Medical cannabis users 65/24

FOI Reference: 65/24

Request:

I am writing to request information under the Freedom of Information Act regarding the training, procedures, and guidance provided to officers in your constabulary concerning individuals using prescription medications, specifically medical cannabis users, who may be stopped while operating a vehicle.

Q1: Please could you provide copies of relevant training documents/excerpts that explain to officers how to manage situations where prescription medication users, generally or medical cannabis-specific, are stopped while operating a vehicle and would test positive, but their driving is not impaired?

Q2: Are alternative sobriety tests ever used, and under what circumstances? If yes, does this take into account the physical difficulties a prescription user may have? Please could you provide any supporting guidance or documentation about this given to front line officers.

Q3: Do your officers have any specific training around the use of prescription cannabis? Please could you provide a copy/excerpt of any relevant training or guidance.

Q4: Please could you provide excerpts of any guidance provided to front-line officers on procedures around prescription medication, particularly but not exclusively: Under what circumstances confiscation of prescription medication is reasonable Under what circumstances arrest of a prescription medication holder is reasonable What actions a police officer should take to verify if a prescription is genuine What actions a police officer should take when a member of the public raises legislation they are unfamiliar with?

If some parts of the information requested cannot be disclosed, please provide the reasons for withholding such information.

Response:

I can confirm that Dyfed-Powys Police does hold the information requested, the details of which are as follows:

Q1: Dyfed-Powys Police do not have any specific documents relating to managing these situations.

Q2: Dyfed-Powys Police do not use any alternative sobriety tests.

Q3: Dyfed-Powys Police do not provide any specific training around the use of prescription cannabis.

Q4: Dyfed-Powys Police do not provide specific relevant guidance as there is no necessity. Police officers understand the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971 law and apply this with discretion and advice or guidance from supervisors, where required.

                                                                                                           

(This is a response under the Freedom of Information Act 2000 and disclosed on 02/04/24)