§ Mr. HeppellTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) what guidance is given to the Crown Prosecution Service on action to be taken against persons with multiple sclerosis who use cannabis as a beneficial homeopathic treatment; and what plans he has to review the guidance; [118531]
(2) what guidance is given to the police on action to be taken against persons with multiple sclerosis who use cannabis as a beneficial homeopathic treatment; and what plans he has to review the guidance. [118529]
§ Mr. Charles ClarkePossession of cannabis is a criminal offence and it is for the police and the Crown Prosecution Service to decide whether to prosecute in a particular case, taking account of the individual merits. If there is sufficient evidence to prosecute, then both the police and the Crown Prosecution Service will weigh public interest considerations.
The police have a range of guidance, the most recent was issued by the Association of Chief Police Officers in February last year; there are no plans to review this guidance. The Crown Prosecution Service assess all cases in accordance with the Code for Crown Prosecutors; this Code is currently under review.