Information for professionals.
Medical cannabis is a lawful, prescribed medicine. We welcome questions from officers, landlords and venue managers, and we operate openly. Below is the official position, the documents that establish it, and where to verify them.
Medicinal Cannabis and the Police — Guidance for Officers and Staff
Prepared by the Association of Police Controlled Drug Liaison Officers (APCDLO) and authored by Richard List QPM. Approved by the National Police Chiefs' Council in November 2024 — now official policy across all 43 forces in England & Wales.
It is a lawful medicine
Cannabis-based products for medicinal use (CBPMs) have been Schedule 2 controlled drugs since 1 November 2018. A patient with a valid prescription is in lawful possession. Misuse of Drugs (Amendments) Regs 2018
"Patients first, suspects second"
The NPCC-approved national guidance directs officers across all 43 forces in England & Wales to treat prescribed patients as patients. Officers can — and should — consult their Controlled Drug Liaison Officer (CDLO). NPCC / APCDLO, Nov 2024
How possession is proven
The dispensing label on the original pharmacy packaging, presented with photo ID, is recognised proof. A prescriber letter or copy prescription is also accepted — but the NPCC guidance is explicit that there is no legal requirement for the patient to carry these documents. NPCC / APCDLO guidance (2024) · College of Policing APP
Vaporising only — no combustion
The legislation prohibits smoking medical cannabis. Patients here use vaporisers — vaping is distinct from smoking, as the NPCC guidance confirms, because there is no combustion. Vapour falls outside smoke-free law. Health Act 2006 · Home Office FOI 2023/05814 · NPCC, 2024
"Cancards" — the official position
The NPCC guidance notes that Cancards are a controversial and misunderstood area. They are a private scheme; they are not required by law and do not replace a valid prescription. The dispensing label is the proof. NPCC / APCDLO, 2024
If no documentation is on the patient
The NPCC guidance asks officers to consider further enquiries with the patient's healthcare partners — for example contacting the prescribing clinic — rather than treating absence of documents as evidence of an offence. NPCC / APCDLO, 2024
Compliance is the point
- We verify photo ID and proof of a valid prescription before any patient uses their medicine on the premises.
- Vaporisers only. No smoking or open flame is permitted on the premises.
- We do not sell, supply or store cannabis. Patients bring only their own prescribed medicine.
- No sharing or onward supply between patients is permitted on site.
- Prescription-holders only; staff are trained on the NPCC guidance and the law.
- We are happy to talk to your local CDLO and to share our policies on request.
Official references
If you're questioned, this is the summary in one place.
Patient summary — UK medical cannabis
- Legal since 1 November 2018 — Misuse of Drugs (Amendments) Regulations 2018 moved CBPMs to Schedule 2.
- "Patients first, suspects second" — NPCC-approved national guidance, Nov 2024, applies to all 43 forces in England & Wales.
- Proof of lawful possession — original dispensing label on pharmacy packaging plus photo ID is recognised. A "Cancard" is not required by law.
- Vaping ≠ smoking — vaporiser use falls outside smoke-free law because there is no combustion.
- Driving — statutory medical defence under Road Traffic Act 1988 s.5A applies if taken as prescribed and not impaired; never drive impaired.
- Officers can verify by contacting their Controlled Drug Liaison Officer (CDLO) or the patient's prescriber.
Have a question about a patient or our premises?
We'd rather have the conversation than the confrontation. Get in touch and we'll respond promptly.