The Association of Police Officers will today announce new guidelines on the action which should be taken against those found in possession of cannabis.

The move - which some say will send out a mixed message on cannabis use - comes as David Blunkett prepares to seek parliamentary approval for reclassification.

The new guidelines do not set a "personal limit" to determine between users and dealers. But they will also permit exceptions to the "no arrest rule" - in cases such as smoking cannabis close to schools and youth clubs.