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Individuals in lawful in possession of a cannabis-based product for medicinal use (CBPM) must provide proof of a prescription and ID, or show the dispensing label attached to the medicine.
Anyone who cannot provide this information but claims to be using cannabis for medicinal purposes is unlawfully possessing a Class B drug and will be dealt with appropriately. ID cards like the Cancard exist, and guidance exists for officers on recognising them.
However, it is important to note that someone carrying such a card does not make an individual’s possession of cannabis lawful; rather, it provides additional information for officers to consider when determining an appropriate outcome, and discretion remains and will always remain an important part of policing.
The changes to the law made in 2018 have been around for some years and officers will very much be alive to the fact that medical cannabis exists and if someone claimed that their possession was legal, the onus would be on them to prove that they are using a legally obtained and properly prescribed medical product.
From the moment an officer first engages with a member of the public, there would be numerous points and opportunities for an individual to show this evidence before they were arrested, charged or prosecuted.
Officers know that the law provides a range of options for dealing with those found in possession and that these have to be proportionate to the individual circumstances.