Arrests for cannabis possession drop 46% since 2010
Over the same five-year period, cautions fell by 48% and the number of people charged for possession fell by 33%, according to a Freedom of Information request lodged by BBC Breakfast.
According to the figures, provided by 32 of England and Wales’ 43 police forces, arrests for cannabis possession dropped from 35,367 to 19,115.
Arrests for possession with intent to supply saw a minor increase however, from 4,934 in 2010 and 5,012 in 2015.
The Home Office said all reported crimes should be taken seriously, investigated and where necessary taken through the courts.
"Decisions on individual investigations are an operational matter for Chief Constables based on the evidence available to them," a spokesperson said.
Last month, the Liberal Democrats called for the growth and sale of marijuana to be legalised in an overhaul to “outdated and harmful” drug laws.
A report commissioned by Tim Farron’s party concluded the move could raise £1bn a...
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