Medical Cannabis & Driving In The U.K. | What Do You Need To Know??

Summary

In this video, the presenter kicks off a new series, 'Medical MythBusters,' where they debunk myths surrounding medical cannabis. The focus of this episode is on the legality and safety of driving while using medical cannabis. They clarify that prescribed patients can legally drive as long as they are not impaired and provide helpful tips on what evidence to carry, such as prescription details, to avoid legal trouble if stopped by the police. The presenter also shares advice on how to handle interactions with police and the importance of following the law. The video wraps up with a call to action to subscribe for more content and a chance to win a free vaporizer.

Takeaways

• 😀 Medical cannabis patients are legally allowed to drive as long as they are not impaired by the medication.
• 😀 You need to follow the prescribed consumption method (e.g., vaping, not smoking) to be compliant with the law.
• 😀 If you're a medical cannabis patient, you have a medical defense against legal limits for THC levels while driving, provided you're not impaired.
• 😀 Always carry evidence of your prescription, such as a copy of your prescription, driver's license, or a letter from your prescribing clinic when driving.
• 😀 Your cannabis should be in the correct container with a dispensing label containing your name for it to be legal while driving.
• 😀 If stopped by the police, remain calm, polite, and comply with their requests. Only mention your prescription if they suspect cannabis use or impairment.
• 😀 If the police insist on a swab test after you show your medical documents, calmly remind them that the test is for illegal drug use, not for legal, prescribed cannabis.
• 😀 If the police still want to conduct a test, allow them to do so, as refusing could lead to separate charges.
• 😀 If you're arrested, seek professional legal advice and inform the police of your legal prescription immediately.
• 😀 The police may not always be up to date with cannabis laws, so having a printed guide on medical cannabis laws can help clarify any confusion.
• 😀 The video is not legal advice, and viewers should not rely on it as such. Always refer to the provided links for official information.

Q & A

Can a prescribed medical cannabis patient legally drive?

Yes, as long as the patient is not impaired by the medication and follows the prescribed usage guidelines, such as vaping instead of smoking, they can legally drive.

What is meant by 'medical defense' in relation to driving with medical cannabis?

A medical defense allows a prescribed patient to have THC levels above the legal limit without facing legal consequences, as long as they are not impaired and are following their clinic's instructions.

What should a patient do if they feel impaired after using medical cannabis?

If a patient feels drowsy, sleepy, or uncertain about the effects of their medication, they should avoid driving until they are confident it is safe to do so.

What items should a medical cannabis patient carry with them while driving?

A patient should carry a copy of their prescription, their driver's license or another photo ID, a letter from their prescribing clinic, and their medication in its correct container with a dispensing label that includes their name.

What should a patient do if they are stopped by the police while driving?

The patient should remain calm, polite, and cooperative. They should provide their prescription documents if the police suspect impairment or smell cannabis, and explain they have a medical defense to be over the legal THC limit.

What is the recommended approach if the police want to swab the patient for drugs?

If the police insist on swabbing, the patient should comply, as failing to take the test could result in a separate charge. It's important to remind the police that the test is for illegal drugs, not legal controlled medication.

Are all police forces familiar with the laws regarding medical cannabis?

No, some police forces may not be fully up to date with the laws surrounding medical cannabis. It is advisable for patients to carry a printed guide to medical cannabis laws to show officers if necessary.

What happens if a patient is arrested despite having a medical defense for driving?

If a patient is arrested, they should seek professional legal advice immediately and inform the authorities about their legal prescription. However, if the patient follows the legal guidelines, they should not be arrested.

Can alcohol be mixed with medical cannabis while driving?

No, it is not advisable to mix alcohol with cannabis, as alcohol can enhance the effects of cannabis and impair driving abilities.

What does the speaker mean when they say 'don't take this as legal advice'?

The speaker is emphasizing that the information shared in the video is not meant to be a substitute for professional legal advice. Viewers should consult legal professionals for specific legal issues regarding medical cannabis and driving.