What is it about?

People who have a prescription for cannabis in the UK are in a potentially challenging situation - legally taking a drug that is otherwise illegal. Qualitative interviews with people about their experiences show that, alongside the significant benefits to their health and life quality, their cannabis prescription means they encounter stigma. Cannabis patients report stigmatising interactions with doctors and health professionals, as well as untrained police and security staff. Patients face challenges about disclosing their cannabis prescription to employers, landlords, family and friends. Both education and drug policy reform are needed to break down this stigma, protect patient rights, and facilitate access to cannabis medicine for those who need it.

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Why is it important?

This paper draws on the first UK sociological study of the experiences of people with a cannabis prescription. Insights from medical cannabis patients are important at a time when many countries globally are (re)considering their policy approach to medical cannabis and to cannabis decriminalisation.

Perspectives

I'm so thankful to patients who gave their time to share their experiences in this study. The research demonstrates some of the day to day challenges that cannabis patients experience in terms of using their medication and talking to other people about it. The article demonstrates that people prescribed cannabis resist stigma in different ways. The authors argue that both education and policy reform are important to combat stigma, which is related to power. The article also highlights the need for greater education, public understanding and training for police, doctors and other professionals about medical cannabis.

Dr Lindsey Metcalf McGrath
Liverpool John Moores University

Read the Original

This page is a summary of: Stigmatised and stressed: UK cannabis patients living in the context of prohibition, Critical Social Policy, September 2024, SAGE Publications,
DOI: 10.1177/02610183241262777.
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