Jessica O'ConnorSeven years after medical cannabis was legalised in the UK, many patients continue to fear disclosing their prescriptions to employers, according to new data from Mamedica’s Sick Note Britain – Health & Work Index.
The findings suggest that stigma and outdated workplace drug-testing policies are still discouraging employees from being open about legally prescribed treatments, with some patients reporting disciplinary action or leaving employment as a result.
According to research cited in the report, more than 80% of UK medical-cannabis patients experience stigma despite holding legal prescriptions.
Meanwhile, 20% of adults have left a job due to illness, and 18% have reduced their working hours for health-related reasons.
10% said they had to rely on Statutory Sick Pay while unwell, and 9% lost up to half their income through unpaid leave.
The study also found that 13% of respondents believe their employer’s lack of understanding about chronic illness has negatively affected their career progression.
The release comes as the Home Office reviews evidence on cannabis-based medicines and employment law specialists urge companies to update workplace policies to accommodate legitimate prescriptions.
Jon Robson, CEO of Mamedica, said: “Stigma should never stand between a patient and their prescribed treatment.
“Employers need to update drug-testing and HR policies to recognise cannabis-based medicines as legitimate therapies.”
