~/help
Clear Answers: Cannabis & the Law
Plain, sourced answers about UK cannabis law — anonymous, no judgement.
Questions by topic
Scenarios: when does it get serious?
22 fictional but realistic situations showing how the police, prosecutors and courts respond — and what moves a case up or down.
- 1. Jade: a small amount in her pocket, first time
- 2. Marcus: cannabis found in his car
- 3. Leo, 15: caught at school
- 4. Kai, 16: "just hold this bag"
- 5. Priya and friends: sharing and "buying for the group"
- 6. Tom: student in university halls
- 7. Sam: a small home grow for own use, first time and repeat
- 8. Rachel: small grow with children in the home
Guides
How decisions are made: police, prosecutor, courtThe three stages that decide how a cannabis case is dealt with in England and Wales, with the key sentencing grids.What makes it more or less seriousThe facts that move a cannabis case up or down: purpose, age, record, quantity, location, exploitation.Outcomes and what goes on your recordWarnings, penalty notices, cautions and convictions — what each means for police records, DBS checks, spent periods and US travel.Your rights at a stop and search and at the police stationGOWISELY, free legal advice, the caution, appropriate adults — and why not to accept a caution before advice.Myths and realityCommon beliefs about UK cannabis law set against what the law and guidance actually say.The law in the UK: an overviewCore legislation, the three legal systems, policing in practice, driving, CBD and medical cannabis.Where to get helpFree legal advice, support services and helplines — for young people, parents, patients and people with records.GlossaryPlain-English meanings of the legal terms used in this help centre.About this help centre: sources, limits and changesHow the answers were researched, what is still unverified, which laws are changing, and the disclaimer.