Most medical cannabis patients still fear telling employers, study finds

Seven 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The findings suggest that stigma and outdated workplace drug-testing policies are still discouraging employees from being open about legally prescribed treatments, with some patients reporting disciplinary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.