UK releases first official guide for police action on medicinal cannabis

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

The document was approved by the National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC) and directs police actions in England and Wales when facing individuals legally using the substance, authorized for medical purposes in the country since 2018.

According to Cañamo, the guide aims to standardize procedures and reduce improper approaches to patients with valid medical prescriptions, providing practical guidance for verifying the legality of possessing and using medicinal cannabis.

UK Cannabis Guide: Police Approach Guidelines

As per the guide, officers should request that the patient presents the original medication container, with the dispensing label containing the patient's name, prescription information, and details of the clinic or responsible professional. 

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

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

Clarifications on Legality and Use

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

Furthermore, Cañamo reported that the document reinforces that smoking medicinal cannabis remains prohibited, even with a prescription, and reminds that rules regarding driving under the influence of cognitive-altering substances remain valid.

Source: Cañamo.Net.