Latest news straight to your inbox Subscribe Thank you for subscribing We have more newsletters Show me See our privacy notice Invalid Email

New figures have revealed cannabis is the West Midlands' favourite drug, with a spike in the amount seized by police last year.

Cocaine is a close second, but cannabis remains the most popular illegal drug in the region, and across the whole of the UK.

But many people have no idea what it does to their bodies.

And many other Brummies are unsure what they can do if they suspect their neighbours of growing the illegal substances.

Thankfully, you don't have to worry any longer.

The Derby Telegraph have looked into it and come up with this quick guide to steps people can take if they have this problem.

Can people smoke cannabis on their own property legally?

Video Loading Video Unavailable Click to play Tap to play The video will start in 8 Cancel Play now

A 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."

Call the police? Won't my neighbours find out I've done it?

The police say no.

A spokeswoman said that police would "never give away a caller's identity".

She 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 added that officers on patrol might also use tip-offs to inform where they go on patrol.

If they were to smell the cannabis themselves, they might knock on the door and broach the subject that way.

She added that people could always call Crimestoppers on 0800 555111 if they wanted to remain anonymous throughout the process.

(Image: Handout)

What will happen to my neighbours if I call the 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.

If they're renting, what about telling my neighbour's landlord?

That's also an option but you'd need to remember that the landlord isn't bound to avoid giving your identity away in the same way that police are.

As long as the tenancy agreement has been drawn up properly, they'll be in breach of it.

But you also need to bear in mind that there are constraints as to what the landlord can do.

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 tenant/s 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."

Video Loading Video Unavailable Click to play Tap to play The video will start in 8 Cancel Play now

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: https://www.landregistrydocuments.co.uk/