Written question asked by Charles Walker (Conservative) on Tuesday, 10 March 2009, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Friday, 13 March 2009. It was answered by Alan Campbell (Labour) on Wednesday, 18 March 2009 on behalf of the Home Office.

Cannabis: Crime Prevention

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether additional funding has been made available to support the policing of illegal cannabis production and use since the drug was reclassified; and if she will make a statement.

Answer: [holding answer 13 March 2009]: The Government announced the decision to reclassify cannabis to a class B drug in May 2008. Following this announcement the Government have provided funding for a series of measures to work with police and enforcement agencies to support the policing of illegal cannabis production and use. These measures include working jointly with the Association of Chief Police Officers (ACPO) on a UK Baseline Assessment; a National Problem Profile of commercial cannabis cultivation for the first time; the appointment of a national cannabis co-ordinator and the funding of NPIA practice guidance on tackling commercial cannabis cultivation and head shops.

Secondary information