Work, Driving & Holidays

How do I request a travel letter?

If you need a travel letter to confirm your patient status and medical cannabis prescription, you can request one through the patient portal. Please include your travel dates and destination so our team can process the request accordingly. We recommend submitting your request at least two weeks before your departure date.

Can I drive?

This information has been provided and approved by the Cannabis Industry Council.

As a patient prescribed with a cannabis medicine, you can possess and take your medicine, and continue to drive a motor vehicle so long as:

you are not impaired

the cannabis medicine has been prescribed to you and this can be evidenced

you are following the directions provided by your specialist consultant and the instructions given by the manufacturer or distributor of the medicine

If you can provide sufficient evidence that you meet the criteria above, you have a statutory medical defence. You should not be arrested and have a defence to the offence of driving or being in charge of a motor vehicle with THC over the specified limit of 2μg/L in the blood.

Following the guidance in this leaflet and raising your statutory medical defence if you are stopped on the roadside, will help you to avoid unnecessary blood samples, arrest and potential prosecution.

1. Do not drive impaired

It is an offence to drive whilst impaired by medicines or for any other reason

It is the responsibility of all drivers, including patients, to consider whether they believe their driving is, or might be, impaired on any given occasion

Do not drive if you are experiencing sleepiness, poor coordination, impaired or slowed thinking, dizziness, or visual problems

Do not to drive when the risk of impairment may be temporarily increased, for example, when first starting, or when first increasing or reducing the dose of your medicine

Take particular care if you are taking other prescribed or over-the-counter medicines that could impair your driving or interact with your Medical Cannabis prescription to impair your driving

Take particular care if you have a developing medical condition that could increase the risk of the impairing side effects of your prescription (eg. a serious illness with recent marked weight loss)

Be aware that alcohol taken in combination with other impairing drugs can substantially increase the risk of accidents

The statutory medical defence cannot be used if a patient is impaired

2. Follow specialist and manufacturer guidance

You must follow the directions provided to you by your specialist consultant, including dosing instructions, use with other medicines (prescribed and over- the-counter) and impairment.

You must also follow any accompanying instructions (so far as consistent with any directions by your specialist consultant) given by the manufacturer or distributor of the medicine.

3. Carry Evidence

Carry the following up-to-date documentation with you in your vehicle:

A physical or digital copy of your most recent prescription

Photo ID, e.g. driver's licence

If possible, a physical or digital letter from your specialist confirming you are their patient

If you need to carry your medication with you, it must be in its original packaging, as dispensed by the pharmacist, with the label showing your name,.

What to do if you are stopped by the police

Remain calm, polite and compliant

There is no need to mention that you are prescribed a cannabis medicine unless the police suspect you have used cannabis or are impaired in some way

If the police suspect you have cannabis in your system, calmly inform them that you are legally prescribed a cannabis medicine, that you have a medical defence to exceed the limit and share your documentation with them

The police are now legally obligated to investigate your medical defence

If the police insist on a roadside swab to detect THC, remind them that you are legally prescribed a cannabis medicine (and legally permitted to possess the medication) and that preliminary tests are to identify the presence of illicit – not legal – controlled drugs

You may want to share the Guidance for Police (which includes a link to a full evidence pack) via the QR link on the next page

If the police continue to insist on a roadside swab, it may be best to take the test, remain calm and follow their instructions

If the police ask to conduct an impairment test you should comply, as failure to cooperate may amount to a separate criminal offence

If you are arrested and taken to a police station to be interviewed under caution, it is vital that you request representation by either a solicitor of your own choosing, or the duty solicitor. Inform the solicitor of your medical defence and the basis for it.

Can I operate machinery?

Avoid operating or using heavy machinery while taking CBPMs. If you do feel lightheaded, dizzy, or sleepy or if you have double vision, do not drive, or use heavy machinery. You should not take part in any other activities where this could put yourself or others at risk. For further information please visit: www.gov.uk/drug-driving-law

Can I travel with my medication?

When travelling, it’s important to understand the regulations surrounding the transport of cannabis-based prescription medicines (CBPMs). These medicines are highly controlled and may be illegal to carry in certain countries, even with a valid prescription. We therefore recommend checking the official government website of your destination country before travelling with your medication.

I am staying at a hotel, should I let them know I am a patient?

If you need written confirmation of your patient status to verify your lawful possession of medication, we can provide this to the relevant organisation upon request. However, please note that private properties may have their own policies regarding cannabis use, and we recommend that you respect and comply with these guidelines.

What happens if my work drug tests me?

We strongly advise all patients to inform their employer about their medical cannabis treatment. Our clinic can provide supporting documentation if required. Please note that workplace drug tests may detect THC - even trace amounts - for several days after use. Although CBD itself is non-intoxicating, some products can contain small levels of THC that may still result in a positive test.

Certain professions, such as aviation, transport, and construction, may prohibit any detectable level of THC. We therefore recommend being transparent with your employer and seeking guidance from your union or professional body for further advice.