Cannabis Protocol for residential properties

Report It – cannabis odour

The Council is introducing a procedure for the reporting of cannabis odour which is affecting residents in their home. If cannabis odour from a nearby property is affecting you, and you are not able to resolve the matter informally, you can report it to us online if it meets this threshold:

a) The odour is of a persistent nature (i.e. happening regularly).

b) The odour is having a detrimental effect on you or your family’s quality of life.

c) You are willing to assist the investigation of your complaint by being prepared to provide monitoring forms and if enforcement action is to be taken, to support that action by providing the appropriate witness statement and attend Court, if necessary.

Please note that we are unable to deal with complaints regarding cannabis smoking in public areas.

How we respond to reports of cannabis odour.

Once we have received your report, we will:

1. Review the information to check that the threshold is met. If the threshold has not been met (as listed in a) and b) and c) above), you will be advised that no further action can be taken at this point and the case will be closed.
2. If the threshold is met, as part of the investigation you are required to complete and return diary sheets and if enforcement action is taken, to support that action by providing the appropriate witness statement and attend Court, if necessary. Your details will not be shared with the source of the complaint during the investigation.
3. Many housing associations have agreed to use this single reporting system facilitated by the Council.

If you are:

• a tenant of a social landlord, we will refer the details of your complaint to your housing provider, who will then contact you to discuss your case.
• a tenant of a private landlord, we will endeavour to work with you and your landlord to resolve the issue.
• a homeowner, the Council will work with you to resolve the issue.

If you suspect a property is being used to cultivate cannabis or are aware of drug dealing, you must report this to the Police by calling 101, reporting online to Norfolk Police or anonymously by calling Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.