The change, which came into force yesterday, means that those caught in possession of the drug could face on-the-spot fines of £80, and the maximum prison sentence for possession has increased from two to five years.
The reclassification means that police will issue warnings to people caught with cannabis for the first time. A second offence is likely to result in a £80 fine, while a "third strike" will result in arrest.
However, the new fines have not yet come into effect because they have yet to be approved by Parliament. They are set to be debated in the House of Lords on Wednesday.
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