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More than half of cannabis smokers fail to pay £80 fines
Martin Bentham, Home Affairs Editor6 Jul 2009
More than half of Londoners given £80 on-the-spot fines for possessing cannabis have failed to pay, the Standard can reveal.
Met police statistics show that in the four months since the penalties were introduced as part of a government clampdown only 412 of the 977 recipients — 42 per cent — have paid within the 21-day limit.
The remaining 565 will have to be pursued by the courts — which often already struggle to collect unpaid fines — adding to the expense faced by taxpayers for enforcing the new law. Some offenders may avoid paying altogether.
Today's figures, obtained under the Freedom of Information Act, provide the first snapshot of the fines' effectiveness since they were introduced in January as the Government upgraded cannabis to a class B drug.
The fines are part of a three-tier penalty system under which those caught with the drug for the first time will be cautioned, those caught a second time will be fined £80 and those caught for a third time will be prosecuted.
Of the 565 who have failed to pay, 13 are described by the Met as subject to potential prosecution with a court hearing requested, while a further 470 are recorded as “fine registered” cases in which the debt will be pursued by magistrates.
Another 82 cases are simply recorded as “unpaid” although officials say they will also be passed to the courts.
The number of Londoners prosecuted for a third offence in the same four-month period was 503.
The number cautioned was 12,482, meaning the totals for fines — and non-payers — are likely to rise substantially.
Met officials said the payment rate had remained roughly the same since May, but the force, which is not responsible for collecting fines, was not finding the level of evasion a problem.
A spokesman for the Ministry of Justice, which oversees fine enforcement, said those who failed to pay would face action, such as confiscation of the money by bailiffs or a deduction from their earnings or benefits.
Cannabis was downgraded to class C under Tony Blair's premiership in 2004. That decision has been reversed because of evidence linking mental health problems to the drug and the increasing prevalence of high strength “skunk” cannabis.
Reader views (36)
Legalise weed, then legalise every other drug. People aren't going to respect the law until the law starts to respect them.
- Tom, Surrey, UK, 29/12/2009 09:42
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It has been justified plenty of times (why it is illegal) - it's just that people who don't want it illegal don't agree with the reasoning.
To the guy in his 60's who has smoked it all his life - you're right, it doesn't automatically lead to harder drugs, but there is a documented disproportionate number of cases where it did. Using smoke and mirror selective statistics weakens your argument, not strengthen them.
...and since when is what happens on the continent the be all and end all of what is right and proper? They do plenty that is just wrong in other things, so why should this instance be any different just because some people with a vested interest want it to be?
- Rogan, Irving, 29/12/2009 08:42
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I blame Labour for the state of our society,-being stoned is the only way some people can cope with life under this wretched Government,-as for the fines,who gives a damn?,- "give us an election Now", we must be rid of these controlling political deviants.
- Jacob, Canterbury England, 29/12/2009 08:42
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Troule with all drugs takers is somewhere along the line someone has died to source their habit.
- Alan Green, Woodford Green, 29/12/2009 08:42
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I didnt pay ok.
Ididntknowwhatwashappeningok!
Imokbutthisguycomesupokyouknowthescoreinitanididantknowwatwashapningok.
Imeanmanwatdoyadoo.
Borismansortitowt.
Ahllpayman.justgivemedabill..
ok
- Paul, Brighton, 29/12/2009 08:42
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They forgot?
"If you want to stop them smoking pot; just handcuff them for 6 months, they will then find it hard to roll a joint, and you won't have to chase them for their fine money."
Don't talk nonsense, you could easily roll a sliff with handcuffs on, back or front.TTSSSSSCH!
Jacob, Well Said, it's the only thing stopping the nation from getting outta their evening gouch and taking too the streets. Labour has a lot to thanks it for!In Glasgow their even closely connected too the pushers, using various types to "influence the electorate".
- Wan Ping, Scotland, 29/12/2009 08:42
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JUST LEGALISE IT FOR GOODNESS SAKE!
- Emma, London, UK, 29/12/2009 08:42
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We are fighting the Taliban and yet it is reported that 90% of the Taliban's income comes from drug addicts and suppliers of drugs in this country, in short, this being so drug dealers and users are responsible for the death of our soldiers.
- Royston Amphlett, Bournemouth England., 29/12/2009 08:42
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Funny how people think it is alright to confirm they have a habit and need a fix and yet claim to be worthy of comment LOL, you guys need help and the best help we can give you is to take away the drugs.
- Gary, Brentwood
I find your view on this amusing to say the least.
We spend tens of millions to enforce cannabis laws, the government spent £50million minimum on reclassification alone when it moved from Class C to Class B.
While we are spending millions on a useless and ineffective cannabis policy the only winners are the black market criminal organisations which are making hundreds of millions in unregulated cannabis sales.
Fact is that we will never win this war on drugs and this has been documented decade after decade of increasing use and the failure to lock up the criminal gangs which run the cannabis trade.
If you are so against drug use Gary as a prohibitionist, are you actively campaigning for Alcohol and Tobacco to be introduced into the Misuse of Drugs act? Or are you basking in hypocrisy?
Holland, Portugal and Spain all have decriminalised the use of cannabis and have far less users of the drug. Is it not time we start to take lessons from our neighbours on a more pragmatic and effective policy which will reduce numbers of cannabis users?
- John, London, 29/12/2009 08:42
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Not surprising,they probably forget!
- Steve, London, 29/12/2009 08:42
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Another Gov initiative gone up in smoke, cannot change as everything in the EU will criminalize society. Its called control, the cursor to Police State.
- William, Hay~Heath UK, 29/12/2009 08:42
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Gary, Since when have cannabis users been smack heads? I think substance education is needed, and that does include both tabacco & alcohol.
Ok it is illegal, but why? You can't just keep throwing "it illegal" at people if no-one can justifyably state why. More people have been killed walkling across a road listening to their ipod than from smoking the weed. Does the ipod need banning as this could endanger your life. No, I thought not. So leave the weed alone, legalize & tax.
- Dom, London, 29/12/2009 08:42
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O dear,poor sue of Orpington Kent.
- Kev, London-UK, 29/12/2009 08:42
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Legalise and tax it these cannabis users would be more than happy to pay £80 in tax and more if adults had access to unadulterated cannabis. I like the way Jerry come sout with the usualk ignorant rant we get from alcohol and tobacco users when they describe cannabis users as junkies or drug takers while they sip on their lager feeling all rightous. Alcohol killed over 8,000 people last year cannabis zero. We gift organised crime over £5 billion each year by keeping cannabi sillegal and throw over 312 billion down the drain criminalising them.
Police now target non violent cannabis users because it is much easier than catching real criminals. They wouldn't know what to do with a real criminal nowadays. Stop wasting my tax, Police and justice time on cannabis users.
LEgalise regualte and tax
- John, Sheffield, 29/12/2009 08:42
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You should be aloud to smoke what you want! Who the hell thinks they have the right to tell others how to lead their lives... Sure there are certain drugs that do destroy lives and are based in crime. But cannabis is no more likely to lead to other drugs than normal cigarette or alcohol. The true reason cannabis is associated with harder drugs is the people you have to buy it from. Yes, they do normally sell 'other stuff'… but, that only making a stronger argument for it to be properly regulated. I am truly sick of cheating lying MPs with the morals of hedge fund managers telling us what’s right and wrong!
- Paul, London, 29/12/2009 08:42
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Well that will teach the government to ignore the findings of its own drug advisory body,to fine people for smoking a herb at all is utterly outrageous,control it yes,but to treat cannabis consumption differently to alcohol or tobacco that are infinitely more harmful and kill thousands of people every year,not to mention social deviance caused by the consumption of the most dangerous drug alcohol is a travesty and a injustice to all right minded individuals.People are more reluctant to pay fines they perceive as unjust.And quiet rightly in my opinion
- Kev, London-UK, 29/12/2009 08:42
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How many more years have i to listen to this utter rubbish about cannabis smokers, i am now into my early sixties all around me i see piss heads and obese people and even though i have cut down on my cannabis intake i am still a picture of health compared to people i know.
The powers that be need only to look across the north sea and realise that legalisation is the way forward, but oh no they will not do it because in their stupid brains they still think that one drug leads to another, get real will you, if anything because it is illegal it is actually you who are making the drug problem worse.Anyway f**k this i think i will go and buy a £20 bag and fund international terrorism 
at least i will get blown up happy.
- Mr. Slater, N.London, 29/12/2009 08:42
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Quote: Joon, South London. Oh well, why not ask the dealer to collect the £80 when user goes for their next bag? Then the dealer can then drop the fine into the local bank if they manage to wake up during banking hours....
Wah la... sorted!
-----------------------------------
Smart move Joon, and no excuses, the dealers can use a night bank.
- Mickinlondon, london., 29/12/2009 08:42
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Just give them the stuff and house them in a big old building and let them drift into oblivion.
- Richard Edmunds, Rayleigh Essex, 29/12/2009 08:42
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Jerry, Chiswick, Sorry for being so blunt but you've obviously got your head in the sand and in the minority with that level of thinking.
Freedom of choice... Bring it on......
- Scott, Adelaide, Australia.... Former londoner!, 29/12/2009 08:42
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Bad laws should be broken, again and again, until the law becomes unenforceable.
- Neil, London, London UK, 29/12/2009 08:42
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The system does not seem to take punishment serious why should drug abusers?
If you fail to pay a fine you should spend a night in prison. Other nations laugh at our legal system and this why.
- Gary, Brentwood, 29/12/2009 08:42
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Gee what a surprise.Which idiot expects them to remember the fine after a few drags.
- Dave, london, 29/12/2009 08:42
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I drink and smoke. I think this government should ban everything. EVERYTHING. Car use, banned because of the environment. Alcohol, banned because of the health problems. Cigarettes, banned because it'll shut people up from moaning. Seriously, just get on with it. I'm tired of this government pissing around with half measures. If they're going to be a bunch of quasi-communist kill joys then get on with it so we can move on. Next, I'm sick of hearing people who like breaking the law bitching about having to do it. If you don't want to subscribe to the laws of every western civilisation, bugger off and found your own country of legal drugs and free love. Or stop paying tax in protest, yeah, that'll show them. What right do they have to take money off you? Show it to the man.
STOP BLEATING! It's illegal, get over it. Do the crime, do the time (or pay the fine, whatever).
- Tom, London, 29/12/2009 08:42
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Legalise it.
Jerry, I'd also class drinkers as junkies too. Alcohol is a lot worse, but as it is legal & heavily taxed, most people think it is ok. Keep reading about all these attacks on innocents from drunks, drunk fights that end up with someone being killed. You should pull your head out of the sand and take a reality check.
£80 fine. Hmmm, no chance. Another 4 baggies please!
- Dom, London, 29/12/2009 08:42
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I'm sure it won't be hard to 'forget' when it's a choice of paying the fine or spending the equivalent days doing community service
- Sanjay, Hounslow, UK, 29/12/2009 08:42
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Bad laws should be broken, again and again, until the law becomes unenforceable - Neil, London, London UK
I expect nothing more from a person who needs to escape the real world. We can not choice what laws we follow and the Police should not turn a blind eye, we have too many drugs in society and need laws to control them end of.
If you want to take drugs go live in Holland and do it legally easy solution, we do not need smack heads endangering other non junkie lifes.
Funny how people think it is alright to confirm they have a habit and need a fix and yet claim to be worthy of comment LOL, you guys need help and the best help we can give you is to take away the drugs.
- Gary, Brentwood, 29/12/2009 08:42
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If they refuse to pay, take away their shoes socks and trouser until the do.
- Dhan Raj, Basildon, 29/12/2009 08:42
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Why is it from most of these comments people think that smoking dope isn't a problem! Some are critical of drinkers, but going behind the wheel after smoking cannabis is just as deadly as being over the limit. Why do people think that taking drugs (and yes cannabis IS a drug) is OK. If you have such a sad existance that you need drugs to help you cope, you really do need to get a life!
- Sue, Orpington, Kent, 29/12/2009 08:42
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Royston Amphlett, Bournemouth England - 95% of weed in this country is grown in this country & the rest comes from holland/africa/thailand. Cannot see were the Taliban argument comes in????
The government are responsible for the death of our soldiers by insisting on a war that is sweet fa to do with england.
- Dom, London, 29/12/2009 08:42
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Did the government really think that putting in a fine system would work? I have also read other headlines saying that Cannabis and Cocaine use is dropping? Are you people blind?
The fines are nothing more than a pain in the ass, another imposed tax by the government on those who do no relative harm in comparison to Alcoholics and pharmacutical drug takers.
As for a drop in users, I can assure you that over the past few months I have met many more Cannabis smokers than that of years previous, it seems almost as if its every day I find out someone else I know who is smoking/eating it, either recreationally or medically.
The only way to stop the extra cost to the tax payer is to legalise and regulate it with the implimentation of the coffee shop system in the netherlands. But go that one step further and make it legal so that the government can gain revenue to put into bettering the health services of this country.
The link to mental illness, as was reported in the Lancet report, ACMD report and the latest report from Leeds Keele University, show that there is NO link to schizophrenia and if anything, schizophrenics and many other mentally ill people search cannabis out as it has very very good anti-psychotic properties.
GW Pharmacuticals in the uk, who manufacture Sativex for MS suffers, have already started work on cannabis based medicines, which are nothing more than what we had in cannabis tinctures and oils many moons ago.
Legalise, Regulate and tax!!
- Chris Long, Wales, UK., 29/12/2009 08:42
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Well when you are stoned man, it is like really difficult to remember to do stuff dude!
- Frank, Home Counties, England., 29/12/2009 08:42
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Funny how people who take cannabis do not think they are junkies, lock them all up. We are too soft on all junkies in the country they are all criminals and fines do nothing to help us as a society
- Jerry, Chiswick, 29/12/2009 08:42
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Oh well, why not ask the dealer to collect the £80 when user goes for their next bag? Then the dealer can then drop the fine into the local bank if they manage to wake up during banking hours....
Wah la... sorted!
- Joon, South London, 29/12/2009 08:42
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If you want to stop them smoking pot; just handcuff them for 6 months, they will then find it hard to roll a joint, and you won't have to chase them for their fine money.
- Mickinlondon, london., 29/12/2009 08:42
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i know nothing about cannabis and whether it is good or bad.
BUT , why don't the fines get collected?
If an eighty year-old woman doesn't pay her rates because her dustbin hasn't been emptied regularly, she is likely to have a visit from the police at the crack of dawn and is carted off to a cell. Yes, it has happened.
- Sally70, Bedford, 29/12/2009 08:42
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