CANNABIS possession and production may soon not be punishable by criminal conviction in Dorset.

The county's Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) Martyn Underhill has called for an 'informed debate' on how those caught with the Class B drug are dealt with.

He signalled that drugs enforcement is no longer priority for police forces across the UK and that chasing small-scale cannabis cultivators may not be an 'effective way of policing.'

Mr Underhill is one of three PCC's to make national headlines due to the comments.

He told the Echo: “There is a clear sea change in enforcement techniques dealing with drugs globally, just look at the Americas. There is a need for a new debate in the UK. Nationally, at a time when the Government is expanding the NCA portfolio to include CSA and human slavery as well as organised crime and drugs, it is clear drug enforcement will change in nature.

"Locally, with shrinking police numbers and higher demand, I am not convinced that chasing a solitary cannabis plant is an efficient or effective way of policing.

"Ultimately the decision is operational and that of my Chief Constable, but I think it’s time we examined the policing of cannabis. Let’s have an informed debate.”

More than 1.2m people admitted using cannabis in 2014/15.

Currently, possession of Cannabis and other Class B drugs is punishable by up to five years imprisonment, an unlimited fine or both.

Supply and production is punishable by up to 14 years imprisonment, an unlimited fine or both.

Parliament will soon debate legalising cannabis after a petition gained almost 170,000 signatures.

A spokesman for Dorset Police said: "Dorset Police adheres to current legislation and in line with NPCC national guidance and policy with regards to possession and cultivation of cannabis.

"There are a range of options for dealing with those found in possession of cannabis or who cultivate the plant and our response to cases are proportionate to the individual circumstances."