Pharmacist Struck Off for Persistent Cannabis Use and Lack of Remorse

Date of Decision: February 20, 2019

Registrant's Role: Pharmacist

Allegations:

  • Possession of cannabis resin found in the registrant’s motor vehicle.
  • Admission by the registrant that the cannabis was for personal use.
  • Issuance of a police cannabis warning.
  • Continued use and justification of cannabis use by the registrant, despite its classification as a Class B drug.

Outcome: Removal from the Register

GPhC Standards Breached:

  • Standard 6 – Pharmacy professionals must behave in a professional manner.

Case Summary

Allegations

This case concerns a pharmacist who was initially suspended for misconduct following a police incident in which cannabis resin was discovered in his vehicle. The registrant admitted that the drug was for his personal use and accepted a formal police warning. At the time of the original hearing in 2017, he openly stated that he occasionally used cannabis and did not see it as problematic, showing a troubling lack of awareness regarding the professional and legal implications of such behaviour.

The original fitness to practise panel concluded that the registrant’s use of cannabis—a Class B drug—was misconduct serious enough to warrant suspension, especially given his lack of insight, remorse, or understanding of the reputational damage such conduct could cause the pharmacy profession.

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Original Case Document

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