POLICE in Lancashire are confused about the force's position on cannabis, according to an inquiry.
The report of the best value inspection about how the force deals with drugs was due to be presented to the Lancashire Police Authority today.
It says that: "There is confusion and inconsistency across the constabulary in the approach taken in relation to some of the issues faced more frequently by geographic officers.
"While acknowledging that police officers have discretionary powers, officers do not have the confidence to know when they should exercise them and when enforcement is appropriate.
"The situation has been aggravated by the recent and growing, publicity around cannabis and its medicinal use."
The report recommends that management communicates its position on cannabis to all staff.
It also says that the force needs to be wary of sending out the message "drugs = crime = bad" which is "often detrimental on drug users who do not commit crime to fund their habit."
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