The changing pattern of domestic cannabis cultivation in the UK and its impact on the cannabis market

Kirby, Stuart and Peal, Katie (2015) The changing pattern of domestic cannabis cultivation in the UK and its impact on the cannabis market. Journal of Drug Issues, 45 (3). pp. 279-292.

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Abstract

With improvements in both technology and information cannabis is being increasingly grown indoors for domestic use, rather than being imported. This study examines 50 cannabis farms detected by an English police force, and examines the characteristics of the 61 suspects associated with them. The study highlights a UK pattern in domestic cultivation, that is moving away from large scale commercial cultivation, at times co-ordinated by South East Asian organised crime groups, to increased cultivation within residential premises by British citizens. Offenders range from those who have no prior criminal history to those who are serious and persistent offenders. The ramifications for law enforcement agencies and policy formers are discussed.