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Cannabis Campaigners' Guide News Database result:
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UK: (Avon and Somerset) Police will not target cannabis users Becky Parker Weston, Worne and Somerset Mercury Thursday 12 May 2016 Avon and Somerset Constabulary has confirmed its officers have been advised to take a relaxed view on those who carry the drug for personal use. The force will instead use its time to concentrate on people who grow, sell and distribute marijuana. The only exception to the laid-back approach will be if officers spot someone smoking the class B drug in front of children, near a school or close to other vulnerable people. Although it does not mean people are never arrested and charged for carrying the drug, the numbers have fallen significantly year-on-year. In 2011, there were 2,022 arrests made for possession of cannabis across the force area. However, by last year the total of arrests stood at just 776. The number of people actually charged for the offence stood at 897 in 2011, but fell to just 361 last year. The constabulary re-issued a statement this week to confirm its approach to cannabis users. It said: “Avon and Somerset Constabulary has never targeted the personal use of cannabis unless that use is in itself creating a more harmful situation and endangering vulnerable people. That stance has not changed.” The force says it receives information about potential cannabis farms from the public ‘on a daily basis’, showing it is ‘clearly a concern’ for most people. It said: “As the public would expect, that intelligence is researched and when appropriate a warrant is applied for and executed when resources allow. “We do target organised groups who are responsible for the supply and production of cannabis on a commercial scale. These sites are taken very seriously as they can often involve vulnerable people being forced to grow cannabis against their will.” http://www.thewestonmercury.co.uk/news/police_will_not_target_cannabis_users_1_4523193
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