🌿 Medical Cannabis in the Workplace: A Smarter Approach for UK Employers

David Bainbridge
May 19
2 min read

Medical cannabis is on the rise in the UK — and with it, new challenges for businesses.

While recreational cannabis remains illegal, cannabis-based medication prescribed by a qualified healthcare professional is legal and increasingly used to treat conditions like chronic pain, epilepsy, and anxiety.

For employers, this raises important questions around workplace drug testing, performance, and policy.

In a world where “zero tolerance” was once the norm, is it time to rethink how we respond to legal substances?

What Is Medical Cannabis?

Medical cannabis refers to legally prescribed cannabis-based products used to treat a range of medical conditions. These products may contain THC, CBD, or a combination, and are strictly controlled under UK regulations.

If an employee is using medical cannabis with a prescription, they are not breaking the law — but that doesn't mean there are no workplace implications.

What Employers Need to Know

Here’s the reality: medical cannabis can affect concentration, coordination, and alertness — especially in safety-critical roles.

But here’s the other reality: banning it outright could be discriminatory, and ignoring it could put your team at risk.

So what’s the smarter way to handle it?

A Balanced, Legally-Sound Approach

My personal recommendation is that employers treat medical cannabis like any other prescribed medication that has the potential to impair performance.

Here are key considerations:

✅ Assess the Risk, Not the Substance

Focus on the employee’s ability to safely perform their role. Just like with strong painkillers or sedatives, medical cannabis may require adjustments or temporary role changes.

✅ Avoid Blanket 'Zero Tolerance' Policies

Workplace drug testing policies that don’t account for prescribed medications — including cannabis — could leave you open to legal and ethical challenges. It’s time to move from a one-size-fits-all approach to something more flexible and fair.

✅ Update Your Workplace Drug Testing Policy

Make sure your substance misuse policy includes guidance on prescribed substances, including cannabis-based medication. Does it clearly explain how disclosure works? Are your managers trained to handle it sensitively?

✅ Encourage Disclosure, Not FearIf employees are afraid to disclose legal medical use, they may try to hide it — creating unnecessary risks. A supportive culture leads to safer outcomes.

Medical Cannabis and Workplace Drug Testing

If you’re conducting workplace drug testing — especially urine or saliva testing — your procedures should reflect the potential for legitimate use of medical cannabis. This includes clear communication, proper consent, and having a defined process for reviewing prescriptions.

Remember: while "Drug testing near me" searches are rising, so should your knowledge and awareness. It's great that we help more companies focus on supportive, legally-compliant testing, not just enforcement.

Let’s Help You Get It Right

Medical cannabis in the workplace isn’t just a legal issue — it’s a people issue. And how you handle it can make all the difference to trust, safety, and your company culture.

At First Cohort, we help businesses across the UK build smarter, more supportive workplace drug testing policies — designed to protect both the company and the people who work there.

Whether you’re updating your substance misuse policy or reviewing your testing procedures, we’re here to help.