Under the program, which was implemented in July in the London borough of Lambeth, verbal warnings are issued in lieu of arrest when people are found with small amounts of marijuana. The policy intends to allow police to spend less time on paperwork and more time fighting hard drugs and violent crime.

But early results of the pilot program show that it has increased drug use in Lambeth. "There's anecdotal evidence in south London that the change in procedures is encouraging more people to come to that area and more people are involving themselves in cannabis," said Fred Broughton, chairman of the Police Federation. "There's also anecdotal evidence that more serious matters -- crack abusers and crack dealers -- are becoming more visible and more active."

Broughton said the program has given Lambeth residents, including children, the impression that the authorities condone the use of marijuana.

Broughton announced the preliminary data at a committee of lawmakers in the House of Commons.

Scotland Yard is expected to decide in February or March whether to end the policy or extend it across the city.

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