UK Flight Grounded Due to Medical Cannabis

Five patients who had legally prescribed cannabis were on the flight when airline staff noticed a smell of cannabis and called the police, as pilots were in fear that they could suffer potential intoxication via a ‘possible contact high’.

Videos seen on social media show how armed Metropolitan Police officers boarded the plane and appeared to be unfamiliar with the law surrounding medicinal cannabis.

It is believed that the patients in question were ordered to the front of the plane and forced to explain their situation, something which caused them significant ‘anxiety and embarrassment. Even though they were all in possession of the correct paperwork to travel with their prescription items—and clearing all security checks, their medication was seized and put in the cargo hold of the plane. 

Upon landing, the medication was put in a carrier bag and passed back to the patients via the baggage carousel for collection, which goes directly against professional medical advice for a Schedule 2 controlled substance.

Medicinal cannabis has been legal in the UK since 2018, with more than 35,000 patients now thought to be accessing it via prescription. In vast majority are from private clinics. However, almost six years later many police officers and other authorities still appear to be fully aware of or understand the law.

What Should You Know About Travelling With Cannabis?

• Travelling with a medical cannabis prescription is allowed, but passengers need to complete a travel request form from their prescribing doctor at least two weeks before travelling. 
• Be aware of the restrictions on transporting medical cannabis in or out of the country you intend to visit. Medications such as cannabis are strictly regulated and may not be legal to possess in all countries. Always check the government website of your destination country for their medical cannabis laws before travelling.
• Sometimes you may have to contact the embassy of the country to request to travel. Some countries may have restrictions on the amount of cannabis that you can travel with. 
• Always keep the prescription in its original packaging, and have a second copy, a travel letter and your ID all kept together in case you get stopped by the police or other authorities. 
• Inform your hotel or accommodation of your medical cannabis prescription before your arrival so that they can inform you of any rules and where you can use your medication on-site. 

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