Medical Cannabis Training 981/2023
FOI Reference: 981/2023
Request 1 - 4:
- What training programmes or courses have been provided to Dyfed-Powys Police officers regarding medical cannabis, and does this training cover the distinction between the CanCard and legally prescribed CBPM?
- How often is this training updated to keep officers informed about developments in medical cannabis laws and regulations?
- Are there guidelines in place for officers to differentiate between legal medical cannabis patients with legitimate medical needs and individuals using cannabis for recreational purposes?
- What procedures are followed when encountering individuals who possess medical cannabis for legitimate medical reasons, and how is the validity of a prescription or CBPM confirmed?
Response 1:
I can confirm that Dyfed-Powys Police does hold the information requested, as outlined below.
L&DS are able to share information new recruits are given in training.
During misuse of drugs input, CBMP’s is covered and the students are advised to deal with any claims that items found during a search are CBMP’s in the following manner:-
They are told that herbal cannabis or cannabis resin will not be a CBMP and if they find herbal cannabis or cannabis resin, they should deal with it as they would any other drug classified under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971.
If the police officer is not satisfied that they have sufficiently proven their entitlement to the CBMP’s they should take executive action either by:-
Seizing the products, arresting and interviewing the person found in possession of the CBMP’s in order to investigate whether they are in lawful possession of them.
Seizing the products and arranging for a voluntary interview in order to investigate whether they are in lawful possession of them.
Officers are made aware that they should always take into consideration that those who present themselves as being lawfully in receipt of CBMP’s are often members of our communities who are the most vulnerable and often with disabilities and that this should be taken into consideration before deciding on what action they take. They are however told that they should not just accept what they are being told and that they should fully investigate whether the person is or is not in awful possession of the CBMPs.
Response 2:
I can confirm that Dyfed-Powys Police does hold the information requested, as outlined below.
Training is reviewed annually unless a new piece of legislation is implemented in the meantime. The content is updated in line with the College of Policing learning descriptors.
Response 3:
I can confirm that Dyfed-Powys Police does hold the information requested, as outlined below.
If officers locate what they believe to be or what is identified as a CBMP by the person being searched, the officer should ask that person to produce evidence of one or more of the following:-
A copy of the prescription
A letter from the prescribing Doctor outlining their entitlement to the CBMP.
The original packaging with the person’s name on as the person entitled to receive the CBMP.
A form of acceptable photo ID such as a driving licence or passport to ensure the details of the person entitled to receive the CBMP’s
Response 4:
I can confirm that Dyfed-Powys Police does hold the information requested, as outlined below.
If officers locate what they believe to be or what is identified as a CBMP by the person being searched, the officer should ask that person to produce evidence of one or more of the following:-
A copy of the prescription
A letter from the prescribing Doctor outlining their entitlement to the CBMP.
The original packaging with the person’s name on as the person entitled to receive the CBMP.
A form of acceptable photo ID such as a driving licence or passport to ensure the details of the person entitled to receive the CBMP’s
It should be noted that as a result of the systems adopted by Dyfed-Powys Police in relation to the recording of such information that the information released may or may not be accurate.
(This is a response under the Freedom of Information Act 2000 and disclosed on 23/04/2024)