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Nightmare neighbours smoking cannabis inside their own homes is a common problem for communities across Britain.

The notoriously pungent stench may be a sign of a recreational user smoking the odd joint next door or the drug being grown in large quantities close by.

And while you may not be bothered by what other people get up to in their own homes, there’s no denying the smell can be off-putting.

So what action can you take if you suspect the drug is being used near your home? The Derby Telegraph and DevonLive took a closer look at the law surrounding cannabis.

Can people smoke cannabis on their own property legally?

(Image: Getty)

There’s an urban myth that you’re allowed to smoke cannabis on private property - but it is completely untrue.

A Derbyshire police spokeswoman said: “The possession of cannabis is an offence and will be dealt with by police.

"It is a widespread issue across the county and we are focusing our resources to target those connected with the cultivation and dealing of the drug to help crackdown on the issue.

"We would encourage anyone who suspects drug activity in their community to contact us.”

If I call the police, will my neighbours find out?

(Image: PA)

Police say that your neighbours would not find out that you’ve tipped them off.

The police spokeswoman said: “We wouldn’t say information has come from a neighbour as that narrows it down. We’d just say we received a call about x.”

She also said that officers on patrol sometimes use tip-offs to decide which areas they’ll patrol. If they were to smell the cannabis themselves, they might knock on the door and broach the subject that way.

She advised the best way for people to remain anonymous is to call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

What will happen to my neighbours if I call police about them?

The police spokesman said this could depend on a number of variables, including the amount of cannabis, and whether someone has had any previous convictions.

How about if they're renting? What about telling my neighbour's landlord?

Unlike the police, if you tell your neighbour’s landlord, there’s no guarantee they won’t give away your identity.

A spokesman for the National Landlords Association, said that, if landlords suspect cannabis use, they should "arrange for a visit to the property, provided they have given the tenant advance warning".

He said: "If they see or smell what they believe to be evidence of cannabis use, they should remind and warn the tenants that such actions are in violation of the tenancy agreement. If, when they next visit the property, they see the same evidence they may then wish to resort to serving a section 21, or eviction, notice.

I am the landlord. What can I do to stop cannabis being used at my property?

Chris Norris, of the National Landlords Association, said: "While we recommend taking references of prospective tenants from former employers or landlords before offering a tenancy, it can also be necessary to make checks on the property after they have moved in.

"These should be carried out quarterly if there are any concerns but make sure that you give the tenant or tenants sufficient notice beforehand so as not to disrupt privacy. Lastly, get to know the neighbours and local residents, as they can help alert you should they either see or smell what they suspect to be cannabis use on the property."

How can I find out who the landlord of a property is?

A good starting point is to find out who the Land Registry have as the owner of the property. It'll cost a few quid but you can get the information from this website.

* This story was originally published in November 2017