Medical Cannabis use in the police

Freedom of information request reference no: 01.FOI.22.026602

I note you seek access to the following information:

As you may or may not be aware, since 1 November 2018, It has been legal for Doctors to prescribe medical cannabis to patients in the UK in certain circumstances.

My questions to you are:
1. Would you be suspended/disciplined if you fail a drugs test for cannabis if you have proof that it has been prescribed by a doctor legally?
2. Are you aware of any Police officers that have disclosed that they use medical cannabis?
3. Would the police officer have to disclose this to the employer?

Decision

I have today decided to disclose the located information to you in full.

Please find below information pursuant to your request above.

Q1 - Would you be suspended/disciplined if you fail a drugs test for cannabis if you have proof that it has been prescribed by a doctor legally?

No, at the point of drug testing the police officer/staff member must declare any drugs that they have been medically prescribed and they would then have a lawful defence if they tested positive for that drug.

Q2 - Are you aware of any Police officers that have disclosed that they use medical cannabis?

The records held by DPS do not indicate that any police officers/staff have disclosed that they use medical cannabis, however, a police officer/staff member may have disclosed this to OH (Occupational Health) or their line manager. There is therefore no central recording of this information.

Q3 - Would the police officer have to disclose this to the employer?

Under the current MPS policy, there is an obligation for a police officer/staff member to disclose any prescribed medication that may affect their performance at work or restrict their capability, to their line manager.