming into the orbit of regular heroin users, for the fun of it-and they certainly don’t move on to heroin from weed due to some hypothetical “gateway effect”. Heroin suppresses, usually horrific, memories and that’s why people get hooked.

Yes. Many heroin addicts have CPTSD from violence or sexual abuse.

Weed smokers, and this is the most commonly used drug in the UK after alcohol do not routinely work towards taking smack. They are usually thinking about snacks. They may even be accountants.

user1476613140 · 29/05/2025 20:59

Alwaysoneoddsock · 28/05/2025 18:18

Vapes stink!

I agree they give me the absolute boak.

Original poster

Alwaysoneoddsock · 29/05/2025 21:10

MooseAndSquirrelLoveFlannel · 29/05/2025 18:00

OK, I'll bite as I can see HAs and "enforcement" mentioned a few times..

I'm an ASB officer for a VERY large HA. We cover the whole of England.

I've worked this role for oooh, 20 years, give or take.

Cannabis smoking is our 3rd biggest report type, after verbal abuse and noise.

You know how many people I have evicted just for smoking cannabis......0.

Why?

Because HAs cannot evict their own residents, only a court can do that. That person could break every single section of their tenancy agreement, pay £0 rent and still unless a Judge agrees that person keeps their home. (There are mandatory possession grounds here, but cannabis smoking wouldn't apply)

I have secured evictions when that person is doing other ASB which is evidenced, but how do you evidence a smell? We rely on police finding the drugs, testing the drugs and convicting them in court for possession.

I did think I had a slam dunk case once. Up North in Derby, block of 6 flats. 1 prolific cannabis smoker. Perfectly polite resident but smoked like a chimney. 5 complainants, detailed diaries from each of dates/times they smoked it. Police issued CPWs (never found actual drugs but could smell it). 6 months of reports, cannabis smoker never, ever engaged with me..

So, I thought fuck it. Completed a proportionality assessment and served a NOSP. Breached NOSP so sent to court. 4 residents attended to give evidence, perp turned up, said he smokes it to "relax".

Judge turned to me and said "MrsMoose are you seriously suggesting I should make this person homeless, and unable to access ongoing housing purely because he is creating a bad smell"

"No Judge, I am asking for possession of the property because he is in breach of his tenancy, smoking an illegal substance and having a detrimental effect on his neighbours ability to enjoy their homes"

Judge responds "MrsMoose, I do not agree that a smell is enough to warrant making someone homeless. If the witnesses here don't like the smell, tell them to open their windows. Case dismissed. Costs to be paid by the Claimant"

So, we lost AND had to pay the dope heads legal fees.

Of course, very few Judges live in an area where prolific cannabis smoking is likely to be an issue..

But now, my HA will not enforce cannabis smoking unless it's linked to other ASB..

What we're seeing much more of now is young teenagers, mostly male, around 12-16yo getting involved with gangs and smoking cannabis. Their behaviour is vile, social services try to intervene but the family and teen doesn't engage properly and eventually it escalates until that teen does something serious. One particular case springs to mind where the boy stabbed a rival on a bus.

For HAs it's not just "sue" or "enforce". The legal system in this country is complex and HAs are required now under govt legislation to always be working to MAINTAIN tenancies, not applying for evictions.. it has to be some serious ASB to consider evictions and smoking cannabis is not that.

Believe me, it annoys me having to tell complainants this and directing them to the police reporting websites instead (knowing police won't do anything) but other than sending a letter saying we've had a report your smoking cannabis, please stop, there is little else a HA can do as the power lies with an outdated court system.

Thank you for trying. I believe decisions like that of the judge in this case are why the country is turning right wing.

OP posts:

waterrat · 29/05/2025 21:17

'gateway drug' is such a load of bollocks (and I'm not keen on weed really)

Look at the impact alcohol has as a 'pathway' - alcohol use is very very clearly linked to other drugs - so many cocaine users do it because they are drunk/disinhibited/ they use the coke to counteract the 'sleepy' effect of the booze.

Alcohol use makes it harder to stop smoking, over eating, doing other drugs.

Hulabalu · 29/05/2025 21:41

HRTQueen · 29/05/2025 17:59

what do you think its a piece of paper and a fine and no further work for the police ?

Show quote history

Needs to be simplified & streamlined, perhaps AI will help police with being under resourced

OonaStubbs · 29/05/2025 21:41

Cannabis should be legalised and alcohol made illegal.

Hulabalu · 29/05/2025 21:44

OonaStubbs · 29/05/2025 21:41

Cannabis should be legalised and alcohol made illegal.

but cannabis stinks like a fox has just sprayed all over and around the smoker , the vile stench makes me nauseous ! I guess it’s called skunk 🦨 for a reason.

Hulabalu · 29/05/2025 21:47

Nospringchix · 29/05/2025 18:20

The trouble is with a tablet or edible form is that it takes ages to work, could be up to 2 hours. Not great when you're in agony and need prompt relief, which is what vaping can achieve. Dry herb vapes do not smell as much as smoking does and the smell dissipates much quicker.

Show quote history

I see what you mean
what about oil under the tongue like how CBD oil works ?
The dry herb vape sounds better than the spliff though
But only for people who need it for medicinal purposes
As vape plumes are also a bit of a blight on our streets and pub beer gardens etc

QuaintShaker · 29/05/2025 22:13

Hulabalu · 29/05/2025 21:44

but cannabis stinks like a fox has just sprayed all over and around the smoker , the vile stench makes me nauseous ! I guess it’s called skunk 🦨 for a reason.

Show quote history

It smells so much like a skunk has sprayed, genuinely hard to distinguish.

Though, seemingly, scientists have now identified the cause of the smell in cannabis, so I expect less pungent forms to be developed.

QuaintShaker · 29/05/2025 22:16

MooseAndSquirrelLoveFlannel · 29/05/2025 18:00

OK, I'll bite as I can see HAs and "enforcement" mentioned a few times..

I'm an ASB officer for a VERY large HA. We cover the whole of England.

I've worked this role for oooh, 20 years, give or take.

Cannabis smoking is our 3rd biggest report type, after verbal abuse and noise.

You know how many people I have evicted just for smoking cannabis......0.

Why?

Because HAs cannot evict their own residents, only a court can do that. That person could break every single section of their tenancy agreement, pay £0 rent and still unless a Judge agrees that person keeps their home. (There are mandatory possession grounds here, but cannabis smoking wouldn't apply)

I have secured evictions when that person is doing other ASB which is evidenced, but how do you evidence a smell? We rely on police finding the drugs, testing the drugs and convicting them in court for possession.

I did think I had a slam dunk case once. Up North in Derby, block of 6 flats. 1 prolific cannabis smoker. Perfectly polite resident but smoked like a chimney. 5 complainants, detailed diaries from each of dates/times they smoked it. Police issued CPWs (never found actual drugs but could smell it). 6 months of reports, cannabis smoker never, ever engaged with me..

So, I thought fuck it. Completed a proportionality assessment and served a NOSP. Breached NOSP so sent to court. 4 residents attended to give evidence, perp turned up, said he smokes it to "relax".

Judge turned to me and said "MrsMoose are you seriously suggesting I should make this person homeless, and unable to access ongoing housing purely because he is creating a bad smell"

"No Judge, I am asking for possession of the property because he is in breach of his tenancy, smoking an illegal substance and having a detrimental effect on his neighbours ability to enjoy their homes"

Judge responds "MrsMoose, I do not agree that a smell is enough to warrant making someone homeless. If the witnesses here don't like the smell, tell them to open their windows. Case dismissed. Costs to be paid by the Claimant"

So, we lost AND had to pay the dope heads legal fees.

Of course, very few Judges live in an area where prolific cannabis smoking is likely to be an issue..

But now, my HA will not enforce cannabis smoking unless it's linked to other ASB..

What we're seeing much more of now is young teenagers, mostly male, around 12-16yo getting involved with gangs and smoking cannabis. Their behaviour is vile, social services try to intervene but the family and teen doesn't engage properly and eventually it escalates until that teen does something serious. One particular case springs to mind where the boy stabbed a rival on a bus.

For HAs it's not just "sue" or "enforce". The legal system in this country is complex and HAs are required now under govt legislation to always be working to MAINTAIN tenancies, not applying for evictions.. it has to be some serious ASB to consider evictions and smoking cannabis is not that.

Believe me, it annoys me having to tell complainants this and directing them to the police reporting websites instead (knowing police won't do anything) but other than sending a letter saying we've had a report your smoking cannabis, please stop, there is little else a HA can do as the power lies with an outdated court system.

I appreciate the insight; far easier to evict indoor-smokers (canabis or otherwise) here in Canada, it seems.

Hulabalu · 29/05/2025 22:22

QuaintShaker · 29/05/2025 22:13

It smells so much like a skunk has sprayed, genuinely hard to distinguish.

Though, seemingly, scientists have now identified the cause of the smell in cannabis, so I expect less pungent forms to be developed.

Show quote history

Hope so!! 🤞

Fizbosshoes · 29/05/2025 22:27

SpanThatWorld · 28/05/2025 17:59

All of those points apply to alcohol and tobacco.

Decriminalise it. Manage it. Tax it.

Does tobacco affect your judgement for driving, ive never heard of that but happy to be educated

Cannabis has definitely got stronger in recent years, it absolutely stinks, I notice it all the time

Wowwee1234 · 29/05/2025 22:39

Pancakeflipper · 28/05/2025 18:14

From my experiences at work it is a gateway drug for alot of the drug addicts.

Show quote history

Or perhaps, those seeking escape start with whats widely available. Alcohol. Cannabis.
But if people want to bury feelings, they will.
Correlation ≠ causation.

RobinEllacotStrike · 29/05/2025 22:40

Enigma53 · 28/05/2025 18:16

I would happily give it a go, if it would help me escape my cancer pain hell. Which reminds me, I must ask about it next week.

Good luck.
you don’t have to smoke it. You can make edibles - I make brownies, keep them in the freezer. Lovely. It will hopefully help you feel better.

Caerulea · 29/05/2025 22:41

Twelve pages of bait taken - nice work OP

SpanThatWorld · 29/05/2025 22:43

Fizbosshoes · 29/05/2025 22:27

Does tobacco affect your judgement for driving, ive never heard of that but happy to be educated

Cannabis has definitely got stronger in recent years, it absolutely stinks, I notice it all the time

Show quote history

Happy to be snarky too.

All of those points apply to alcohol and most of them apply to tobacco.

Educated enough now?

OonaStubbs · 29/05/2025 23:18

I wouldn't allow smoking cannabis in public if it was my decision. Either in your own home or in specialist cannabis cafes. Plus you'd have edibles and vapes as well. It would cause far fewer problems than alcohol causes with all the drunken violence and stupid behaviour.

Original poster

Alwaysoneoddsock · 30/05/2025 06:52

Caerulea · 29/05/2025 22:41

Twelve pages of bait taken - nice work OP

What do you mean? It’s a discussion forum and I posted about something I care about. I am allowed an opinion. If you disagree you need to say why.

OP posts:

Serpentstooth · 30/05/2025 07:13

It's a 'gateway drug' because it's traded by criminals always happy to expand their business. Legalise it. Tax it. Take the business model away, crime will drop, tax will increase, prisons will cease to be so overcrowded. Madness to leave this criminal activity to thrive with little intervention.