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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- Full allegations considered by the GPhC/PSNI
- Panel findings and reasoning
- Outcome of the investigation
- Sanctions considered and imposed on the Pharmacist
- Key professional learning points
Original Case Document
The original determination document is available to registered users.