Mark Shelford replied
Rather than answer your questions individually I have tried to articulate my overall policy as seen below:
Drugs Policy is made by central government, it is in my view improper, for the Police Service deliberately to set out to undermine government policy and the law.
Substantial change in national drugs policy currently seems very unlikely, there being no political will. The leader of the opposition has recently described policy as “about right”.
That said, I do not expect, the Police Service to make extraordinary efforts to chase individual users of drugs.
I note many instances of personal use that come to Police attention are dealt with by either no action, confined to seizure and/or by caution.
I expect that to continue.
It is I think, important to contribute to drug education and to help those with drug dependency, into treatment.
I shall encourage Avon & Somerset Police to work with service providers and schools to reduce drug dependency.
I shall expect pursuit of drug traffickers and dealers to be robust. I shall expect drink or drug driving to be dealt with, as the public would expect.
I do note your interest in “medical cannabis”.
Cannabis or cannabis derived drugs are matters, like all medications, for government and the appropriate medical and approval organisations.
I have followed recent debate with interest and remain open minded on matters outside my expertise or that of Policing.
If appointed and after seeing how matters develop, I feel that changes in the law are desirable, I shall lobby government privately.
Fare Thee Well