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PatientsCann UK Statement on NPCC Guidance for Policing Medical Cannabis Patients

PatientsCann UK: NPCC Policing Statement Statement Policing January 2026 PatientsCann UK Statement on NPCC Guidance for Policing Medical Cannabis Patients The NPCC has instructed forces to treat medicinal cannabis patients as “patients first, suspects second.” We welcome this, with important caveats about the gap between guidance and street-level reality. PatientsCann UK·Official Statement·7 January 2026 What the NPCC Guidance Says Officers should treat those in lawful possession as patients first, suspects second People with a valid prescription should be assumed to be patients until proven otherwise A Cancard is not legally required and its absence cannot be used against a patient Our Concerns Significant proportion of officers may still be unaware medical cannabis is legally prescribable Some forces lack internal training or up-to-date briefing materials Guidance on paper does not automatically become consistent street-level practice Why Guidance Is Not Enough Without Understanding It is an ongoing reality that many frontline officers still lack accurate awareness of the legal status of medical cannabis. Independent research has indicated that a significant proportion of officers may still be unaware that medical cannabis can be legally prescribed in the UK, even years after the law changed in 2018. Previous Freedom of Information responses showed that some police forces did not have internal training or up-to-date briefing materials on this subject, leaving officers to rely primarily on older Home Office circulars and personal discretion. This gap between policy and practice raises serious concerns. Unless officers are consistently aware of the legal framework, understand how to verify lawful possession, and are trained to apply the guidance, the lived experience of patients may not improve significantly. On Cancard: The Clarification That Was Needed The NPCC guidance confirms that a Cancard is not legally required for patients with a valid prescription, a vital clarification given the confusion that has surrounded this scheme. Cancard was originally introduced to assist officers in identifying individuals claiming medical need. However, it has always been a discretionary tool, not legal proof of lawful possession. Simply put: A card indicating intent or condition does not change the law. What matters is the prescription. Patients with a valid prescription from an appropriate specialist clinician are in lawful possession, with or without a card. PatientsCann UK’s Position We welcome this guidance as a meaningful step forward, but we call on the NPCC, individual forces, and the College of Policing to follow through with mandatory training, updated force policies, and a clear escalation route for patients who experience non-compliant policing. Guidance without enforcement infrastructure will not protect patients on the ground. PatientsCann UKUK’s Medical Cannabis Patient Organisation · patientscann.co.uk

Help Shape The Future of Medical Cannabis

PatientsCann UK — Help Shape the Future Call to Action DHSC Consultation October 2025 Help Shape the Future of Medical Cannabis The Department of Health and Social Care’s Call for Evidence on private prescribing is a rare opportunity to put patient voices at the heart of UK policy. Your experience is evidence — share it. PatientsCann UK·Advocacy·6 October 2025 Why This Matters The DHSC’s “Private (non-NHS) Prescribing: Call for Evidence” could influence how private prescribing works in the UK — including how cannabis-based medicines are accessed, regulated, and supported by clinicians. For thousands of patients, private prescriptions remain the only viable route to accessing the medicine they need. The review invites responses from clinicians, prescribers, pharmacists, healthcare organisations, and patient groups. While the questions are primarily aimed at professionals, it is crucial that patients and carers also share their experiences. Our Position PatientsCann UK believes this review must: Protect the right of patients to access regulated medical cannabis safely and affordably Promote fairness and consistency between NHS and private prescribing pathways Address stigma and empower clinicians to prescribe based on evidence, not fear Encourage more research, education, and evidence-based practice across the medical field For Patients & Carers Share how cannabis medicines have improved your health and quality of life Describe challenges with access, cost, or stigma Explain the reality of navigating private prescribing For Healthcare Professionals Describe prescribing barriers and clinical uncertainties you have encountered Highlight the need for evidence, education, and clearer NHS pathways Share examples of patient impact from restricted access How to Take Part Visit the GOV.UK Call for Evidence page and submit your response. You do not need to answer every question, but you must select Submit at the end for your response to count. Submit Your Evidence Note: This consultation is separate from the ACMD call for evidence on cannabis-based medicinal products. Both reviews are crucial, and we encourage responses to each. Together, they represent an unprecedented opportunity for patients to influence policy at the highest level. PatientsCann UKUK’s Medical Cannabis Patient Organisation · patientscann.co.uk

THCa is it legal?

PatientsCann UK — THCa — Is It Legal? Education Cannabinoids February 2025 THCa — Is It Legal in the UK? Tetrahydrocannabinolic acid (THCa) is a non-psychoactive cannabinoid found in raw cannabis. This guide explains its biochemistry, therapeutic potential, and — critically — its legal status in the United Kingdom. PatientsCann UK·Education·6 February 2025 · Updated March 2026 What Is THCa? THCa is the acidic precursor to THC found naturally in raw cannabis plants. In its unheated form it is non-psychoactive — it does not produce a “high.” The Critical Caveat When heated (smoking, vaping, cooking), THCa undergoes decarboxylation and converts into THC — gaining psychoactive properties. This conversion is legally significant. Therapeutic Potential Emerging research suggests THCa may offer several health benefits in its raw form: Anti-inflammatory properties: may reduce inflammation relevant to arthritis and other inflammatory diseases Neuroprotective effects: may protect nerve cells, with applications in neurodegenerative disorders Antiemetic benefits: may alleviate nausea and vomiting for patients undergoing chemotherapy or with chronic gastrointestinal conditions Legal Status in the UK The ACMD has addressed THCa’s control status in its consumer CBD report. While THCa in its raw state does not produce psychoactive effects, its potential to convert to THC on heating means it sits in a legally complex position under UK law. Important: The legal status of THCa in the UK is not straightforwardly settled. Under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971, cannabis and its cannabinoids are controlled. THCa products sold outside of a legitimate prescription pathway carry significant legal risk. PatientsCann UK recommends patients only access cannabinoids via licensed clinics and regulated prescribers. Educational Disclaimer This article is for educational purposes only. It is not legal advice. Laws change — always consult a qualified solicitor or your prescribing clinic for guidance specific to your situation. Mohammad Ismail “Ish” Wasway · Managing DirectorPatientsCann UK® · UK’s Medical Cannabis Patient Organisation · patientscann.co.uk

Legal Support for Medical Cannabis Patients in the UK

PatientsCann UK — Legal Support for CBPM Patient Resource Legal Support February 2025 Legal Support for Medical Cannabis Patients in the UK Since legalisation in 2018, patients have faced complex legal hurdles, societal stigma, and limited access to support. This guide explains the landscape and how organisations like Seed Our Future are helping. PatientsCann UK·Patient Resource·5 February 2025 NHS Access NHS doctors rarely prescribe CBMPs, leaving most patients with no choice but expensive private clinics. Legal Uncertainty Patients struggle to understand the legalities of possession and use in public, at work, and in healthcare settings. Workplace Stigma Employers who lack awareness may view prescribed cannabis use as problematic, leading to conflicts and wrongful treatment. Challenges in Legal Support The legal framework surrounding medical cannabis in the UK is complex, creating numerous obstacles for patients seeking treatment. While specialist doctors are legally permitted to prescribe CBMPs, access remains severely limited. Many patients, healthcare professionals, and service providers do not fully understand the legal rights and regulations governing medical cannabis use. This gap in knowledge often results in patients being misinformed or hesitant to assert their rights, while some service providers may be unwilling to support patients simply due to uncertainty about legal implications. Societal Stigma Despite legalisation for medical use, cannabis continues to carry deep-rooted stigma due to its long-standing association with recreational use. This stigma affects patients in several ways: social isolation, employment discrimination, and hesitancy from some healthcare professionals. Stigma also extends into the healthcare system itself. Some healthcare professionals remain hesitant to prescribe CBMPs, meaning patients may face barriers even when their condition would clinically justify treatment. Where to Get Support Organisations including Seed Our Future provide legal advocacy and support for medical cannabis patients. PatientsCann UK also maintains a legal support resource directory for patients facing discrimination, policing concerns, or workplace challenges. Need Legal Support? PatientsCann UK can help connect you with the right legal guidance for your situation — whether that’s a policing encounter, a workplace issue, or a housing concern. Legal Support Resources Mohammad Ismail “Ish” Wasway · Managing DirectorPatientsCann UK® · UK’s Medical Cannabis Patient Organisation · patientscann.co.uk

Claiming Social Care Support for Medical Cannabis Patients in the UK

PatientsCann UK — Social Care Support Patient Resource Social Care Care Act 2014 Claiming Social Care Support for Medical Cannabis Patients in the UK If you receive a social care package from your local authority, you may be able to have your CBPM prescription costs assessed as Disability Related Expenditure — potentially reducing your social care charges. PatientsCann UK·Patient Resource · Care Act 2014 What Is DRE? Disability Related Expenditure (DRE) covers the extra costs associated with managing a health condition. Under the Care Act 2014, verified DRE is disregarded in financial assessments, meaning it can reduce how much you pay for social care. Key Point A successful DRE claim does not mean the NHS pays for your cannabis prescription. It means your prescription costs are excluded from the calculation of your social care contribution, reducing your charges. How Financial Assessments Work Under Section 14 of the Care Act 2014, local authorities can charge for social care, but they must ensure that such charges are fair and transparent. A financial assessment will factor in savings, pension and benefit income, and disability benefits. The assessment must disregard verified Disability Related Expenditure. How to Claim CBPM Costs as DRE To claim, you must provide evidence demonstrating that CBPM is a necessary treatment for your condition and that no effective alternative medications are available through the NHS. Many councils require support from a GP or healthcare consultant rather than evidence from a cannabis prescriber alone. If Your Claim Is Denied If your local authority rejects your request to classify CBPM costs as DRE, you can: File a formal complaint with the council, following their internal complaints procedure If unresolved, escalate to the Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman (LGSCO), which will independently assess your case Case Law Recent Ombudsman Precedent LGSCO Reference: 24 001 331 — Brighton & Hove City Council In this recent case, Brighton & Hove City Council was found at fault for mishandling a social care assessment for a patient requesting that their CBPM costs be included as DRE. The Ombudsman identified three key failures: Failure to Consider Medical Evidence: The patient provided evidence that alternative medications posed serious health risks. The council appeared to disregard these critical points in its assessment. Lack of Transparency: The council claimed the patient’s cannabis medication costs were “unreasonable,” yet failed to provide a clear justification for its decision. Injustice to the Patient: The absence of a thorough review means the patient cannot be confident that her request was properly evaluated — a clear injustice under the Care Act 2014. Patients who encounter similar challenges are encouraged to challenge decisions through formal complaints and escalate to the Ombudsman if necessary. Councils rarely refuse Ombudsman recommendations. Step Action Evidence Needed 1 Request a financial assessment and declare CBPM costs Prescription records, cost evidence 2 Submit DRE evidence with GP/consultant support letter GP or specialist letter confirming necessity 3 If refused, file formal complaint with the council All correspondence and medical evidence 4 Escalate to LGSCO if complaint unresolved Full case history for independent review Further Guidance The Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman and Care Act Statutory Guidance are key resources for patients navigating this process. LGSCO Website Full Guide Mohammad Ismail “Ish” Wasway · Managing DirectorPatientsCann UK® · UK’s Medical Cannabis Patient Organisation · patientscann.co.uk