Is Cannabis A Class A Drug? | Drug Offences - DPP Law

Home » What Is Weed Classified As » Is Cannabis A Class A Drug? | Drug Offences - DPP Law

Maybe your like

CONTACT US MENUMENU
  • Services
  • Office Locations
  • Team
  • Blog
  • Recruitment
  • Contact Us

Select ExpertiseActions Against PoliceCriminal DefenceSexual OffencesRoad Traffic AccidentsDriving OffencesFamily LawMilitary LawSerious FraudBenefit FraudPersonal InjuryChild ContactDivorceOther

Your personal data is private and will only be used by DPP Law Solicitors LLP in accordance with our Privacy Policy, click here for full details.

Tick here to confirm that you have read our Privacy Policy.

Contact Us

DRUGS OFFENCES

Is Cannabis A Class A Drug? And Is Weed Legal In The UK?

Cannabis is classified as a Class B drug, meaning that, whilst it is a harmful substance, it is not quite as harmful as drugs with a Class A classification. (Despite what may be believed by some).

Cannabis is the most widely used illegal drug in the UK, and although the number of people using cannabis has decreased over the last few years, it still remains a common issue across the globe.

Cannabis Classification: Frequently Asked Questions

Cannabis has not always been a class B drug, from 2004 to 2009 it was downgraded to a class C drug – which is commonly seen as a less harmful substance to the human body. The change happened in January 2004, after the harshness of Class C penalties for production and distribution was increased.

Why Was Cannabis Reclassified As A Class C Drug?

The main reason for the reclassification of cannabis is so that police time was freed to focus on ‘more serious’ crimes, such as those related to Class A substances. In the first year following the reclassification, arrests for cannabis possession fell by approximately one-third. This in turn saved an estimated 199,000 hours of police time.

Why Has Cannabis Returned To A Class B Status?

Due to new scientific research which suggested that cannabis was more harmful to the human body than first thought, cannabis was reclassified as a Class B drug in January 2009.

What Are The Controlled Drug Classes?

Class A Drugs are those that the government believes has the potential for the most harm. This group includes heroin, crystal meth, methadone, cocaine, and magic mushrooms.

Class B Drugs is the classification for drugs that the government believes to be more harmful than Class C Drugs but less harmful than Class A Drugs. This group includes amphetamines, barbituates, and, of course, cannabis.

Finally, Class C Drugs is the group of narcotics that the government believes cause the least harm. This group includes anabolic steroids, as well as other substances.

A Temporary Class Drug Order is a temporary classification wherein a new material, which is not yet classified, can be classified temporarily. After 12 months, a parliamentary review is conducted, after which the TCDO either expires or the substance is taken under the control of the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971.

Can You Go To Prison For Possession Of Cannabis?

If found guilty of possession of cannabis, you could be facing up to five years in prison, an unlimited fine or both. If you’re under the age of 18, you will be arrested and given a formal warning. If you’re found guilty of supplying or growing cannabis, the penalties are much harsher. You could be facing an unlimited fine and/or up to 14 years in prison.

Is Medical Marijuana Legal In the UK?

The UK legalised medical cannabis in 2018 and can be prescribed through the NHS or by a certified private doctor. However, it is extremely rare, and most doctors are reluctant to prescribe it.

Legal Advice From DPP Law

If you’ve been accused of cannabis possession or production, it’s vital that you get professional legal advice. It might not seem like a big deal, but the Courts take cannabis-related crimes very seriously.

We have a specialist team of drug solicitors on hand to fight your corner and we can ensure that we’ll have a confidential discussion about your case.

Wed, 15 November 2017
  • Twitter
  • Facebook 0
  • LinkedIn 0
What is A Class A Drug? What is the Earned Recognition Scheme?

Get in touch with our specialist team

Select ExpertiseActions Against PoliceCriminal DefenceSexual OffencesRoad Traffic AccidentsDriving OffencesFamily LawMilitary LawSerious FraudBenefit FraudPersonal InjuryChild ContactDivorceOther

Your personal data is private and will only be used by DPP Law Solicitors LLP in accordance with our Privacy Policy, click here for full details.

24-Hour Motoring Law Emergency: 0333 200 7207

Tick here to confirm that you have read our Privacy Policy.

Related Posts
What Are The Penalties For a First Offence of Drug Driving?
What Are The Penalties For a First Offence of Drug Driving?

Mon, 18 August 2025

At DPP Law we understand how stressful it is to be accused of drug driving, especially if this is the first time you have ever faced...

Read More Drink Driving & Drug Driving – What You Need to Know This Summer
Drink Driving & Drug Driving – What You Need to Know This Summer

Thu, 10 July 2025

As summer begins, many people are out enjoying barbecues, festivals, and late-night events. But with the rise in social activities comes an increase in drink driving...

Read More What Is The Sentence For The Importation Of Drugs?
What Is The Sentence For The Importation Of Drugs?

Sat, 21 May 2022

The importation of drugs and the importation of controlled drugs are viewed as serious crimes which can often lead to harsh sentences. In fact, the importation...

Read More Send us a message Leave us your details and we will get back to you.

Select ExpertiseActions Against PoliceCriminal DefenceSexual OffencesRoad Traffic AccidentsDriving OffencesFamily LawMilitary LawSerious FraudBenefit FraudPersonal InjuryChild ContactDivorceOther

Your personal data is private and will only be used by DPP Law Solicitors LLP in accordance with our Privacy Policy, click here for full details.

Tick here to confirm that you have read our Privacy Policy.

Call Us Contact us right now on: phone0333 200 5859 24 hours a day, 7 days a week 365 days a year.

Call Us Contact

Tag » What Is Weed Classified As