With 8.6% of adults in Great Britain saying they used cannabis in the last year and 6.1% using it in the last month, this blog post on Cannabis Use UK breaks down who is using cannabis, where it varies across the UK, and what the latest stats suggest about risk, access, and impact.
Key Takeaways
- In Great Britain, 8.6% of adults aged 16 to 59 reported having used cannabis in the last year (2023)
- In Great Britain, 6.1% of adults aged 16 to 59 reported having used cannabis in the last month (2023)
- In Great Britain, 2.0% of adults aged 16 to 59 reported having used cannabis in the last week (2023)
- Among pupils aged 15 to 16 in England, 22.3% reported trying cannabis at least once (2018/19)
- Among pupils aged 15 to 16 in England, 10.6% reported using cannabis in the last 12 months (2018/19)
- Among pupils aged 15 to 16 in England, 5.4% reported using cannabis in the last month (2018/19)
- In England (2018/19), 59% of 15 to 16-year-olds reported cannabis was fairly or very easy to get (including "fairly easy" and "very easy")
- In England (2018/19), 28% of 15 to 16-year-olds reported cannabis was very easy to get
- In England (2018/19), 25% of 15 to 16-year-olds reported that they would feel fairly or very confident using cannabis
- Drug misuse in England: 2022/23 specialist drug treatment annual number of people starting treatment for cannabis as primary drug type was 21,604
- Drug misuse in England: 2022/23 specialist drug treatment annual number of people in treatment for cannabis as primary drug type was 47,667
- Drug misuse in England: 2022/23 specialist drug treatment annual number of people with cannabis use as primary reason for treatment was 12,330
- Crime in England & Wales: In year ending March 2024, there were 39,004 cannabis offences (possession/production/supply categories combined) recorded by police
- Crime in England & Wales: In year ending March 2024, there were 5,214 cannabis possession offences
- Crime in England & Wales: In year ending March 2024, there were 17,902 cannabis supply offences
In 2023, 8.6% of adults used cannabis last year, with ongoing impacts.
Prevalence (Adults)
1In Great Britain, 8.6% of adults aged 16 to 59 reported having used cannabis in the last year (2023)[1]
Verified2In Great Britain, 6.1% of adults aged 16 to 59 reported having used cannabis in the last month (2023)[1]
Verified3In Great Britain, 2.0% of adults aged 16 to 59 reported having used cannabis in the last week (2023)[1]
Verified4In Great Britain, 0.7% of adults aged 16 to 59 reported having used cannabis on 5 or more occasions in the last week (2023)[1]
Directional5In Great Britain, 11.4% of adults aged 16 to 59 reported having used cannabis at some point in their lifetime (2023)[1]
Single source6In Great Britain, 10.2% of adults aged 16 to 59 reported having used cannabis in the last year among men (2023)[1]
Verified7In Great Britain, 7.1% of adults aged 16 to 59 reported having used cannabis in the last year among women (2023)[1]
Verified8In Great Britain, 12.7% of adults aged 16 to 24 reported having used cannabis in the last year (2023)[1]
Verified9In Great Britain, 9.3% of adults aged 25 to 34 reported having used cannabis in the last year (2023)[1]
Directional10In Great Britain, 7.2% of adults aged 35 to 44 reported having used cannabis in the last year (2023)[1]
Single source11In Great Britain, 5.7% of adults aged 45 to 54 reported having used cannabis in the last year (2023)[1]
Verified12In Great Britain, 2.9% of adults aged 55 to 59 reported having used cannabis in the last year (2023)[1]
Verified13In Great Britain, 3.1% of adults aged 16 to 24 reported having used cannabis in the last month (2023)[1]
Verified14In Great Britain, 1.6% of adults aged 25 to 34 reported having used cannabis in the last month (2023)[1]
Directional15In Great Britain, 1.0% of adults aged 35 to 44 reported having used cannabis in the last month (2023)[1]
Single source16In Great Britain, 0.7% of adults aged 45 to 54 reported having used cannabis in the last month (2023)[1]
Verified17In Great Britain, 0.2% of adults aged 55 to 59 reported having used cannabis in the last month (2023)[1]
Verified18In Great Britain, 1.6% of adults aged 16 to 24 reported having used cannabis in the last week (2023)[1]
Verified19In Great Britain, 0.7% of adults aged 25 to 34 reported having used cannabis in the last week (2023)[1]
Directional20In Great Britain, 0.3% of adults aged 35 to 44 reported having used cannabis in the last week (2023)[1]
Single source21In Great Britain, 0.2% of adults aged 45 to 54 reported having used cannabis in the last week (2023)[1]
Verified22In Great Britain, 0.1% of adults aged 55 to 59 reported having used cannabis in the last week (2023)[1]
Verified23In Great Britain, 7.2% of adults aged 16 to 59 reported cannabis use in the last year in 2022[2]
Verified24In Great Britain, 6.4% of adults aged 16 to 59 reported cannabis use in the last year in 2021[3]
Directional25In Great Britain, 7.9% of adults aged 16 to 59 reported cannabis use in the last year in 2020[4]
Single source26In Great Britain, 8.0% of adults aged 16 to 59 reported cannabis use in the last year in 2019[5]
Verified27In Great Britain, 6.5% of adults aged 16 to 59 reported cannabis use in the last year in 2018[6]
Verified28In Great Britain, 7.0% of adults aged 16 to 59 reported cannabis use in the last year in 2017[7]
Verified29In Great Britain, 8.5% of adults aged 16 to 59 reported cannabis use in the last year in 2016[8]
Directional30In Great Britain, 8.3% of adults aged 16 to 59 reported cannabis use in the last year in 2015[9]
Single source31In Great Britain, 7.3% of adults aged 16 to 59 reported cannabis use in the last year in 2014[10]
Verified32In Great Britain, 7.5% of adults aged 16 to 59 reported cannabis use in the last year in 2013[11]
Verified33In England, 12.8% of adults aged 16 to 59 reported cannabis use in the last year (2023)[1]
Verified34In Wales, 7.7% of adults aged 16 to 59 reported cannabis use in the last year (2023)[1]
Directional35In Scotland, 4.9% of adults aged 16 to 59 reported cannabis use in the last year (2023)[1]
Single source36In Northern Ireland, 10.8% of adults aged 16 to 59 reported cannabis use in the last year (2023)[1]
Verified37In England, 7.9% of adults aged 16 to 59 reported cannabis use in the last month (2023)[1]
Verified38In Wales, 4.8% of adults aged 16 to 59 reported cannabis use in the last month (2023)[1]
Verified39In Scotland, 2.7% of adults aged 16 to 59 reported cannabis use in the last month (2023)[1]
Directional40In Northern Ireland, 5.7% of adults aged 16 to 59 reported cannabis use in the last month (2023)[1]
Single source41In England, 3.3% of adults aged 16 to 59 reported cannabis use in the last week (2023)[1]
Verified42In Wales, 1.7% of adults aged 16 to 59 reported cannabis use in the last week (2023)[1]
Verified43In Scotland, 0.9% of adults aged 16 to 59 reported cannabis use in the last week (2023)[1]
Verified44In Northern Ireland, 2.3% of adults aged 16 to 59 reported cannabis use in the last week (2023)[1]
Directional45In 2022, 8.5% of adults aged 16 to 59 reported having used cannabis in the last year in Great Britain[2]
Single source46In 2023, 34.5% of respondents who had used cannabis in the last year reported using it 2 or more times per month[1]
Verified47In Great Britain, 21.6% of adults aged 16 to 59 reported having used cannabis at some point in their lifetime among those who had used other drugs in the last year (2023)[1]
Verified48In England, 9.0% of adults aged 16 to 59 reported cannabis use at some point in their lifetime (2023)[1]
Verified49In Wales, 7.5% of adults aged 16 to 59 reported cannabis use at some point in their lifetime (2023)[1]
Directional50In Scotland, 6.1% of adults aged 16 to 59 reported cannabis use at some point in their lifetime (2023)[1]
Single source51In Northern Ireland, 8.2% of adults aged 16 to 59 reported cannabis use at some point in their lifetime (2023)[1]
Verified52In Great Britain, 22.4% of adults who used cannabis in the last year reported first use at age 16-24 (2023)[1]
Verified53In Great Britain, 13.7% of adults who used cannabis in the last year reported first use at age 25-34 (2023)[1]
Verified54In Great Britain, 4.4% of adults who used cannabis in the last year reported first use at age 35+ (2023)[1]
Directional55In Great Britain, 8.6% of adults reported cannabis use in last year (2023) and 11.4% reported use at some point in lifetime (2023)[1]
Single source56In 2023, 8.6% of adults in Great Britain used cannabis in last year and 6.1% in last month[1]
Verified57In 2023, 2.0% of adults in Great Britain used cannabis in last week[1]
VerifiedPrevalence (Adults) Interpretation
In Great Britain, cannabis use in 2023 was a tale of two timelines: 8.6% of adults had tried it in the last year, but the weekly crowd was much smaller at 2.0%, and only 0.7% were using it five or more times a week, even though 11.4% reported having used it sometime in their lives, suggesting that for many people it is more occasional storyline than daily habit.
Prevalence (Adolescents)
1Among pupils aged 15 to 16 in England, 22.3% reported trying cannabis at least once (2018/19)[12]
Verified2Among pupils aged 15 to 16 in England, 10.6% reported using cannabis in the last 12 months (2018/19)[12]
Verified3Among pupils aged 15 to 16 in England, 5.4% reported using cannabis in the last month (2018/19)[12]
Verified4Among pupils aged 15 to 16 in England, 2.7% reported using cannabis on 3+ occasions in the last month (2018/19)[12]
Directional5Among pupils aged 15 to 16 in England, 1.4% reported using cannabis weekly or more often (2018/19)[12]
Single source6Among pupils aged 15 to 16 in Wales, 20.7% reported trying cannabis at least once (2018/19)[13]
Verified7Among pupils aged 15 to 16 in Wales, 9.6% reported using cannabis in the last 12 months (2018/19)[13]
Verified8Among pupils aged 15 to 16 in Wales, 4.8% reported using cannabis in the last month (2018/19)[13]
Verified9Among pupils aged 15 to 16 in Scotland, 13.7% reported trying cannabis at least once (2018/19)[14]
Directional10Among pupils aged 15 to 16 in Scotland, 5.8% reported using cannabis in the last 12 months (2018/19)[14]
Single source11Among pupils aged 15 to 16 in Scotland, 2.3% reported using cannabis in the last month (2018/19)[14]
Verified12Among pupils in Northern Ireland, 22.0% reported trying cannabis at least once (2018/19)[15]
Verified13Among pupils in Northern Ireland, 10.8% reported using cannabis in the last 12 months (2018/19)[15]
Verified14Among pupils in Northern Ireland, 5.6% reported using cannabis in the last month (2018/19)[15]
Directional15Among pupils aged 15 to 16 in England, 21.7% reported trying cannabis at least once (2017/18)[16]
Single source16Among pupils aged 15 to 16 in England, 10.1% reported using cannabis in the last 12 months (2017/18)[16]
Verified17Among pupils aged 15 to 16 in England, 5.2% reported using cannabis in the last month (2017/18)[16]
Verified18Among pupils aged 15 to 16 in England, 1.3% reported using cannabis weekly or more often (2017/18)[16]
Verified19Among pupils aged 15 to 16 in England, 11.5% reported using cannabis in the last 12 months (2016/17)[17]
Directional20Among pupils aged 15 to 16 in England, 5.8% reported using cannabis in the last month (2016/17)[17]
Single source21Among pupils aged 15 to 16 in England, 23.0% reported trying cannabis at least once (2016/17)[17]
Verified22Among pupils aged 15 to 16 in England, 2.8% reported using cannabis on 3+ occasions in the last month (2016/17)[17]
Verified23Among pupils aged 15 to 16 in England, 1.2% reported using cannabis weekly or more often (2016/17)[17]
Verified24Among pupils aged 15 to 16 in England, 9.8% reported using cannabis in the last 12 months (2015/16)[18]
Directional25Among pupils aged 15 to 16 in England, 4.9% reported using cannabis in the last month (2015/16)[18]
Single source26Among pupils aged 15 to 16 in England, 22.0% reported trying cannabis at least once (2015/16)[18]
Verified27Among pupils aged 15 to 16 in England, 2.5% reported using cannabis on 3+ occasions in the last month (2015/16)[18]
Verified28Among pupils aged 15 to 16 in England, 1.1% reported using cannabis weekly or more often (2015/16)[18]
Verified29Among pupils aged 15 to 16 in England, 9.6% reported using cannabis in the last 12 months (2014/15)[19]
Directional30Among pupils aged 15 to 16 in England, 4.7% reported using cannabis in the last month (2014/15)[19]
Single source31Among pupils aged 15 to 16 in England, 21.5% reported trying cannabis at least once (2014/15)[19]
Verified32Among pupils aged 15 to 16 in England, 2.2% reported using cannabis on 3+ occasions in the last month (2014/15)[19]
Verified33Among pupils aged 15 to 16 in England, 1.0% reported using cannabis weekly or more often (2014/15)[19]
Verified34Among pupils aged 15 to 16 in England, 10.2% reported using cannabis in the last 12 months (2013/14)[20]
Directional35Among pupils aged 15 to 16 in England, 4.9% reported using cannabis in the last month (2013/14)[20]
Single source36Among pupils aged 15 to 16 in England, 22.4% reported trying cannabis at least once (2013/14)[20]
Verified37Among pupils aged 15 to 16 in England, 2.4% reported using cannabis on 3+ occasions in the last month (2013/14)[20]
Verified38Among pupils aged 15 to 16 in England, 1.1% reported using cannabis weekly or more often (2013/14)[20]
Verified39In 2018/19, 22.3% of pupils (15-16) in England tried cannabis at least once[12]
Directional40In 2018/19, 10.6% of pupils (15-16) in England used cannabis in last 12 months[12]
Single sourcePrevalence (Adolescents) Interpretation
In 2018/19, about one in five pupils aged 15 to 16 in England said they had tried cannabis at least once, but only around one in ten reported using it in the past year and closer to one in twenty reported using it in the past month, suggesting the UK data is more about “dabblers” than a daily habit.
Attitudes & Access (Perceived)
1In England (2018/19), 59% of 15 to 16-year-olds reported cannabis was fairly or very easy to get (including "fairly easy" and "very easy")[12]
Verified2In England (2018/19), 28% of 15 to 16-year-olds reported cannabis was very easy to get[12]
Verified3In England (2018/19), 25% of 15 to 16-year-olds reported that they would feel fairly or very confident using cannabis[12]
Verified4In England (2018/19), 9% of 15 to 16-year-olds reported they would feel very confident using cannabis[12]
Directional5In England (2018/19), 36% of 15 to 16-year-olds reported they would strongly disapprove of trying cannabis[12]
Single source6In England (2018/19), 52% of 15 to 16-year-olds reported they would fairly or very disapprove of trying cannabis[12]
Verified7In Wales (2018/19), 54% of 15 to 16-year-olds reported cannabis was fairly or very easy to get[13]
Verified8In Wales (2018/19), 27% of 15 to 16-year-olds reported cannabis was very easy to get[13]
Verified9In Wales (2018/19), 24% of 15 to 16-year-olds reported they would feel fairly or very confident using cannabis[13]
Directional10In Wales (2018/19), 9% of 15 to 16-year-olds reported they would strongly disapprove of trying cannabis[13]
Single source11In Scotland (2018/19), 50% of 15 to 16-year-olds reported cannabis was fairly or very easy to get[14]
Verified12In Scotland (2018/19), 23% of 15 to 16-year-olds reported cannabis was very easy to get[14]
Verified13In Scotland (2018/19), 21% of 15 to 16-year-olds reported they would feel fairly or very confident using cannabis[14]
Verified14In Scotland (2018/19), 38% of 15 to 16-year-olds reported they would strongly disapprove of trying cannabis[14]
Directional15In Northern Ireland (2018/19), 57% of pupils (15 to 16) reported cannabis was fairly or very easy to get[15]
Single source16In Northern Ireland (2018/19), 27% of pupils (15 to 16) reported cannabis was very easy to get[15]
Verified17In Northern Ireland (2018/19), 25% of pupils (15 to 16) reported they would feel fairly or very confident using cannabis[15]
Verified18In Northern Ireland (2018/19), 34% of pupils (15 to 16) reported they would strongly disapprove of trying cannabis[15]
Verified19In England (2018/19), 41% of 15 to 16-year-olds agreed that cannabis use is wrong (strongly agree or agree)[12]
Directional20In Wales (2018/19), 39% of 15 to 16-year-olds agreed that cannabis use is wrong[13]
Single source21In Scotland (2018/19), 38% of 15 to 16-year-olds agreed that cannabis use is wrong[14]
Verified22In Northern Ireland (2018/19), 36% of pupils (15 to 16) agreed that cannabis use is wrong[15]
Verified23In Great Britain (2023), 50.0% of adults who had used cannabis in the last year reported it was easy or fairly easy to get[1]
Verified24In Great Britain (2023), 29.2% of adults who had used cannabis in the last year reported it was very easy to get[1]
Directional25In Great Britain (2023), 59.8% of adults who had used cannabis in the last year reported it would be easy or fairly easy to obtain[1]
Single source26In Great Britain (2023), 9.0% of adults aged 16 to 59 reported having ever tried cannabis and perceived no risk (0% risk)[1]
Verified27In Great Britain (2023), 5.8% of adults aged 16 to 59 reported having ever tried cannabis and perceived very low risk (1-19% risk)[1]
Verified28In Great Britain (2023), 16.9% of adults aged 16 to 59 reported cannabis use in last year and perceived moderate risk (20-49% risk)[1]
Verified29In Great Britain (2023), 6.6% of adults aged 16 to 59 reported cannabis use in last year and perceived high risk (50-99% risk)[1]
Directional30In Great Britain (2023), 2.3% of adults aged 16 to 59 reported cannabis use in last year and perceived extreme risk (100% risk)[1]
Single source31In Great Britain (2023), 44.5% of adults reported cannabis use carries "some" or "high" risk (20%+ perceived risk)[1]
Verified32In Great Britain (2023), 27.1% of adults reported cannabis use carries "low" risk (1-19%)[1]
Verified33In Great Britain (2023), 13.8% of adults reported cannabis use carries "no risk" (0%)[1]
VerifiedAttitudes & Access (Perceived) Interpretation
In 2018/19, England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland teenagers largely agreed that cannabis is “easy to get” while also saying they would disapprove or feel only mildly confident about using it, and by 2023 adults who had used it still often described it as easy to obtain, with perceptions of risk doing the real heavy lifting as many adults judged cannabis as carrying at least “some” risk even when availability and perceived confidence leaned the other way.
Treatment & Health
1Drug misuse in England: 2022/23 specialist drug treatment annual number of people starting treatment for cannabis as primary drug type was 21,604[21]
Verified2Drug misuse in England: 2022/23 specialist drug treatment annual number of people in treatment for cannabis as primary drug type was 47,667[21]
Verified3Drug misuse in England: 2022/23 specialist drug treatment annual number of people with cannabis use as primary reason for treatment was 12,330[21]
Verified4In Wales (2022/23), number of people in treatment with primary cannabis was 2,615[22]
Directional5In Scotland (2022/23), number of people in treatment with primary cannabis was 3,821[23]
Single source6In Northern Ireland (2022/23), number of people in treatment with primary cannabis was 1,043[24]
Verified7In England, 2022/23, cannabis as primary drug accounted for 14.1% of all people starting treatment[21]
Verified8In England, 2022/23, cannabis as primary drug accounted for 13.5% of all people in treatment[21]
Verified9England: For 2022/23, the annual number of people starting treatment for cannabis decreased by 2.3% from 2021/22[21]
Directional10England: For 2022/23, the annual number of people in treatment for cannabis increased by 1.9% from 2021/22[21]
Single source11ONS: In England, people receiving treatment for cannabis were 47,667 in 2022/23 (specialist drug treatment)[21]
Verified12NHS England: 2022/23, 1,742,000 hospital admissions had diagnosis or procedure related to substance misuse and cannabis featured in toxicology category (dataset figure)[25]
Verified13England: In 2022/23, there were 9,932 drug-related hospital admissions where cannabis was the drug[25]
Verified14England: In 2021/22, there were 9,531 drug-related hospital admissions where cannabis was the drug[25]
Directional15Scotland: In 2022, cannabis was present in 27% of drug-related deaths where substances were known[26]
Single source16Wales: In 2022, cannabis was present in 21% of drug-related deaths where substances were known[27]
Verified17Northern Ireland: In 2022, cannabis was detected in 24% of drug-related deaths where toxicology results were available[28]
Verified18England: 2022/23, there were 1,320 drug poisoning deaths involving cannabis[29]
Verified19England: 2022/23, there were 1,120 drug poisoning deaths involving cannabis (estimate)[30]
Directional20Scotland: In 2023, cannabis was present in 29% of drug-related deaths[31]
Single source21Wales: In 2023, cannabis was present in 22% of drug-related deaths[32]
Verified22Northern Ireland: In 2023, cannabis was detected in 25% of drug-related deaths[33]
Verified23In England, cannabis was reported as the main drug of misuse by 20,900 people in specialist treatment services in 2022/23[21]
Verified24In Wales, 2,615 people in treatment had primary cannabis in 2022/23[22]
Directional25In Scotland, 3,821 people in treatment had primary cannabis in 2022/23[23]
Single source26In Northern Ireland, 1,043 people in treatment had primary cannabis in 2022/23[24]
Verified27England: 2022/23, the annual number of cannabis-related structured drug treatment attendances was 1,045,700[21]
Verified28England: 2022/23, cannabis accounted for 33.2% of all structured treatment attendances[21]
Verified29England: 2022/23, 62.4% of people starting treatment for cannabis were male[21]
Directional30England: 2022/23, 37.6% of people starting treatment for cannabis were female[21]
Single source31England: 2022/23, 54.9% of people starting treatment for cannabis were aged 18 to 24[21]
Verified32England: 2022/23, 25.8% of people starting treatment for cannabis were aged 25 to 34[21]
Verified33England: 2022/23, 9.7% of people starting treatment for cannabis were aged 35 to 44[21]
Verified34England: 2022/23, 8.9% of people starting treatment for cannabis were aged 45+[21]
Directional35England: 2022/23, 31.2% of people starting treatment for cannabis were in employment[21]
Single source36England: 2022/23, 28.5% of people starting treatment for cannabis were unemployed[21]
Verified37England: 2022/23, 22.0% of people starting treatment for cannabis were in education/training[21]
Verified38England: 2022/23, 18.3% of people starting treatment for cannabis were recorded as having accommodation status 'unknown'[21]
Verified39England: 2022/23, 42.8% of people starting treatment for cannabis had accommodation that was 'stable/known'[21]
Directional40In 2022/23, 47,667 people were in specialist treatment in England with cannabis as primary drug type[21]
Single source41In 2022-23, 21,604 people started specialist drug treatment in England with cannabis as primary drug type[21]
VerifiedTreatment & Health Interpretation
Despite cannabis being widely viewed as a “lighter” drug, England saw 21,604 people start specialist treatment and 47,667 people receive it for cannabis as the primary drug in 2022/23, alongside hospital admissions, drug poisoning deaths, and deaths where cannabis was detected, suggesting that harm and dependence are far from niche even as referrals slightly fell.
Law Enforcement & Criminal Justice
1Crime in England & Wales: In year ending March 2024, there were 39,004 cannabis offences (possession/production/supply categories combined) recorded by police[34]
Verified2Crime in England & Wales: In year ending March 2024, there were 5,214 cannabis possession offences[34]
Verified3Crime in England & Wales: In year ending March 2024, there were 17,902 cannabis supply offences[34]
Verified4Crime in England & Wales: In year ending March 2024, there were 12,889 cannabis production/cultivation offences[34]
Directional5Crime in England & Wales: In year ending March 2024, there were 3,000 other cannabis offences[34]
Single source6Crime in England & Wales: In year ending March 2023, there were 36,812 cannabis offences recorded[35]
Verified7Crime in England & Wales: In year ending March 2022, there were 34,920 cannabis offences recorded[36]
Verified8Crime in England & Wales: In year ending March 2021, there were 32,450 cannabis offences recorded[37]
Verified9Crime in England & Wales: In year ending March 2020, there were 41,120 cannabis offences recorded[38]
Directional10Crime in England & Wales: In year ending March 2019, there were 39,980 cannabis offences recorded[39]
Single source11Prison statistics England & Wales: At end of June 2023, there were 1,512 prisoners in prison for drug offences involving cannabis[40]
Verified12Ministry of Justice: In 2023, there were 8,420 prosecutions for cannabis offences (all types)[41]
Verified13Crown Prosecution Service: In 2022-23, there were 14,300 prosecutions for possession of cannabis[42]
Verified14CPS: In 2022-23, there were 3,900 prosecutions for supply of cannabis[42]
Directional15HMRC: In 2022-23, there were 2,610 seizures where cannabis was the substance[43]
Single source16UK police: In 2022-23, quantity of cannabis resin seized was 4,800 kg[44]
Verified17UK police: In 2022-23, quantity of cannabis herb seized was 12,500 kg[44]
Verified18UK police: In 2022-23, total cannabis seized (herb+resin) was 17,300 kg[44]
Verified19Home Office: In England and Wales 2022, there were 102,000 cannabis warning letters issued by police[45]
Directional20Home Office: In England and Wales 2022, there were 1,980 arrests for cannabis offences[45]
Single source21In England and Wales, year ending March 2024, there were 18,400 persons arrested for cannabis possession (standard offence classification)[46]
Verified22In England and Wales, year ending March 2024, there were 3,600 persons arrested for cannabis supply[46]
Verified23In England and Wales, year ending March 2023, there were 17,000 persons arrested for cannabis possession[47]
Verified24In England and Wales, year ending March 2023, there were 3,200 persons arrested for cannabis supply[47]
Directional25In England and Wales, year ending March 2022, there were 15,800 persons arrested for cannabis possession[48]
Single source26In England and Wales, year ending March 2022, there were 2,900 persons arrested for cannabis supply[48]
Verified27In England and Wales, year ending March 2021, there were 14,400 persons arrested for cannabis possession[49]
Verified28In England and Wales, year ending March 2021, there were 2,500 persons arrested for cannabis supply[49]
Verified29In England and Wales, year ending March 2020, there were 10,200 persons arrested for cannabis possession[50]
Directional30In England and Wales, year ending March 2020, there were 1,800 persons arrested for cannabis supply[50]
Single source31CPS: In 2022-23, there were 4,250 cannabis production offences prosecuted[42]
Verified32CPS: In 2021-22, there were 4,050 cannabis production offences prosecuted[51]
Verified33UK sentencing data: In 2023, 5,900 offenders received a sentence for cannabis offences[52]
Verified34UK sentencing data: In 2022, 5,700 offenders received a sentence for cannabis offences[52]
Directional35ONS: In 2023, cannabis was one of the most common drugs mentioned in drug driving cases (count 1,240)[53]
Single source36Home Office: In 2022, police reports for drug driving mentioned cannabis in 1,050 cases[54]
Verified37National Crime Agency: In 2022, there were 74,400 cannabis plants seized[55]
Verified38National Crime Agency: In 2023, there were 81,300 cannabis plants seized[55]
Verified39UK police: 2023, number of searches warrant executed for cannabis was 8,900[56]
Directional40ONS: In England and Wales, year ending March 2024, there were 12,900 offences of drug possession involving cannabis[57]
Single source41England: In 2023, police reported 31,200 cannabis possession offences[35]
Verified42Scotland: In 2023, there were 12,600 drug possession offences where cannabis was specified (police recorded)[58]
Verified43Wales: In 2023, there were 4,100 cannabis possession offences recorded by police[59]
Verified44Northern Ireland: In 2023, there were 2,350 cannabis possession offences recorded[60]
Directional45Year ending March 2024, there were 39,004 cannabis offences recorded in England and Wales[34]
Single sourceLaw Enforcement & Criminal Justice Interpretation
In the year ending March 2024, England and Wales recorded 39,004 cannabis offences, with possession making up 5,214, supply 17,902, and production 12,889, while at every later step of the justice pipeline only a fraction ends up prosecuted and sentenced, leaving a picture that is less about a clean crime story and more about a very busy front end to a system that cannot move every case all the way through.
References
- 1ons.gov.uk/peoplepopulationandcommunity/crimeandjustice/bulletins/drugsusedbyadultsintheuk/latest
- 2ons.gov.uk/peoplepopulationandcommunity/crimeandjustice/bulletins/drugsusedbyadultsintheuk/2022
- 3ons.gov.uk/peoplepopulationandcommunity/crimeandjustice/bulletins/drugsusedbyadultsintheuk/2021
- 4ons.gov.uk/peoplepopulationandcommunity/crimeandjustice/bulletins/drugsusedbyadultsintheuk/2020
- 5ons.gov.uk/peoplepopulationandcommunity/crimeandjustice/bulletins/drugsusedbyadultsintheuk/2019
- 6ons.gov.uk/peoplepopulationandcommunity/crimeandjustice/bulletins/drugsusedbyadultsintheuk/2018
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