Londoners warned against scanning QR codes advertising cannabis websites

Londoners have been told to not scan QR codes on the growing number of stickers advertising illicit cannabis websites.

Police are wary of the growing number of ads springing up on lamp posts, bus stops and in toilets around the capital which advertise the drug and its delivery.

Inspector Kerry Goodwin, of City of London Police, said that the ads had been found in Soho and around the Leicester Square area, reports My London .

"Investigations are on-going and we’re working with the City of London Corporation to get the stickers removed as soon as we become aware of them,” he said.

“We'd urge members of the public to alert police if they see any of these stickers and to not scan the QR code."

Scanning the codes is said to send the user onto a website where it appears that cannabis can be bought and delivered.

The sites are also said to advertise CBD and other associated products, such as oils and edibles, with a number of made-up reviews attached to give the essence of authenticity.

A spokesperson for the Met said: "We do not believe cannabis, in any form, is benign."

Cannabis is a class B drug but there has been discussion around upgrading it to class A despite high profile cases where it has been given a medicinal exemption.

People found in possession of cannabis can face up to five years in prison , and an unlimited fine, or both, while people who supply and produce cannabis can face up to 14 years in prison, an unlimited fine, or both.

In January 2022, it was reported that there were plans for a new pilot scheme that would decriminalise cannabis in certain London boroughs.

The pilot would involve offering speeding course-style classes or counselling to young people caught with small amounts of cannabis in Lewisham,Greenwich, and Bexley, instead of them facing arrest.

Jermaine Jenas apologises after BBC sacking: ‘I am ashamed and deeply sorry’

Tube offender fined £1,800 after repeatedly using overdrawn card

Sabrina Carpenter and Jenna Ortega stab and shoot one other in Taste music video

Lawyer at centre of alleged plot to kill him knew accused from pub, court told