Medical cannabis 657/2026

FOI Reference: 657/2026

Request

1. Have dyfed Powys police officers received the new 2026 guidance from the National police chiefs council on medical cannabis for officers and staff?

if so can you tell me what they have been informed by this new guidance please

2. Are police officers trained and aware that herbal cannabis is actually a CBMP that is prescribed by specialist clinics and patients are legally allowed to have possession of the herbal cannabis provided that its been prescribed ?
3. If dyfed powys police have not been issued with the medical cannabis guidance by the National police chiefs council will they be informed to look at the new guidance ?

I can confirm that Dyfed-Powys Police does hold the information requested, as outlined below:-

Response Q1

Yes. This guidance produced by the Association of Police Controlled Drug Liaison Officers in conjunction with the NPCC Drugs Portfolio and published via the College of Policing in February 2025 has now been received and been disseminated to all relevant operational staff on the 17/07/2026.

The guidance provides practical and proportionate advice to frontline officers and staff. Its purpose is to:

• Provide clear, common-sense guidance on policing issues relating to medicinal cannabis
• Ensure that patients lawfully prescribed medicinal cannabis are able to possess it without undue hindrance
• Promote cooperation and reduce potential conflict between police and prescribed patients

Response Q2

No additional national training products have been issued beyond the published guidance. The College of Policing guidance should therefore be regarded as the primary reference document.

The guidance also covers:

• Definition and overview of CBPMs
• Legislative context
• Implications for frontline officers and staff
• Use of Cancards
• Smoking of medicinal cannabis
• Drug driving considerations
• Sources of further advice and support

Response Q3

N/A. Guidance has been sought, received and disseminated.

(This is a response under the Freedom of Information Act 2000 and disclosed on 17/07/2026)