Around 20,000 people in the UK are now holders of a ‘cannabis card’, which effectively decriminalises the drug for medicinal users.
Around three and a half million people with health conditions are eligible for the Cancard under the private scheme, which was introduced in November last year.
Those with illnesses such as cancer, depression, epilepsy and multiple sclerosis are eligible to apply for the £20 card through their GP, even without a prescription for the drug.
The card identifies its holder as a ‘registered medical cannabis patient’, preventing them from being slapped with a fine or five-year prison sentence for buying cannabis for medicinal use.
Organisers of the scheme claim that 96 per cent of users stopped by police were able to evade arrest due to the card, without needing a prescription, The Times reports.
Patients who have been authorised to use medicinal cannabis for their conditions will not face arrest if they are holders of the Cancard which has the backing of police
Medical cannabis has been legal in the UK for two years. But due to strict rules, only a handful of people have been given an NHS prescription.
Currently, it is believe more than a million people in the UK buy cannabis illegally to self-medicate.
The scheme has gained support from The National Police Chiefs Council who say officers have been made aware of the cards, The Times reports.
Police chiefs said they are trying to ensure the card is not exploited by organised crime.
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Around 20,000 people in the UK are now holders of a ‘cannabis card’, which effectively decriminalises the drug for medicinal users.
Around three and a half million people with health conditions are eligible for the Cancard under the private scheme, which was introduced in November last year.
Those with illnesses such as cancer, depression, epilepsy and multiple sclerosis are eligible to apply for the £20 card through their GP, even without a prescription for the drug.
The card identifies its holder as a ‘registered medical cannabis patient’, preventing them from being slapped with a fine or five-year prison sentence for buying cannabis for medicinal use.
Organisers of the scheme claim that 96 per cent of users stopped by police were able to evade arrest due to the card, without needing a prescription, The Times reports.
Patients who have been authorised to use medicinal cannabis for their conditions will not face arrest if they are holders of the Cancard which has the backing of police
Medical cannabis has been legal in the UK for two years. But due to strict rules, only a handful of people have been given an NHS prescription.
Currently, it is believe more than a million people in the UK buy cannabis illegally to self-medicate.
The scheme has gained support from The National Police Chiefs Council who say officers have been made aware of the cards, The Times reports.
Police chiefs said they are trying to ensure the card is not exploited by organised crime.
