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CANNABIS has been completely illegal in the UK since 1971, but now calls are growing for the laws restricting the Class-B drug to be relaxed.
How is cannabis classified and what are the penalties?
Cannabis remains illegal to possess, grow, distribute, sell or grow in the UK, according to the Home Office.
Being caught with cannabis comes with a maximum of five years in prison, an unlimited fine, or both.
While being convicted of producing and supplying the Class-B drug carries up to 14 years behind bars, an unlimited fine, or both.
Police can issue a warning or on-the-spot fine if you're caught with a small amount – generally less than one ounce – if it is deemed for personal use.
How common is cannabis smoking in the UK?
The use of most drugs has declined in the UK since records began in 1996, according to a 2016 Home Office survey.
It found that cannabis was by some distance the most commonly used drug, with 6.5 per cent of adults aged between 16 and 59 smoking in the previous year.
Weed was also the most popular among those aged between 16 and 24, with 15.8 per cent using it in that same time.
The next popular drug was powdered cocaine.
What can you do if your neighbours are smoking cannabis?
If you suspect your neighbours are smoking weed in their house you have the right to contact the police.
Your anonymous tip-off will probably ensure that your neighbour gets a knock on their door.
This will result in a search of their property if the officers share your suspicions.
They could be charged if they are found to be in possession of cannabis, although this is all dependent on their previous convictions.
Is it illegal to smoke weed in your own home?
Like all drugs in Britain, weed is regulated extremely stringently by the government.
As the punishments suggest, it's completely illegal to smoke weed anywhere in Britain – including on your own property.
However, some police forces have taken a more laid-back attitude to the recreational drug, which is believed to be the most popular in the UK.
Prosecution rates for cannabis possession are as low as 15 per cent in Cornwall and Devon, while Durham Police have said they will no longer target recreational users at all.
Where is weed smoking legal?
Weed has been legalised for personal use in a number of countries, including Norway, the Netherlands and Portugal, which decriminalised the use of all drugs in 2001.
Recently it has also become legal for medical and recreational use across much of the United States, with California the most recent state to allow for recreational use of it.
Campaigners have highlighted the potential health benefits of cannabis, but only when used in moderation.
The drug has been suggested to reduce symptoms in patients who suffer from seizures and chronic pain.
In Australia, Puerto Rico, Poland, Czech Republic, Canada, Turkey, Croatia and Macedonia it is legal for medicinal purposes.
The Liberal Democrats became the first major British political party to support the legalisation of cannabis in March 2016.
Is weed illegal in the UK, where is cannabis legal and what's the law on smoking and buying marijuana?