Cannabis will be downgraded to Class C next year

Several 16-17-year-olds have been detained recently by North Wales Police for smoking the drug in public.

Drugs workers say many people, particularly teenagers, are confused about new police guidelines on cannabis amid plans to downgrade it to a Class C drug next year.

But as police emphasised that cannabis is still illegal, there were calls for more clarification.

It is illegal to possess, use or offer to supply cannabis in any form whatsoever and it will not be tolerated North Wales Police

One drug worker in Wrexham said: "There is a perception that the declassification of the drug makes it legal."

Guidelines drawn up by the Association of Chief Police Officers say anyone under 17 found using cannabis will still be arrested.

But most people caught with the drug are unlikely to be detained. Instead, the police will give them an informal on-the-spot warning and confiscate the drug.

"Many people, particularly the younger generation, seem to be under the false impression that cannabis is now legal and that they can't be arrested for possession," said Wrexham community beat manager Colin Hughes.

"This is incorrect and we have had to detain several teenagers who have been caught with the drug, some openly smoking it on the Llwyn Isaf Green during the last two or three weeks."

Use or offer to supply cannabis in any form whatsoever and it will not be tolerated Colin Hughes, North Wales Police

"I would like to put an end to any confusion or misunderstanding by making everyone aware that it is illegal to possess, use or offer to supply cannabis in any form whatsoever and it will not be tolerated," he added.

Those arrested recently in Wrexham have been given a formal police warning.

Cannabis is still a Class B drug with a maximum five-year sentence for possession.

But people helping addicts in the town said greater clarity was needed.

Those who smoke the drug in "public view" or in front of children - near playgrounds, schools and youth clubs - are more likely to be arrested.

Wrexham MP Ian Lucas said: "It's clearly still an illegal drug and I don't think it's appropriate to use an illegal drug in a public place."