Facts. A flatmate complains about the smell. Halls staff find cannabis and a grinder in Tom's room.
What the law says. University discipline is separate from criminal law. It applies a civil standard and can lead to fines, moving rooms, losing the place in halls, or misconduct referrals. Staff may call the police. Accommodation managers who knowingly allow cannabis smoking can commit the s.8 MDA offence, which is why halls often report.
| If… | Then… |
|---|---|
| Small amount, first time | University sanction; police may give a warning if called |
| Evidence of selling to students | Police; PWITS; expulsion likely |
| Professional courses (medicine, nursing, teaching, law) | Fitness-to-practise referral, even without a conviction |
| International student | Immigration consequences (Scenario 20) |
Rights. Get advice from the students' union advice centre, and a solicitor if police are involved.