Drug guidelines suggest lighter sentences for 'social dealers'
People who buy drugs to share with friends could avoid prison under guidance that also recognises medical use of cannabis
The Guardian (UK)
Tuesday, January 24, 2012
Tuesday, January 24, 2012
Recreational drug users who naively buy small quantities to share with their friends could avoid jail under sentencing guidelines for drug offences. The sentencing council also spells out explicitly, for the first time, that the medical use of cannabis for serious conditions should be recognised by the courts as a mitigating factor when sentencing offenders. The official guidance for the courts, which comes into force next month, also recommends a less draconian approach to the sentencing of "drug mules". (See also: Response from IDPC to the Sentencing Council for England and Wales Consultation on the Drug Offences Guideline)
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