Medical Cannabis Training

Freedom of Information (FOI) Act request ref: 01/FOI/25/008619/C

Version Date: 26/08/2025

The Learning & Development Department have provided the following information.

a. What training, guidance, or educational materials have officers in your force received relating specifically to the legal use of prescribed medical cannabis flower?
A medicinal cannabis training package has been compiled after extensive research and consultations with professionals within the medical cannabis industry. This training package is in line with the Home Office guidance in relation to a patient being lawfully in possession.
b. When was this training introduced, and how often is it updated or delivered?
This package was initially written in late 2023 and is constantly reviewed to make sure it remains current and up to date.

Understanding of Driving Laws Related to Medical Cannabis
a. What information or training do officers receive regarding patients who are legally prescribed cannabis and how this relates to Section 5A of the Road Traffic Act 1988 (drug driving laws)?
Whilst the legislation is as it is, then persons who are stopped driving who provide a positive sample at the roadside are likely to be arrested. They are offered the opportunity whilst in custody to claim their medical defence and once this has been confirmed then no further action is taken.
b. Are officers instructed on how to handle drivers who test positive for THC but have a medical prescription?
Yes
 
Public Use of Prescribed Medical Cannabis
a. What is your force's understanding or policy on patients using or possessing prescribed cannabis flower in public spaces?
If a person is stopped and are in possession of cannabis which they state is for medicinal reasons and therefore lawful then officers must adhere to the Home Office guidelines
b. Are officers trained to distinguish between legal (prescribed) and illegal cannabis in public encounters?
Yes, officers are trained on the various forms medicinal cannabis that can be taken and are informed that 80% of the market is female flowering head (FFH). There is no visual difference between FFH produced for the medicinal market or the illicit market however officers are shown sample pots/bags that it comes in. They also follow the Home Office guidelines which state:
• A person claiming legitimate possession of cannabis and its use for medicinal purposes will be expected to produce -
• The original container complete with the pharmacy dispensing label bearing the patient’s name (we are aware that on occasions the dispensing label will be on the packaging rather than the pot itself).
• A copy of the prescription, written on an FP10, showing the patients personal details including their name, address, name of prescribing doctor and their contact details. This prescription should also include the date with it only being valid for 30 days.
• Or a letter from the patient’s prescribing clinician including the patient’s personal details including their name, address, name of prescribing doctor and their contact details.
• A form of recognisable photo I.D. bearing the same name as displayed on the dispensing label, FP10 and/or the letter from prescribing clinician.’