Living with Medical Cannabis Treatment
Medical cannabis is now prescribed in the UK for certain health conditions when other treatments haven’t worked. While it can offer relief and a better quality of life, patients often have practical questions about everyday use—how to store it, what to do when travelling, whether it’s safe to drive, and how others are coping on the same journey.
This guide brings together practical advice, legal considerations, and patient experiences so you can feel confident living with cannabis-based medicines.
Safe Storage of Medical Cannabis
Medical cannabis is classed as a controlled drug, so safe and responsible storage is essential.
- Keep it secure – Use a locked cupboard, drawer, or medical storage box. This is particularly important in homes with children, teenagers, or visitors.
- Original packaging matters – Keep your medication in its pharmacy container with the prescription label intact. This not only preserves instructions but also acts as proof if you are questioned.
- Store in a cool, dry place – Avoid heat, direct sunlight, and moisture, which can affect quality.
- Track expiry dates – Out-of-date medication should be returned to your pharmacy for safe disposal.
👉 NHS guidance: How to store medicines
Travelling with Medical Cannabis
Within the UK
- Always carry your prescription and ID.
- Keep medicines in hand luggage when travelling by train, coach, or plane.
- If challenged, calmly explain that your prescription was issued by a specialist doctor and dispensed legally in the UK.
Travelling Abroad
This area can be complex:
- Not all countries recognise UK prescriptions. Some treat possession as a criminal offence, regardless of medical need.
- Check rules before travelling via the embassy of your destination.
- Request a “Schengen Certificate” if travelling to certain European countries with controlled medicines.
- Carry a doctor’s letter alongside your prescription for added reassurance.
👉 GOV.UK: Travelling with controlled drugs
Driving Laws and Medical Cannabis
Driving under the influence of cannabis is a criminal offence in the UK—even if prescribed. However, patients can drive if they are not impaired and remain within legal limits.
- Legal protection – If stopped, patients with a valid prescription may have a “medical defence.”
- Know your limits – If your medicine affects concentration, reaction times, or makes you drowsy, you must not drive.
- Carry documents – Always keep proof of your prescription with you in case of roadside checks.
- Personal responsibility – Ultimately, it is your legal duty to decide whether you are fit to drive.
👉 DVLA guidance: Drug driving – the law
Real-Life Experiences
While research is growing, patient stories already highlight how medical cannabis impacts daily life:
- Pain management – Many report being able to reduce strong painkillers, especially opioids.
- Neurological conditions – Patients with MS describe fewer muscle spasms and improved sleep.
- Mental health – For some with PTSD or severe anxiety, medical cannabis brings stability and calm.
- Everyday living – Some say it helps them function better at work or enjoy family life again.
👉 Patient stories: End Our Pain
Key Takeaways
- Store securely and keep medication in original packaging.
- Travel wisely—rules differ across borders, so always check in advance.
- Driving is only legal if you’re not impaired and within limits.
- Real patients are finding relief, but every journey is unique.
Living with medical cannabis involves balancing the benefits of treatment with legal and practical responsibilities. By following the right steps and learning from others, you can make the most of your prescription safely and confidently.