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