UK releases first official guide for police action on medicinal cannabis

The United Kingdom has released the first official guide aimed at police forces on the approach to patients using medicinal cannabis. 

The document was approved by the National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC) and directs the actions of police officers in England and Wales in relation to people who legally use the substance, authorized for medicinal purposes in the country since 2018.

According to Cañamo portal, the guide aims to standardize procedures and reduce improper approaches to patients with a valid medical prescription, offering practical guidance for verifying the legality of carrying and using medicinal cannabis.

UK Cannabis Guide: Police approach guidelines

According to the guide, officers should request that the patient present the original medication container, with the dispensing label containing the patient's name, prescription information, and clinic or responsible professional data. 

The document clarifies that there is no legal requirement for the patient to carry additional documents besides the original product packaging.

In cases of doubt, the guidance recommends that the police contact the prescriber or responsible clinic before taking measures such as seizing the medication or referring the patient to the police station.

Clarifications on legality and use

The guide also highlights that unlicensed cannabis-based medications are not automatically illegal, as private prescriptions may use unlicensed products, provided they are clinically justified. 

In addition, the Cañamo portal found that the document emphasizes that smoking medicinal cannabis remains prohibited, even with a prescription, and reminds that rules on driving under the influence of substances that alter cognitive capacity remain valid.

With information from Cañamo.Net.