Police have been accused of giving tacit support to 'cannabis clubs' where paying members can meet and take the drug without fear of prosecution.

At least two Police and Crime Commissioners have visited or endorsed the clubs, of which there are 160 across the UK.

Despite the fact possession of cannabis remains illegal and can result in a maximum five year prison sentence, many forces no longer treat the offence as a priority, with some police leaders even calling for the law to be relaxed.

Cannabis Clubs first appeared in Britain around seven years ago with the first groups launched by people who used the drug to treat a variety of medical conditions.

But the failure of police to investigate and prosecute members led to an explosion in the number of clubs opening.