Since medical cannabis was legalised in the UK in 2018, more patients are turning to this natural alternative to help manage a range of health conditions—from chronic pain and anxiety to multiple sclerosis and epilepsy. But while the law now allows certain patients to legally access cannabis-based medicines, the rules around travelling and driving with a prescription can still feel confusing.
Whether you're heading on a road trip, taking public transport, or planning a holiday abroad, knowing your rights - and responsibilities - is essential. This blog breaks down everything you need to know about travelling and driving with medical cannabis in the UK and beyond.
Is It Legal to Travel with Medical Cannabis in the UK?
If you’ve been legally prescribed medical cannabis by a specialist doctor, and have gone through a licensed provider like Big Narstie Medical, yes - you can travel with your medication within the UK. However, there are a few key points to keep in mind:
1. Always carry your prescription
You should always have proof that your cannabis medication has been prescribed. This could include:
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A copy of your prescription
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A letter from your prescribing doctor
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The pharmacy label on your medication packaging
If you're ever stopped by police or questioned at a transport checkpoint, showing these documents can help prevent misunderstandings.
2. Keep cannabis products in original packaging
To avoid suspicion or confusion, never transfer your medication to unlabelled containers. Keep all products - including oils, capsules or flower - in their original, pharmacy-labelled packaging.
3. Store it safely
Keep your medication in a secure and sealed container, ideally in a lockable bag if you're travelling by train or bus. For car travel, keep it out of sight and not in the glove box or on the dashboard.
Driving with Medical Cannabis: What Are the Rules?
Driving while using medical cannabis is not illegal - but driving while impaired is. Here’s what you need to know:
1. The law around drug driving
In the UK, drug driving laws include limits for both illegal and prescription drugs. THC (the psychoactive component in cannabis) is included in this list. The legal limit for THC is extremely low - just 2 micrograms per litre of blood.
But if you have a valid prescription, you're legally allowed to drive as long as you're not impaired.
2. How to protect yourself legally
To stay safe and on the right side of the law:
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Don’t drive if you feel drowsy, dizzy or slow to react after taking your medication.
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Keep your prescription and doctor’s letter in your car.
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If stopped by police, let them know you’re a legal medical cannabis patient.
If you’re taking cannabis containing THC, it's your responsibility to make sure it doesn’t affect your ability to drive safely. Being over the legal THC limit while driving without impairment is not a criminal offence if you have a prescription—but being impaired is.
3. What about CBD-only medication?
CBD products with no THC don’t impair your ability to drive, and they’re not covered under drug driving laws. If your medical cannabis contains only CBD, you’re free to drive without restrictions.
Travelling Abroad with Medical Cannabis
This is where things get more complicated. While you might have a legal prescription in the UK, medical cannabis laws vary from country to country. Some countries allow it, others ban it outright - and penalties can be severe.
1. Check the law in your destination
Before you travel, research:
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Whether medical cannabis is legal in your destination country
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Whether you can bring your own supply in
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If you need special documentation or permits
For example:
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Germany, the Netherlands, and some parts of Canada allow travellers with medical cannabis under certain conditions.
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Singapore, Japan, and the UAE have zero tolerance for cannabis—even with a prescription.
2. Contact the embassy
Always check with the embassy of the country you’re visiting for the most up-to-date and official information. Some countries may allow you to carry a limited amount if you have:
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A doctor’s letter (often needing a specific format)
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A translated version of your prescription
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An import/export license
3. Flying with medical cannabis
Airport security is handled by national law enforcement, so:
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Within the UK: You can bring your prescription medication on a domestic flight, just like any other prescribed drug.
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International flights: You risk fines or arrest depending on the destination.
Never assume it’s safe to take your medical cannabis abroad - always double-check first.
Pro Travel Tips for Medical Cannabis Patients
To make your journey as smooth as possible:
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✅ Create a travel kit: Include your prescription, a doctor’s letter, ID, and a copy of your clinic contact details.
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✅ Travel light: Only carry the amount you need for your trip, and avoid large quantities.
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✅ Use a lockable storage pouch: This helps avoid any unwanted attention or accidental exposure.
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✅ Communicate clearly: If asked by authorities, explain calmly that your medication is legally prescribed and offer your documentation.
🧠 Final Thoughts: Stay Safe, Stay Informed
As a medical cannabis patient, you have the right to access your treatment - but with that comes responsibility. Driving or travelling with medical cannabis is entirely possible in the UK (and sometimes abroad), but preparation is key.
At Big Narstie Medical, we’re here to support you every step of the way—from getting your prescription to understanding how to use it safely in daily life. If you have questions about driving, travel, or how your specific prescription affects you, always speak to your prescribing doctor or one of our medical experts.
Need More Help?
We know that navigating the legal and practical side of medical cannabis can be tricky. That’s why our team is here to help. Reach out to Big Narstie Medical for personalised advice and support.
Stay empowered. Stay legal. Stay well.