Alan Robinson, who runs the Stay Medicated medical cannabis vape lounge, had prescriptions returned to him after his business premises was raided by police.
There has been a call for the PSNI There has been a call for the PSNI to have education on medical cannabis legislation after multiple reports of prescriptions being seized by officers before needing to be returned.
Alan Robinson, who runs the Stay Medicated medical cannabis vape lounge in Ballyclare, has called for officers in the PSNI to have a better understanding of medical cannabis legislation after his business was raided by police and a number of prescriptions seized. These were then returned to him days later with Alan capturing the moment on video.
Speaking to Belfast Live, Alan said that he was "disappointed and frustrated" with the police's actions and believes that it was a waste of officer's time, however says that he has heard of a number of similar issues where medical cannabis patients have had medication seized.
Read more: PSNI accused of 'not knowing medical cannabis laws' as officers return seized medication
He said that officers, particularly those in more senior roles, need to be educated on the current legislation in Northern Ireland and the impact their actions can have on patients who can feel unfairly targeted and stigmatised for something that is completely legal.
Alan said: "Since I opened Stay Medicated I have been very open about wanting to engage with local authorities in order to help them better understand medical cannabis and the reasons why people are using it.
"So it was very disappointing when officers carried out a warrant on my premises and seized a number of my prescriptions that I had on site. While this was distressing in itself, it also made my business look bad to others in the area as if I was up to something that I am not and I don't think the impact this can have on people is recognised.
"While I am grateful that officers did eventually return my prescriptions, I have spoken to others who have had their prescriptions seized and been too scared to ask for them to be returned as it can be quite intimidating.
"Medical cannabis has been available in Northern Ireland for a number of years now and the police should be aware of the legislation that is in place. I feel that there may still be a stigma surrounding medical cannabis within the force, particularly with more senior officers, and more education on the issue would be very beneficial to them and help them understand patients.
"A patient liaison officer within the force would also be a great benefit and give patients someone to talk to if they find themselves having issues with police and their prescriptions.
"I believe medical cannabis should be something the police should be in favour of as it is a completely legal way for people to access this medication without having to resort to purchasing it from the black market, which can support organised crime and paramilitaries who are a threat to our communities."
The PSNI has been contacted for comment but not responded at the time of publication.
Join our Belfast Live breaking news service on WhatsApp.
by threebodysolution
4 comments
I will celebrate the day our taxes are part funded by, and not wasted trying to police, cannabis.
FREETHEWEED
How hard is it for the complete mongs, why would you need training or anything more than being told it is now legal with a prescription. Absolutely baffling
What’s this guys angle anyway? How the hell does he make money from this business model without shoveling a bit of black market on the side? Needs to be legalized anyway, as it’s harmless and potentially huge for the local economy.
Comments are closed.