The UK’s National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC) has published new guidance for police officers and staff on the issues relating to medicinal cannabis.
The organisation, which brings UK police leaders together to set direction in policing and drive progress for the public through coordination, is moving with the times. Its latest advice seeks to offer common sense and practical guidance to ensure that patients can possess medical cannabis without undue hindrance from the police. Further, it serves to develop cooperation and reduce any potential conflict between the police and patients.
The general advice is straightforward, and gives patients a heads-up as to what they should have on their person in case they are questioned by police, who should:
- Ask to see the original packaging in which the medicine is provided.
- Check the dispensing label for accuracy.
- Sight and confirm the details of a letter from the patient’s prescriber or a copy of the original prescription. But it should be noted there is no legal requirement for a patient to be carrying these documents.
- If the above isn’t available, officers may consider further enquiries with health care partners.
- Further action should only be pursued if the police officer has justifiable grounds for believing that the individual is NOT a patient who has lawfully been prescribed medicinal cannabis.
“Please remember that people in lawful possession of medicinal cannabis are patients,” states the document. “They are very likely to be suffering from chronic pain and/or other serious ailments … It should be assumed that people in possession of medicinal cannabis are patients until proven otherwise.”
So, it sounds like the best approach for patients is to carry a prescriber letter to minimize the risk of further investigation; which is a waste of everyone’s time and resources.
Cannabis-based products for medicinal use (CBPMs) have been legal to possess in the UK in accordance with an NHS or private prescription, or as part of a clinical trial since 2018. However, there have still been some conflicts with police who aren’t across the issues or legislation, so this advice from the NPPC is much-needed.
The number of medical cannabis users in the UK is rapidly growing, forecast to have reached 337,900 by the end of 2024. A UK medical cannabis survey report published late last year indicates patients are generally benefiting from prescribed products, with 97% of patients reporting improved quality of life.
