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RESTRICTED Practice Advice on Tackling Commercial Cannabis Cultivation and Head Shops
Posted by: Derek (IP Logged)
Date: March 02, 2009 07:22PM
This document has been posted around various forums over the past few days. It sets out proposals for the police to harass "Head shops" in an attempt to drive them out of business. These shops are perfectly legal establishments and some have been in business for many years.
Of special interest to UKCIA is in section 3/2
Campaigning for law reform is entirely lawful.
Welcome to the British police state.
Derek
--------------------------------------
RESTRICTED Practice Advice on Tackling Commercial Cannabis Cultivation and Head Shops © ACPO NPIA 2009
Section 3
HEAD SHOPS
This section contains tactics and options for dealing with head shops
and shops supplying cannabis cultivating equipment. The most
effective methods of disrupting head shops are, usually, through the
powers of agencies other than the police. A partnership approach
should, therefore, be taken to tackle this problem.
The term officer is used in this section to refer to officers of all partner
agencies, as well as to the police.
CONTENTS
3.1 Head Shops and Shops Supplying Cannabis Cultivating Equipment . . . . . . . . . 28
3.1.1 Online Head Shops and Wholesalers of Cannabis
Cultivating Equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
3.2 Prosecuting Head Shops . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
3.2.1 Test Purchase and Observation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
3.2.2 Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
3.2.3 Evidential Considerations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
3.2.4 Crown Prosecution Service . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
3.2.5 Expert Witnesses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
3.2.6 Planning Checklist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
3.3 Disrupting Head Shops and Shops Supplying Cannabis
Cultivating Equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
28
HEAD SHOPS AND SHOPS SUPPLYING CANNABISCULTIVATING EQUIPMENT
The term head shop refers to shops, market stalls and internet traders which sell
paraphernalia and equipment for using drugs (principally cannabis and cocaine), and legal
alternatives to illegal drugs.
Merseyside Police have developed a policy bye-law with respect to drugs paraphernalia. It
states that paraphernalia includes any item, whether useful for non drug related purposes
or not, which is displayed, grouped with other items, advertised, or promoted in a manner
to reasonably suggest its usefulness in the growing, harvesting, processing, manufacture,
preserving, inhaling, injecting, or ingesting of cannabis.
Head shops cause public concern for a number of reasons, for example, they:
Display drug-taking equipment in windows;
Suggest that drug taking is acceptable, or glamorise drug use;
Sell paraphernalia for the use of drugs (principally cannabis and cocaine);
Sell merchandise with drug references or drug-related designs;
Sell items for growing cannabis, and books on how to grow cannabis;
May be linked to other criminal activity.
Shops selling cannabis cultivating equipment, typically, also sell cannabis seeds and
books on how to grow cannabis. Some shops sell the equipment both for using and for
growing cannabis.
Officers should be aware that head shops sell drugs as legal alternatives to illegal drugs.
These legal drugs may be illegal if sold without a prescription, or if they are sold for a purpose
other than their prescribed purpose. For example, certain drugs are legal for use on animals
but not for use on humans. The sale of cannabis seeds is not illegal; cannabis seeds are
specifically exempt from the provisions of the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971, because they do
not contain THC and have a number of legitimate industrial uses such as the production
of hemp.
3.1.1 ONLINE HEAD SHOPS ANDWHOLESALERS OF CANNABIS
CULTIVATING EQUIPMENT
Some of the tactics described in 3.2 Prosecuting Head Shops to 3.2.6 Planning Checklist
will be applicable to online traders and wholesalers. For example, the descriptions of
products on the website, packaging and instructions on the products should be looked at for
references to drugs. Links to other websites, for example, discussion forums on growing
cannabis, may provide evidence of the purpose for which the products are sold. The
investigation of online traders is the responsibility of the force in whose area the business
premises are.
Wholesale suppliers of equipment for using or cultivating cannabis may purport to be
legitimate businesses. A proactive intelligence-led operation may reveal an organised
criminal infrastructure. Tackling a wholesale supplier will affect the business of the head
shops being supplied.
When prosecuting a wholesale supplier, officers should seek to prove the knowledge and
intent of the supplier, for example, when the seeds were sold along with the equipment
necessary to grow them.
RESTRICTED
RESTRICTED Practice Advice on Tackling Commercial Cannabis Cultivation and Head Shops © ACPO NPIA 2009
29
HEAD SHOPS
3.2 PROSECUTING HEAD SHOPS
The owners of head shops and shops selling cannabis cultivating equipment will claimthat
the equipment they sell can be used for legitimate purposes. Officers should consider which
merchandise has no purpose other than for using drugs or growing cannabis.
Officers should be familiar with names of drugs and drug references. Products may be sold
by head shops for a purportedly legal purpose, but the name of the product or terminology
and pictures used on the packaging or instructions may reveal the actual purpose of the
equipment. Officers should carefully examine products as references to drugs may only
appear on instructions contained within the packaging.
RESTRICTED
RESTRICTED Practice Advice on Tackling Commercial Cannabis Cultivation and Head Shops © ACPO NPIA 2009
Books Does the shop sell books on any subject
other than growing cannabis?
Seeds, seed catalogues Does the shop only sell cannabis seeds, or
seeds to grow other plants too?
Legal herbs Are they really legal? Consult the
Medicines and Healthcare products
Regulatory Agency (MHRA).
Posters and advertising Posters or advertising for groups
campaigning for the legalisation of
cannabis, or other shops and merchandise
which would appeal to cannabis users or
growers.
Growing equipment Does the packaging or instructions make
reference to growing cannabis?
Bubble bags, bubble sacs, bubbleators
Equipment for producing cannabis
resin
Equipment for the production of highgrade
(high THC content) cannabis resin
has no legitimate use. For an explanation
of THC, see 2.4 Cultivation of Cannabis.
Does the packaging make reference to the
production of cannabis resin?
Fertiliser Does the packaging or instructions make
reference to growing cannabis?
Paraphernalia for using drugs Do the items bear references to drugs, for
example, cannabis leaf designs?
Equipment to conceal the smell, noise
or heat produced by a cannabis farm.
Officers should consider what legitimate
use these products could have, and be able
to argue that they have no other use.
Advertising in trade magazines Shops may be advertised in trade
magazines such as Red Eye Express, Weed
World and Soft Secrets. These magazines
are solely for and about cannabis growing.
Table 2 Considerations regarding items in head shops
30
3.2.1 TEST PURCHASE AND OBSERVATION
A test purchase can be an effective way of gathering evidence of the true nature of a
business, and should be considered as a tactical option within the operational strategy.
This tactic should, however, only be used by trained officers, in accordance with
ACPO(forthcoming)Guidance on theUse andManagement ofUndercover Techniques.
Officers should seek advice from their force covert adviser when planning the operation, to
ensure that appropriate considerations are addressed.
Covert observations of premises may be considered appropriate in order to establish
patterns of behaviour and the movement of vehicles. Unless such observations are
considered likely to interfere with a persons ECHR Article 8 rights to respect for private and
family life, it is unlikely that RIPA authorisation will be necessary.
3.2.2 MEDICINES AND HEALTHCARE PRODUCTS REGULATORY AGENCY
The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) is the government
agency responsible for ensuring that medicines and medical devices work and are
acceptably safe. Part of their role is to offer scientific, technical and regulatory advice on
medicines and medical equipment. The MHRA also controls those substances that are not
controlled under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971.
The MHRA should be consulted in an investigation into head shops. They can provide
information and advice on substances that the police may have little experience of, for
example, determining whether drugs advertised and sold as legal are, in fact, legal. Many
police forces have a single point of contact (SPOC) arranged with the MHRA.
Benzylpiperazine (BZP) is a synthetic drug which produces similar effects to amphetamine.
It is controlled under the Medicines Act 1968 as a prescription-only drug, and, therefore, it
is illegal to sell it in the UK. Head shopsmay advertise legal drugs as BZP free; theMHRA can
test the drugs to determine whether they do contain BZP.
Note: The control of BZP under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971 is pending (following a
decision by the European Council in March 2007).
The MHRAs Intelligence Unit Case Referral Centre is the central point of contact for all
MHRA enforcement-related enquiries.
Email: casereferrals@mhra.gsi.gov.uk
Telephone: 020 7084 2330
Further information can be found on the MHRA website [www.mhra.gov.uk]
RESTRICTED
RESTRICTED Practice Advice on Tackling Commercial Cannabis Cultivation and Head Shops © ACPO NPIA 2009
31
HEAD SHOPS
3.2.3 EVIDENTIAL CONSIDERATIONS
A prosecution could consist of the following:
Evidence from officers who made a test purchase;
Evidence of visits to the shop by persons arrested for growing or producing cannabis;
Witness statements from customers who have been arrested for growing cannabis;
Items seized from the shop, for example, posters, books, seeds;
Items seized fromthe shop that have no use other than for the production of cannabis
resin;
The sale of anti-detection devices, such as tin/aluminium foil;
Evidence of advertising in magazines solely dedicated to cannabis growing;
Business records.
All items in the shop should be photographed. Before seizing items from the shop, officers
should consider which items will be needed as evidence, and whether any stock can be left
in the shop. The costs involved in storing seized stockmay be a consideration in this. Partner
agencies and public bodies have a moral and legal obligation to prevent the shop from
continuing its business while the prosecution is ongoing. Stock contained in the shop may
represent the assets of previous criminal activity. Leaving stock in the shop can allow it to
be moved and used elsewhere and for criminal activity to be continued at another venue.
The acquisition,movement and use of criminally obtained stock can provide an opportunity
for charging with money laundering offences.
3.2.4 CROWN PROSECUTION SERVICE
The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) should be involved in the planning of an operation to
prosecute a head shop. The CPS can provide advice regarding the charges which are
applicable, the strategy to use for gathering evidence and the forensic strategy which will
best support the charge. The strategy agreed with the CPS should not exclude further lines
of investigation, such as evidence that may be found in searches or obtained from
customers. Early consultation with the CPS to assist with case building is strongly advised.
3.2.5 EXPERT WITNESSES
Consideration should be given to who could provide evidence to show that the equipment
sold by head shops is for using or cultivating drugs. For example, horticultural or agricultural
colleges can be asked if they have ever used the products sold, or seen instructions similar
to those accompanying the products.
3.2.6 PLANNING CHECKLIST
The following list should be considered when planning an operation against a head shop:
Health and safety of police officers and staff involved.
Forensic strategy.
Evidence gathering strategy what to seize?
Have the CPS been involved? What is the charge?
Have the MHRA been involved?
RESTRICTED
RESTRICTED
Practice Advice on Tackling Commercial Cannabis Cultivation and Head Shops © ACPO NPIA 2009
32
Are the shop owners or staff involved in the cultivation of cannabis, or only in the sale
of equipment?
What will be done with the stock seized from the shop, and where will it be stored?
Consider storage costs. Is it necessary to seize all the stock?
Is there any financial intelligence to suggest that the financial activity is suspicious?
This could include other offences such as mortgage fraud or money laundering.
3.3 DISRUPTING HEAD SHOPS AND SHOPS SUPPLYING CANNABIS
CULTIVATING EQUIPMENT
Where it is not possible to close down a head shop, officers should consider how they can
encourage a more responsible and low profile approach, for example, by taking steps to
prevent them displaying items used for drug taking in the window.
Usually the most effective methods of disrupting head shops is through the powers of
agencies other than the police. A partnership working approach should be adopted, and all
relevant powers of partner agencies explored. The following examples may be used by the
police in partnership with other agencies.
Local authority:
Planning laws restricting what shops can have in their window display. Restrictions on
the names of shops and shop signs containing drug references.
Licensing restrictions on shops and market stalls.
An Anti-Social Behaviour Order (ASBO) may be considered if the shop is causing a
nuisance, or attracting groups of people who cause a nuisance in the area.
A Serious Crime Prevention Order (SCPO) against those involved in serious crime may
be considered under the Serious Crime Act 2007, to prevent, restrict or disrupt the
criminal activity.
Trading standards:
If the shop is selling food and/or drink products, food safety and hygiene standards
apply.
Checking whether tobacco products have been sold to people under 18 years of age.
Fire and Rescue Service:
Does the shop have potentially hazardous or flammable materials and substances in
the window (for example, amyl nitrate)?
If the shop is selling gas cylinders, are they stored correctly?
The powers of all law enforcement agencies should be considered, such as HMRC and the
UK Border Agency (UKBA), in relation to customs and immigration offences.
RESTRICTED
RESTRICTED Practice Advice on Tackling Commercial Cannabis Cultivation and Head Shops © ACPO NPIA 2009
Webteam UKCIA
Of special interest to UKCIA is in section 3/2
Quote:Posters and advertising Posters or advertising for groups
campaigning for the legalisation of
cannabis, or other shops and merchandise
which would appeal to cannabis users or
growers.
Campaigning for law reform is entirely lawful.
Welcome to the British police state.
Derek
--------------------------------------
RESTRICTED Practice Advice on Tackling Commercial Cannabis Cultivation and Head Shops © ACPO NPIA 2009
Section 3
HEAD SHOPS
This section contains tactics and options for dealing with head shops
and shops supplying cannabis cultivating equipment. The most
effective methods of disrupting head shops are, usually, through the
powers of agencies other than the police. A partnership approach
should, therefore, be taken to tackle this problem.
The term officer is used in this section to refer to officers of all partner
agencies, as well as to the police.
CONTENTS
3.1 Head Shops and Shops Supplying Cannabis Cultivating Equipment . . . . . . . . . 28
3.1.1 Online Head Shops and Wholesalers of Cannabis
Cultivating Equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
3.2 Prosecuting Head Shops . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
3.2.1 Test Purchase and Observation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
3.2.2 Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
3.2.3 Evidential Considerations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
3.2.4 Crown Prosecution Service . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
3.2.5 Expert Witnesses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
3.2.6 Planning Checklist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
3.3 Disrupting Head Shops and Shops Supplying Cannabis
Cultivating Equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
28
HEAD SHOPS AND SHOPS SUPPLYING CANNABISCULTIVATING EQUIPMENT
The term head shop refers to shops, market stalls and internet traders which sell
paraphernalia and equipment for using drugs (principally cannabis and cocaine), and legal
alternatives to illegal drugs.
Merseyside Police have developed a policy bye-law with respect to drugs paraphernalia. It
states that paraphernalia includes any item, whether useful for non drug related purposes
or not, which is displayed, grouped with other items, advertised, or promoted in a manner
to reasonably suggest its usefulness in the growing, harvesting, processing, manufacture,
preserving, inhaling, injecting, or ingesting of cannabis.
Head shops cause public concern for a number of reasons, for example, they:
Display drug-taking equipment in windows;
Suggest that drug taking is acceptable, or glamorise drug use;
Sell paraphernalia for the use of drugs (principally cannabis and cocaine);
Sell merchandise with drug references or drug-related designs;
Sell items for growing cannabis, and books on how to grow cannabis;
May be linked to other criminal activity.
Shops selling cannabis cultivating equipment, typically, also sell cannabis seeds and
books on how to grow cannabis. Some shops sell the equipment both for using and for
growing cannabis.
Officers should be aware that head shops sell drugs as legal alternatives to illegal drugs.
These legal drugs may be illegal if sold without a prescription, or if they are sold for a purpose
other than their prescribed purpose. For example, certain drugs are legal for use on animals
but not for use on humans. The sale of cannabis seeds is not illegal; cannabis seeds are
specifically exempt from the provisions of the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971, because they do
not contain THC and have a number of legitimate industrial uses such as the production
of hemp.
3.1.1 ONLINE HEAD SHOPS ANDWHOLESALERS OF CANNABIS
CULTIVATING EQUIPMENT
Some of the tactics described in 3.2 Prosecuting Head Shops to 3.2.6 Planning Checklist
will be applicable to online traders and wholesalers. For example, the descriptions of
products on the website, packaging and instructions on the products should be looked at for
references to drugs. Links to other websites, for example, discussion forums on growing
cannabis, may provide evidence of the purpose for which the products are sold. The
investigation of online traders is the responsibility of the force in whose area the business
premises are.
Wholesale suppliers of equipment for using or cultivating cannabis may purport to be
legitimate businesses. A proactive intelligence-led operation may reveal an organised
criminal infrastructure. Tackling a wholesale supplier will affect the business of the head
shops being supplied.
When prosecuting a wholesale supplier, officers should seek to prove the knowledge and
intent of the supplier, for example, when the seeds were sold along with the equipment
necessary to grow them.
RESTRICTED
RESTRICTED Practice Advice on Tackling Commercial Cannabis Cultivation and Head Shops © ACPO NPIA 2009
29
HEAD SHOPS
3.2 PROSECUTING HEAD SHOPS
The owners of head shops and shops selling cannabis cultivating equipment will claimthat
the equipment they sell can be used for legitimate purposes. Officers should consider which
merchandise has no purpose other than for using drugs or growing cannabis.
Officers should be familiar with names of drugs and drug references. Products may be sold
by head shops for a purportedly legal purpose, but the name of the product or terminology
and pictures used on the packaging or instructions may reveal the actual purpose of the
equipment. Officers should carefully examine products as references to drugs may only
appear on instructions contained within the packaging.
RESTRICTED
RESTRICTED Practice Advice on Tackling Commercial Cannabis Cultivation and Head Shops © ACPO NPIA 2009
Books Does the shop sell books on any subject
other than growing cannabis?
Seeds, seed catalogues Does the shop only sell cannabis seeds, or
seeds to grow other plants too?
Legal herbs Are they really legal? Consult the
Medicines and Healthcare products
Regulatory Agency (MHRA).
Posters and advertising Posters or advertising for groups
campaigning for the legalisation of
cannabis, or other shops and merchandise
which would appeal to cannabis users or
growers.
Growing equipment Does the packaging or instructions make
reference to growing cannabis?
Bubble bags, bubble sacs, bubbleators
Equipment for producing cannabis
resin
Equipment for the production of highgrade
(high THC content) cannabis resin
has no legitimate use. For an explanation
of THC, see 2.4 Cultivation of Cannabis.
Does the packaging make reference to the
production of cannabis resin?
Fertiliser Does the packaging or instructions make
reference to growing cannabis?
Paraphernalia for using drugs Do the items bear references to drugs, for
example, cannabis leaf designs?
Equipment to conceal the smell, noise
or heat produced by a cannabis farm.
Officers should consider what legitimate
use these products could have, and be able
to argue that they have no other use.
Advertising in trade magazines Shops may be advertised in trade
magazines such as Red Eye Express, Weed
World and Soft Secrets. These magazines
are solely for and about cannabis growing.
Table 2 Considerations regarding items in head shops
30
3.2.1 TEST PURCHASE AND OBSERVATION
A test purchase can be an effective way of gathering evidence of the true nature of a
business, and should be considered as a tactical option within the operational strategy.
This tactic should, however, only be used by trained officers, in accordance with
ACPO(forthcoming)Guidance on theUse andManagement ofUndercover Techniques.
Officers should seek advice from their force covert adviser when planning the operation, to
ensure that appropriate considerations are addressed.
Covert observations of premises may be considered appropriate in order to establish
patterns of behaviour and the movement of vehicles. Unless such observations are
considered likely to interfere with a persons ECHR Article 8 rights to respect for private and
family life, it is unlikely that RIPA authorisation will be necessary.
3.2.2 MEDICINES AND HEALTHCARE PRODUCTS REGULATORY AGENCY
The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) is the government
agency responsible for ensuring that medicines and medical devices work and are
acceptably safe. Part of their role is to offer scientific, technical and regulatory advice on
medicines and medical equipment. The MHRA also controls those substances that are not
controlled under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971.
The MHRA should be consulted in an investigation into head shops. They can provide
information and advice on substances that the police may have little experience of, for
example, determining whether drugs advertised and sold as legal are, in fact, legal. Many
police forces have a single point of contact (SPOC) arranged with the MHRA.
Benzylpiperazine (BZP) is a synthetic drug which produces similar effects to amphetamine.
It is controlled under the Medicines Act 1968 as a prescription-only drug, and, therefore, it
is illegal to sell it in the UK. Head shopsmay advertise legal drugs as BZP free; theMHRA can
test the drugs to determine whether they do contain BZP.
Note: The control of BZP under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971 is pending (following a
decision by the European Council in March 2007).
The MHRAs Intelligence Unit Case Referral Centre is the central point of contact for all
MHRA enforcement-related enquiries.
Email: casereferrals@mhra.gsi.gov.uk
Telephone: 020 7084 2330
Further information can be found on the MHRA website [www.mhra.gov.uk]
RESTRICTED
RESTRICTED Practice Advice on Tackling Commercial Cannabis Cultivation and Head Shops © ACPO NPIA 2009
31
HEAD SHOPS
3.2.3 EVIDENTIAL CONSIDERATIONS
A prosecution could consist of the following:
Evidence from officers who made a test purchase;
Evidence of visits to the shop by persons arrested for growing or producing cannabis;
Witness statements from customers who have been arrested for growing cannabis;
Items seized from the shop, for example, posters, books, seeds;
Items seized fromthe shop that have no use other than for the production of cannabis
resin;
The sale of anti-detection devices, such as tin/aluminium foil;
Evidence of advertising in magazines solely dedicated to cannabis growing;
Business records.
All items in the shop should be photographed. Before seizing items from the shop, officers
should consider which items will be needed as evidence, and whether any stock can be left
in the shop. The costs involved in storing seized stockmay be a consideration in this. Partner
agencies and public bodies have a moral and legal obligation to prevent the shop from
continuing its business while the prosecution is ongoing. Stock contained in the shop may
represent the assets of previous criminal activity. Leaving stock in the shop can allow it to
be moved and used elsewhere and for criminal activity to be continued at another venue.
The acquisition,movement and use of criminally obtained stock can provide an opportunity
for charging with money laundering offences.
3.2.4 CROWN PROSECUTION SERVICE
The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) should be involved in the planning of an operation to
prosecute a head shop. The CPS can provide advice regarding the charges which are
applicable, the strategy to use for gathering evidence and the forensic strategy which will
best support the charge. The strategy agreed with the CPS should not exclude further lines
of investigation, such as evidence that may be found in searches or obtained from
customers. Early consultation with the CPS to assist with case building is strongly advised.
3.2.5 EXPERT WITNESSES
Consideration should be given to who could provide evidence to show that the equipment
sold by head shops is for using or cultivating drugs. For example, horticultural or agricultural
colleges can be asked if they have ever used the products sold, or seen instructions similar
to those accompanying the products.
3.2.6 PLANNING CHECKLIST
The following list should be considered when planning an operation against a head shop:
Health and safety of police officers and staff involved.
Forensic strategy.
Evidence gathering strategy what to seize?
Have the CPS been involved? What is the charge?
Have the MHRA been involved?
RESTRICTED
RESTRICTED
Practice Advice on Tackling Commercial Cannabis Cultivation and Head Shops © ACPO NPIA 2009
32
Are the shop owners or staff involved in the cultivation of cannabis, or only in the sale
of equipment?
What will be done with the stock seized from the shop, and where will it be stored?
Consider storage costs. Is it necessary to seize all the stock?
Is there any financial intelligence to suggest that the financial activity is suspicious?
This could include other offences such as mortgage fraud or money laundering.
3.3 DISRUPTING HEAD SHOPS AND SHOPS SUPPLYING CANNABIS
CULTIVATING EQUIPMENT
Where it is not possible to close down a head shop, officers should consider how they can
encourage a more responsible and low profile approach, for example, by taking steps to
prevent them displaying items used for drug taking in the window.
Usually the most effective methods of disrupting head shops is through the powers of
agencies other than the police. A partnership working approach should be adopted, and all
relevant powers of partner agencies explored. The following examples may be used by the
police in partnership with other agencies.
Local authority:
Planning laws restricting what shops can have in their window display. Restrictions on
the names of shops and shop signs containing drug references.
Licensing restrictions on shops and market stalls.
An Anti-Social Behaviour Order (ASBO) may be considered if the shop is causing a
nuisance, or attracting groups of people who cause a nuisance in the area.
A Serious Crime Prevention Order (SCPO) against those involved in serious crime may
be considered under the Serious Crime Act 2007, to prevent, restrict or disrupt the
criminal activity.
Trading standards:
If the shop is selling food and/or drink products, food safety and hygiene standards
apply.
Checking whether tobacco products have been sold to people under 18 years of age.
Fire and Rescue Service:
Does the shop have potentially hazardous or flammable materials and substances in
the window (for example, amyl nitrate)?
If the shop is selling gas cylinders, are they stored correctly?
The powers of all law enforcement agencies should be considered, such as HMRC and the
UK Border Agency (UKBA), in relation to customs and immigration offences.
RESTRICTED
RESTRICTED Practice Advice on Tackling Commercial Cannabis Cultivation and Head Shops © ACPO NPIA 2009
Webteam UKCIA
Now increased attention to Wikipedia "Cannabis smoking" article
Posted by: tokerdesigner (IP Logged)
Date: March 03, 2009 09:37PM
Very sobering... the most disastrous part is that the bureaucrat writing the above is competent enough to write coherently without being morally alert enough to realize how shameful it is in the face of 5.4 million genocides a year worldwide caused by the marketing of overdose nicotine cigarets.
WIKIPEDIA ARTICLE
If it is really true that the "writing" (or right-winging) is on the wall for "headshops", then the widespread knowledge of how to make your own high-THC-ingesting equipment (leaving aside the growing-biz in which I'm not expert) is essential. The headshops may have injured their own chances by cynically offering hot-burning-overdose papers, big-bowl pipes etc. which destroy THC and cause health issues easily blamed on cannabis by the pro-tobackgo government narcs.
The Wikipedia.org "Cannabis smoking" article now includes over a dozen briefly described ways to make a long-stemmed one-hitter, or screened single-toke utensil.
(Readers should also refer to UKCIA thread, "Website"-- "Additions to Toke-Pure section" for notes on sifting herb to uniform particle size for low-burning-temperature use in one-hitters.)
1. Please read over the "Cannabis smoking" article, sign in as a WP editor and improve the entries on making one's own utensil, to the best of your ability.
2. Pictures -- though I'm not up on the tech yet, there's a way to scan in illustrations onto the article, probably after first entering them in Wikimedia Commons. If you have either a clear photo or diagram of any type of utensil described in the article, get it placed there; add a coherent descrption of any further kind(s) of toke utensils you know how to make.
3. One editor removed from the article as "unrelated" a short reference to the E-CIGARETTE which may be the final answer to how to get herb used safely and legalized. The device sells for under L50, cheaper than vaporizers; familiarize yourself with brands of E-cigarette marketed on line and especially with the small replaceable cartridge (under L1 each) which could be filled with liquid THC instead of nicotine. Law enforcement to suppress this technology is just about impossible once it is disseminated. The dissenting editor complained that there is no citation offered proving that anyone actually does this yet, but I have seen comments on websites that cannabis users somewhere are interested.
4. Another editor, objecting to the wealth of "uncited" information, put the entire article up for Deletion last month. The resulting "Deletion Discussion" resulted in a vote of 8-0 in favor of retaining the article which is still there now. (Some editors feel the Wikipedia must be rigidly "encyclopedic" in tone and not embody anyone's "POV" -- Point of View-- such as that Big Tobackgo is killing millions worldwide or that legal cannabis should be available for reasons of public health.) Any improvements to the article have a chance to further secure its survival.
5. BROWNSPLIFF -- see thread "UK Sea of Green", about an idea for unobtrusively planting and maturing so many billion riefer plants the entire Kingdom will be swamped and the narcs will just give up-- like the Dems in the US may now be doing with the Roland Burris Senate nomination.
Thanks,
tokerdesigner 090303
5.
WIKIPEDIA ARTICLE
If it is really true that the "writing" (or right-winging) is on the wall for "headshops", then the widespread knowledge of how to make your own high-THC-ingesting equipment (leaving aside the growing-biz in which I'm not expert) is essential. The headshops may have injured their own chances by cynically offering hot-burning-overdose papers, big-bowl pipes etc. which destroy THC and cause health issues easily blamed on cannabis by the pro-tobackgo government narcs.
The Wikipedia.org "Cannabis smoking" article now includes over a dozen briefly described ways to make a long-stemmed one-hitter, or screened single-toke utensil.
(Readers should also refer to UKCIA thread, "Website"-- "Additions to Toke-Pure section" for notes on sifting herb to uniform particle size for low-burning-temperature use in one-hitters.)
1. Please read over the "Cannabis smoking" article, sign in as a WP editor and improve the entries on making one's own utensil, to the best of your ability.
2. Pictures -- though I'm not up on the tech yet, there's a way to scan in illustrations onto the article, probably after first entering them in Wikimedia Commons. If you have either a clear photo or diagram of any type of utensil described in the article, get it placed there; add a coherent descrption of any further kind(s) of toke utensils you know how to make.
3. One editor removed from the article as "unrelated" a short reference to the E-CIGARETTE which may be the final answer to how to get herb used safely and legalized. The device sells for under L50, cheaper than vaporizers; familiarize yourself with brands of E-cigarette marketed on line and especially with the small replaceable cartridge (under L1 each) which could be filled with liquid THC instead of nicotine. Law enforcement to suppress this technology is just about impossible once it is disseminated. The dissenting editor complained that there is no citation offered proving that anyone actually does this yet, but I have seen comments on websites that cannabis users somewhere are interested.
4. Another editor, objecting to the wealth of "uncited" information, put the entire article up for Deletion last month. The resulting "Deletion Discussion" resulted in a vote of 8-0 in favor of retaining the article which is still there now. (Some editors feel the Wikipedia must be rigidly "encyclopedic" in tone and not embody anyone's "POV" -- Point of View-- such as that Big Tobackgo is killing millions worldwide or that legal cannabis should be available for reasons of public health.) Any improvements to the article have a chance to further secure its survival.
5. BROWNSPLIFF -- see thread "UK Sea of Green", about an idea for unobtrusively planting and maturing so many billion riefer plants the entire Kingdom will be swamped and the narcs will just give up-- like the Dems in the US may now be doing with the Roland Burris Senate nomination.
Thanks,
tokerdesigner 090303
5.
Re: RESTRICTED Practice Advice on Tackling Commercial Cannabis Cultivation and Head Shops
Posted by: jonny2009 (IP Logged)
Date: March 24, 2009 08:57PM
PISSES ME OFF
[www.mysuperlime.com] has a small shop near me and the police are round there 24/7 for no good reason i know the guy he has been growin weed for over 40years and his 2 sons grow it for his shops seeds he is 62 ffs and they sent him to court coz a young lad was smokin weed round the back of his shop it want even anything to do with mike so he is tryin to sell up shop and move online but he has never tryed to make an online shop i told him try ebay but they wont let him
[www.mysuperlime.com] has a small shop near me and the police are round there 24/7 for no good reason i know the guy he has been growin weed for over 40years and his 2 sons grow it for his shops seeds he is 62 ffs and they sent him to court coz a young lad was smokin weed round the back of his shop it want even anything to do with mike so he is tryin to sell up shop and move online but he has never tryed to make an online shop i told him try ebay but they wont let him
Re: RESTRICTED Practice Advice on Tackling Commercial Cannabis Cultivation and Head Shops
Posted by: sexyhair (IP Logged)
Date: April 07, 2009 10:26AM
This is stupid. (although if they went into my local head shop they would find more than just bongs and seeds.)
But should they ban king size papers too ? We all now that no one smokes long hand rolled ciggies.
But should they ban king size papers too ? We all now that no one smokes long hand rolled ciggies.
Re: RESTRICTED Practice Advice on Tackling Commercial Cannabis Cultivation and Head Shops
Posted by: redeye (IP Logged)
Date: April 25, 2009 10:24PM
Your wool is being shaved for a nice warm jumper and not a lot you can do about it
bahh says the sheep
Edited 4 time(s). Last edit at 05/04/2009 01:00PM by redeye.
bahh says the sheep
Edited 4 time(s). Last edit at 05/04/2009 01:00PM by redeye.
Re: RESTRICTED Practice Advice on Tackling Commercial Cannabis Cultivation and Head Shops
Posted by: ideala (IP Logged)
Date: July 07, 2010 09:11AM
well i own a head shop in the uk and have a website www.ideala.co.uk
we sell herbal alternativ gear and use only aproved products that we also test as do wholesalers... we use them to mentor ppl of crack, badly cultivated weed and heroin and alcohol.
these pl are now payin taxes and gettin their lives togtehr, why impose another ban!
everyone who regsiters on my website gets afree herbal jacob! and we tell the police where we live everyday.
prohibit prohibition! srtupid laws create crime! fuelled by money and power!
i am self employed, stoned everyday, and am not paranoid, daft or a chav!
we have a single out on itunes... ideala world... basically tellin all about alan johnson sacking david nutt, the next 10/12 acmd members resigning, alan johnson ignoring advice, (so his descion based on????/ money?)
why yu shud be able to get stoned, why gordan brown was an idiot, and regulation and not baby sitting a naton and giving ppl their choices back!
another one also called stick this in your pipe and smoke it!
we have sent them to bth labour and now david cameron, nick clegg, lords, house of commons, local mp.
along with hints on how to so easily regulate and manage the market.
we never sell to minors, offer eductaction and help those who have mental disorders but get newhere with the nhs as well recourses are non existent any more!
i have bipolar, take meds, i amm normal when i am stoned! this is ME!
www.herbalhighban.com
please signt he peition we gonna send again and again, only 10000 sigs until they have to acknowledge it!!
all work together! safer, moderation, regulation!
we sell herbal alternativ gear and use only aproved products that we also test as do wholesalers... we use them to mentor ppl of crack, badly cultivated weed and heroin and alcohol.
these pl are now payin taxes and gettin their lives togtehr, why impose another ban!
everyone who regsiters on my website gets afree herbal jacob! and we tell the police where we live everyday.
prohibit prohibition! srtupid laws create crime! fuelled by money and power!
i am self employed, stoned everyday, and am not paranoid, daft or a chav!
we have a single out on itunes... ideala world... basically tellin all about alan johnson sacking david nutt, the next 10/12 acmd members resigning, alan johnson ignoring advice, (so his descion based on????/ money?)
why yu shud be able to get stoned, why gordan brown was an idiot, and regulation and not baby sitting a naton and giving ppl their choices back!
another one also called stick this in your pipe and smoke it!
we have sent them to bth labour and now david cameron, nick clegg, lords, house of commons, local mp.
along with hints on how to so easily regulate and manage the market.
we never sell to minors, offer eductaction and help those who have mental disorders but get newhere with the nhs as well recourses are non existent any more!
i have bipolar, take meds, i amm normal when i am stoned! this is ME!
www.herbalhighban.com
please signt he peition we gonna send again and again, only 10000 sigs until they have to acknowledge it!!
all work together! safer, moderation, regulation!
Re: RESTRICTED Practice Advice on Tackling Commercial Cannabis Cultivation and Head Shops
Posted by: Huxlay (IP Logged)
Date: August 12, 2010 11:33AM
Interesting post dude....discussion are always helpful in one way or the other. Thanks for giving out information. Its really nice and mean full.
Huxlay
Huxlay
(Update on my March 09 post, above)
Posted by: tokerdesigner (IP Logged)
Date: August 13, 2010 08:25PM
Headshop owners and everyone:
1. Read Wikipedia articles on "One hitter (smoking)", "Kiseru", "Midwakh", "Sebsi", "Hashish" and Cannabis smoking". If you have information to add anywhere, especially a photo of a sebsi (Moroccan one-hitter), sign in and be a WP Editor for a day or more.
2. Check wikiHow.com article, "How to Make Smoke Pipes out of Everyday Objects" and other articles linked to it. Sign in and edit, especially if you have the technology to scan on some photos or diagrams illustrating how to make one-hitters.
3. If you own a headshop, consider renaming and transfunctionising your establishment to something like "Vapouriser Cafe", offering not only a chance to try out various vapourisers before buying but also one-hitters, e-cigarettes, a menu of legal herbs from alfalfa, basil, camomile to wormwood, yarrow, zinnia.
1. Read Wikipedia articles on "One hitter (smoking)", "Kiseru", "Midwakh", "Sebsi", "Hashish" and Cannabis smoking". If you have information to add anywhere, especially a photo of a sebsi (Moroccan one-hitter), sign in and be a WP Editor for a day or more.
2. Check wikiHow.com article, "How to Make Smoke Pipes out of Everyday Objects" and other articles linked to it. Sign in and edit, especially if you have the technology to scan on some photos or diagrams illustrating how to make one-hitters.
3. If you own a headshop, consider renaming and transfunctionising your establishment to something like "Vapouriser Cafe", offering not only a chance to try out various vapourisers before buying but also one-hitters, e-cigarettes, a menu of legal herbs from alfalfa, basil, camomile to wormwood, yarrow, zinnia.
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