Medical Cannabis and the Law - Patient Rights Explained

The UK has had fully legal medical cannabis for more than six years now.

Yet, still, many people remain unaware of the law and how it works. It is estimated there are some 60,000 patients prescribed medical cannabis from private clinics in the UK today, with at least several thousand in Yorkshire. So, if you're one of them, or you see someone with medical cannabis in public and what to know what the law says, what are medical patients rights? 

Well, firstly, cannabis remains a class B drug unless prescribed. It is also illegal to smoke, even with a prescription, so if you were concerned about wafting weed smoke in Harrogate town center you should be allright. But what else does the law say? This article will look at what you can do as a medical cannabis patient, what you can't do and some suggestions for interacting with police or others concerned about cannabis in public. 

What You Can Do as a Patient

In terms of the law, patients deserve to know they can use their medicine without fear of judgement or intervention from police, security or employers. Which they can, under The Equality Act 2010. 

For example, many Brits today are prescribed cannabis for arthritis. This painful condition can make long days out of the house difficult, but studies have shown medical cannabis can help. Professional clinicians can help arthritic patients through each step of the process, from consultation to delivery to follow up care. 

Once you have been prescribed medical cannabis you can legally medicate in any public place, indoor or outdoor. Medical cannabis flower vapes are designed to be non-toxic and quick dissipating - meaning only the patient with the vape should feel any effects. Even in a busy public place. Therefore, medical cannabis vapes are not covered by the ban on smoking or vaping in public indoor spaces. 

However, this does not mean you will be free from attention or suspicion from others if you choose to vape your medicine in a public space. Although it is your legal right, not everyone is aware of the law. 

You can also drive while treating your condition with medical cannabis. But, the onus is on the individual to ensure they are not impaired. If you are stopped by police and you fail a roadside inebriation test you could still be arrested. So, err on the side of caution and use your best judgement. 

What Remains Illegal 

No matter what you do with different strains of weed you can be prescribed in the UK, smoking them remains illegal. But, vaped cannabis is a non-harmful and much more discrete way of consuming your medical flower - and each strain's taste and flavour profiles will be purer too. See what others think of these aspects of each strain with patient and expert reviews. 

You are also not allowed to convert your medication yourself, for example making oils or flower into home madeedibles. Possession of cannabis flower in an non-prescription container and without your prescription documents is also not advised. 

Police will almost certainly confiscate your flower in this case, and would be within their rights to detain you until you can prove your prescription. 

You also can't get a prescription privately, and then go to the black market. Well, you can, but not legally, and clinicians would tell you not to. Consuming black market cannabis from unlicensed grows, even when looked on as medicinal use, is not the same as a clinically approved course of actual cannabis medication - for either health outcomes or in the eyes of the law. 

Interacting with Police or other Authorities 

North Yorkshire Police are trained to follow national guidelines on interacting with medical cannabis patients. If required to interact with police that are suspicious of the smell of cannabis, calmly and clearly state your legal medical need and produce your prescription. If everything is in order, police should be finished with their check up in minutes and you can be on your way. 

If you're concerned about carrying medical cannabis in public, or the hassle of carrying your prescription documents, consider getting some kind of medical cannabis card. 

These are offered by most clinics, and many UK police forces - including North Yorkshire - have had them explained to officers. In this case, simply produce the card as you explain your legal right to the medicine, and police can scan the QR code in just seconds to confirm. 

These can also be useful for interacting with door staff or venue security, who may not be aware of medical weed laws in the same way as police. In these instances, it may be useful to memorise a few key pieces of legislation to illustrate you know your legal rights in an interaction. 

These small things all make a difference to medical cannabis patients. Many of whom struggle with conditions that cause isolating chronic pain and anxiety. Being able to freely move about without fear of stigma or even criminal prosecution over a choice of medication is your lawful right, and something that many people have worked hard to make a reality.