The Cannabis Industry Council has published a new patient-focused guide, Travelling with Medical Cannabis, offering practical advice for UK patients navigating the complex and often inconsistent rules around travelling with prescribed medical cannabis.
Whilst medical cannabis has been legal in the UK since 2018, patients continue to face uncertainty when travelling both domestically and internationally. Differences in legal frameworks, inconsistent enforcement, and limited awareness among authorities and transport providers have created significant challenges for patients relying on their medication.
Developed by CIC Ambassador Luke Strong and Adam Windish, CIC Standards and Education Pillar Lead, the guide provides clear, practical recommendations to help patients travel safely, confidently and within the law.
Key highlights from the guide include:
- The importance of carrying medical cannabis in original pharmacy packaging with supporting documentation
- Guidance on travelling within the UK, including flying, public transport, and police interactions
- Critical warnings around international travel, particularly in jurisdictions where cannabis remains illegal
- A breakdown of country-by-country considerations across Europe and globally ● A practical travel checklist to help patients prepare ahead of time
The guidance also highlights real-world case studies where patients experienced difficulties despite complying with the law, underscoring the need for better awareness and standardisation across transport providers and authorities across the globe.
Adam Windish, CIC Standards and Education Pillar Lead said: “This guide is about empowering patients with the information they need to travel safely, both within the UK and internationally. Rules across the globe can vary significantly, so the CIC hopes this guide will help patients understand where they can carry their medication legally. As regulations continue to evolve, the guide will be updated to reflect the latest requirements.”
The CIC is calling for increased education among airlines, law enforcement, and border authorities to ensure patients are treated fairly and consistently.
The Travelling with Medical Cannabis guide is now available to download for free via the Cannabis Industry Council’s Resources page on their website
