Policy for the verification of prescribed medical cannabis
Dear Avon and Somerset Police and Crime Commissioner,
I wish to request, under the Freedom of Information Act (2000), the following from your Constabulary, Commissioner, or Panel:
1) a copy of the Constabulary's policy or procedure for the verification of the legitimate possession and use of prescribed medical cannabis/cannabis-based prescription medicine (CBPM);
2) if the Constabulary does not have a local policy regarding this, could you please confirm that the Home Office guidance is adhered to by the Constabulary - namely that someone claiming the legitimate possession and use of medical cannabis will be expected to produce: the original medication container complete with the pharmacy dispensing label bearing the name of the patient; with either a copy of their FP10 prescription or a letter from the prescribing clinician; and a form of recognised photo ID (such as a passport, driving licence, or a PASS accredited photocard) bearing the same name as displayed on the dispensing label and the copy of the FP10 or clinician's letter;
3) if your Constabulary does not have a policy relating to this, could you please provide the Constabulary's policy regarding compliance with the PSED (Public Sector Equality Duty), especially with regards to the avoidance of discrimination against disabled people for the legitimate possession and use of a prescribed medication;
4) a copy of any internal briefing documents provided to police officers regarding the existence of - and the process for the verification of - prescribed medical cannabis flower or other CBPM's following the Home Office Circular 2018: 'Rescheduling of cannabis-based
products for medicinal use in humans' and The Misuse of Drugs (Amendments) (Cannabis and Licence Fees) (England, Wales and Scotland) Regulations 2018 which allowed the prescribing of medical cannabis (CBPM);
5) the named lead for the Constabulary for matters pertaining to the verification of medical cannabis (CBPM);
6) the Constabulary's policy or position relating to the recognition of unaccredited card schemes such as Cancard or MedCannID, if such a policy exists.
The above information will be invaluable to patients in receipt of medical cannabis and will ensure a wider understanding and subsequent compliance with the expectations of your Constabulary. It is clearly in the public interest to ensure that medical cannabis patients are aware of local policies and procedures and can comply accordingly, so that finite police resources are not spent on the avoidable and potentially unlawful arrest of patients in receipt of legitimately prescribed medical cannabis medication (CBPM's).
Many thanks, and I look forward to receiving your response.
Yours faithfully,
Aharon Shimon
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Avon and Somerset Police and Crime Commissioner’s Office
Avon & Somerset Police & Crime Commissioner, Valley Road, Portishead,
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Our ref: FOI 914
22 March 2022
Dear Mr Shimon
RE: FREEDOM OF INFORMATION REQUEST
Having completed my search for the information that you requested on 22^nd
March 2022 below, I can confirm that this is not held by the Office of
Avon and Somerset Police and Crime Commissioner, which is a separate
organisation to Avon and Somerset Police.
With the aim of assisting you, I have referred your request to Avon and
Somerset Police Freedom of Information Department. If you do not get a
direct reply from the Police and wish to follow up your request then you
can write to:
Freedom of Information Team
Corporate Information Management
Avon and Somerset Constabulary HQ
PO Box 37
Valley Road
Portishead
Bristol
BS20 8QJ
Or contact the team on-line at:
[1]https://www.avonandsomerset.police.uk/ab...
May I also suggest that you review the Police publication scheme on-line
at:
[2]https://www.avonandsomerset.police.uk/ab...
If you have any queries about my reply and actions then please contact me
again, quoting the reference number above in any future communications.
If you are unhappy about how I have dealt with your request and wish to
make a complaint or request a review of my decision then you can write to:
The Chief Executive
Avon and Somerset Police and Crime Commissioner’s Office
Valley Road
Portishead
Bristol
BS20 8JJ
Thank you for your interest in Avon and Somerset Police.
Yours sincerely,
Freedom of Information Officer
Avon and Somerset Police and Crime Commissioner’s Office
Valley Road, Portishead, Bristol BS20 8JJ
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