Hi everybody!
Just thought I'd let you all know that, especially those who work on the NHS, and are unsure about the rules around medicinal cannabis and work.
HR told me I couldn't use medicinal cannabis in work, due to it causing drowsiness, so I ended up getting an appointment with Occupational Health, who on explanation of my prescription, said it was absolutely fine for me to medicate in work, as long as it doesn't impact my role negatively.
They said that as long as it is prescribed, and legal, that the employer cannot refuse to allow me. To medicate (unless of course it negatively impacted my role).
Thought some of you may be interested in this outcome. I assume it may be slightly different from Trust to Trust, but this is my experience!
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7 comments
Steveo
- 3y
Rep: 3994 Lvl: Gold
Unless you work in a safety-critical role, like a surgeon or pilot, a cannabis prescription should be treated as any other medication as far as employers are concerned.
20
greendaily
- 3y
Rep: 4100 Lvl: Gold
Certainly raises an interesting question, cause under the disability discrimination act, an employer can't discriminate against you because of your prescription, and they have to take reasonable steps to allow you to continue work, but you also don't want medical staff high as a kite.
Had the same argument years ago with an ex employer who expected me to go from a night shift to a day shift, with 1 day off, which screwed me up because of my medication. They threatened to sack me, i smacked them with the DDA, and all of a sudden, I was put on permanent nights, which was the reasonable step.
2
Terpman
- 3y
Rep: 4215 Lvl: Gold
I won't be telling my managers until I have no other choice, as far as I'm concerned they gave the go ahead back in 2019.
In 2017 I was arrested for cultivation, the trust put me on the sick, allowed me back after 3 months once I was testing negative made me go to counselling and jump through hoops telling me my job was under threat. Was only back about a fortnight and I couldn't walk, got diagnosed with palindromic rheumatism. Police took 2 yrs trying to prove I was a dealer, they couldn't, they couldn't even send anyone to court to counter my defense of medical use. I got 3 months suspended for 18 months.
Back at work HR's attitude suddenly changed, it was no longer you must stop but, we won't dictate what you do in your private life. "However if you're arrested again or work comes into question, there will be a more in-depth internal investigation" so I stopped, for 4yrs.
The last repeat prescription I got the gp refused to write it, she wanted my liver checked, and it turns out that the mildest arthritis medication the rheumatologist can give is destroying my liver. Had my MC script for 4 months now, for mental health issues, but it's also helping the rheumatism and it's legal so the police can't arrest me.
2
Mashpal
- 3y
Rep: 4361 Lvl: Gold
I use medical cannabis daily sometimes at my desk and I work for an nhs trust
2
Lodon
- 3y
Rep: 3538 Lvl: Gold
Why did you tell HR? It starts at occy health and ends at occy health if they say so.
2
Yvonne
- 3y
Rep: 4602 Lvl: Gold
NHS Employee and MC patient, never had an issue with my work. Been totally open and honest and disclosed with all my bosses and never had an issue. . . People do care !!!
1
HelenRocket
- 3y
Rep: 4592 Lvl: Gold
If it does make you a bit drowsy, ask your prescriber about a sativa (not knowing why/what you're medicating for- also not asking haha)
1