Cannabis arrests down 46% since 2010 - police figures

"Decisions on individual investigations are an operational matter for Chief Constables based on the evidence available to them"
BBC News (UK)
Monday, April 4, 2016

Arrests for cannabis possession in England and Wales have dropped by 46% since 2010, figures obtained by BBC Breakfast suggest. Cautions fell by 48% and the number of people charged fell by 33%, according to data from police forces released under the Freedom of Information Act. Crime survey data suggests cannabis use remained roughly level from 2010-15. One force which no longer targets cannabis users said officers had been "freed up" for "more important" work. The Home Office said all crimes reported to the police should be taken seriously, investigated and, where appropriate, taken through the courts.