Synthetic cannabinoids are controlled as Class B drugs under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971. There is a maximum penalty of five years\u2019 imprisonment, an unlimited fine, or both for possession of a Class B drug and 14 years\u2019 imprisonment, an unlimited fine, or both, for the supply and production of a Class B drug.<\/p>
There was a total of 281 convictions for the principal offence of possession of synthetic cannabinoids in 2018, up from 71 convictions in 2017 and no convictions in 2016. For the principal offences of either supply, possession with intent to supply or production of synthetic cannabinoids there were 18 convictions in 2018, up from 4 convictions in 2017 and 4 convictions in 2016.<\/p>
The Government has commissioned the Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs (ACMD) to provide an updated harms assessment on their previous reports on synthetic cannabinoids. The commission also seeks recommendations on whether the current classification under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971 of synthetic cannabinoids is appropriate. The advice is due in summer 2020. The full commission has been published online on the gov.uk website.
The Government will await the ACMD\u2019s further advice and recommendations<\/p>"}
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On 18 July the Home Secretary announced his intention to establish a police covenant demonstrating his recognition of the bravery and commitment of police officers.<\/p>
The Home Office will work with policing partners and other government departments over the coming months to develop more detailed proposals. This will be followed by a public consultation on the principle and scope of the police covenant in due course.<\/p>
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