Medical cannabis is legal in the UK, and as a patient, you have the right to carry and use your medication as prescribed. However, a Curaleaf Clinic study from 2022 found that nearly a third of British police officers were unaware that medical cannabis could be legally prescribed, suggesting a lack of awareness or understanding amongst some authorities.
To address this, new national policing guidance for medical cannabis [1] was introduced in January 2026. This guidance, prepared by the Association of Police Controlled Drug Liaison Officers (APCDLO), provides clear procedures for police officers and staff across England and Wales when encountering patients prescribed medical cannabis.
Most medical cannabis patients who use their medication as prescribed continue with their daily lives without issue. However, when travelling or using your medication outside the home, it’s important to feel confident and informed. This guide explains the latest police procedures, what to expect if you’re questioned about your prescription, and your rights when dealing with the police, employers, or other authorities.
At a Glance
- Medical cannabis is legal in the UK when prescribed by a specialist doctor.
- New national police guidance advises officers to take a “patient-first, until proven otherwise” approach when dealing with medical cannabis patients.
- Patients may still be asked to verify the legality of their prescription. We recommend patients carry:
- Medication in its original, labelled container
- Access to a copy of the prescription or clinic letter. This can be found in your Curaleaf Clinic Online Account, even on the go.
- A valid photo ID
- Under the Equality Act 2010, employers should not discriminate against you for using medical cannabis to treat a medical condition and must make reasonable adjustments where appropriate.
What Is the New Police Guidance for Medical Cannabis?
New national guidance from the Association of Police Controlled Drug Liaison Officers (APCDLO) advises police officers and staff in England and Wales to adopt a “patient-first, until proven otherwise” approach when encountering medical cannabis patients. This aims to create more consistent and informed patient–police interactions.
The guidance reinforces that it is legal for patients to possess cannabis-based medicinal products (CBMPs), whether prescribed through the NHS or a private medical cannabis clinic. It also provides clear national procedures for how officers should approach and verify patients using prescribed medical cannabis.
For patients, this guidance is intended to provide reassurance and peace of mind, particularly when using their medication in public or travelling with it, and to reduce the risk of unnecessary questioning or disruption.
Steps Police Should Follow When Encountering Medical Cannabis Patients
The guidance outlines the steps officers should take when encountering someone in possession of cannabis, with the aim of establishing whether they are a legitimate medical cannabis patient. Steps include:
- Ask to see the original packaging, checking the dispensing label to confirm the patient’s name and prescribed medicine.
- Request a copy of the prescription or a letter from the prescriber (although there is no legal requirement for patients to carry these) which can be viewed from your smartphone in your Curaleaf Clinic online account.
- Ask to see a form of physical photo identification (passport, driver’s licence) to validate their documents.
- If these documents cannot be presented, officers should consider contacting the prescribing clinic or doctor to verify the patient’s prescription.
Further action should only be taken if the officer has reasonable grounds to believe that the cannabis is not legally prescribed.
Are Medical Cannabis Passes or Cards Valid Proof of a Prescription?
The only documents which can be used to verify a patient’s medical cannabis prescription are copies of the prescription or a letter from the prescriber or clinic detailing the treatment plan and prescribed medicine.
The national police guidance explicitly states that medical cannabis cards, passes, or similar documents are not considered valid proof of a prescription.
If a patient presents a card or pass, police officers are still likely to request official documentation, such as a prescription copy or clinic letter, to verify legal possession.
Using Medical Cannabis in Public and When Travelling
While it’s uncommon for medical cannabis patients to be stopped by the police, it helps to be prepared. Here’s what you can do to show that you’re a legal medical patient:
- Keep your medicine in its original container with the pharmacy label intact.
- Carry photo ID that matches the name on your prescription or container.
- Have access to a copy of your prescription or clinic letter. You can download these from your Curaleaf Clinic online account at any time.
Patients prescribed medical cannabis are legally allowed to carry and consume their medicine in public, just like they would any other medicine.
However, patients prescribed dried flower for use in a medical vaporiser, or a medical vape, may only be able to use it in public places where vaping devices are permitted, as venues and public spaces can enforce their own rules about vaping devices, regardless of the substance being used.
Travelling Abroad with Medical Cannabis
If you’re travelling abroad, different laws and regulations will apply in each country. Many countries have strict rules on medical cannabis, and even carrying your prescription could lead to legal issues. To stay informed and avoid complications, read our guide on travelling with medical cannabis.
We can provide a signed travel letter free of charge if it’s required for your trip. When requesting a travel letter, please ensure it reflects the medications you are planning to take with you abroad. If you need to make changes to your treatment plan before travelling, it’s best to book an appointment ahead of requesting your travel letter so it includes your most up-to-date prescribed medications.
What Do You Do If Clinic Letters or Prescriptions Are Not Accepted?
In most cases, a copy of your clinic letter or prescription will be enough to confirm that you’re a legal medical cannabis patient. However, if you’re involved in a formal investigation or legal case, we advise you to follow these steps:
- Contact the clinic: Email us as soon as possible so we can collate the necessary documentation.
- Follow legal advice: If you have a solicitor, they can help you communicate with the authorities and understand what evidence is required for your case.
- Provide supporting documents: We can supply additional evidence if needed.
Supporting Documents We Can Provide
If you need additional proof of your prescription, we can arrange a letter from your consultant (which can confirm your treatment plan and address any case-specific concerns) and signed copies of all prescriptions on file with your nominated pharmacy. Please note that due to data protection and data storage, there’s a limited retention policy for keeping copies of signed prescriptions once they’ve been dispensed.
Legal Representation
If your case escalates, you may need legal representation. Private representation can be expensive, but you might qualify for Legal Aid. Citizens Advice can give free advice about the process of applying for Legal Aid.
If you’re working with a solicitor or legal team, you’ll need to give us written permission before we can share your medical information with them.
Witness Statements from Your Consultant
In some cases, the police or the court may request a witness statement from your consultant. This is usually provided in writing, but in rare situations, a consultant may be asked to attend court in person to give evidence.
What to Do If Questioned by Your Employer
If you’re using medical cannabis for a qualifying condition, you’re protected under the Equality Act 2010[2]. Your employer must not unlawfully discriminate against you because of a disability or medical treatment and must consider reasonable adjustments where applicable, such as:
- Adjusting work duties to accommodate any side effects.
- Allowing flexibility with working hours or breaks.
- Providing a private space for taking medication.
Workplace medication policies can vary, so check your company’s policy for guidance. If you feel comfortable, it may be helpful to inform human resources or your manager about your prescription. However, your medical information is protected under UK GDPR and the Data Protection Act 2018, meaning your employer must handle it confidentially[3].
For more information on talking to your employer, read our online help sheet. If you require any support or documentation, please reach out to the clinic. We’re here to help.
Conclusion
For many of our patients, carrying and consuming prescribed medical cannabis is straightforward, and challenges from authorities are uncommon. If you follow the guidelines and keep your documentation with you, you should feel confident when travelling with your prescription.
If you do have any concerns or find yourself in a difficult situation, we’re here to help. Get in touch and we’ll support you with the information and documents you need.
Sources
[1] https://hubble-live-assets.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/cta/file_asset/file/3676/APCDLO-Med-Can-Guidance-V01.pdf
[2] Alin Ciocan (2024). Cannabis in the UK Workplace: Legal Realities – Labour Laws UK. [online] Labour Laws UK. Available at: https://labourlaws.co.uk/cannabis-in-the-uk-workplace-legal-realities/.
[3] www.burges-salmon.com. (n.d.). GDPR Personal Data and Sensitive Personal Data. [online] Available at: https://www.burges-salmon.com/news-and-insight/legal-updates/gdpr-personal-data-and-sensitive-personal-data.
