In 2018, amendments to the 2001 Misuse of Drugs Regulations legalised “cannabis-based products for medicinal use in humans” (CBPMs) (Misuse of Drugs (Amendment) Regulations, 2018).

These products can be prescribed by a doctor on the specialist register when other treatments have failed. In this report, we refer to CBPMs and licensed cannabis-based medicines as “medical cannabis.” While medical cannabis products can be prescribed through the NHS, CBPMs are predominantly prescribed in private sector clinics.

There are indications that the number of medical cannabis users in the UK may increase in the future. Given this potential rise, the Department for Transport (DfT) is concerned about the challenges that medical cannabis use could pose to road safety.

The primary concern regarding cannabis and road safety is the psychoactive effects of delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) on an individual’s ability to drive safely.

The Road Traffic Act 1988 prohibits driving while unfit due to drink or drugs, and regulations introduced in 2015 established a threshold offence for driving with blood concentrations of 2 micrograms of THC per litre, regardless of fitness to drive.

The DfT commissioned NatCen Social Research (NatCen) to conduct a study to identify and report evidence in the following areas:

• The prescribing landscape and profile of users
• The impact of medical cannabis on driving ability and road safety
• Knowledge and understanding of how medical cannabis affects driving ability and behaviours among prescribers and users.

1.8 million brits seek medicinal cannabis through illegal channels

Research Components

The research consisted of two main components: interviews with key informants and a Rapid Evidence Assessment (REA) of both academic and grey literature.

NatCen conducted interviews with nine key informants identified through desk-based research and discussions with the DfT. These participants, who held informed views pertinent to the study, represented a variety of stakeholder organisations and groups.

The interviews took place in March 2021 and were audio recorded with the participants’ consent, feel free to go through the entire UK Medical Cannabis and Road Safety Report report by clicking the link below:

Read UK Medical Cannabis and Road Safety Report by NatCen

 

Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is for educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before using any THC product.