The UK is set to give legal access to its over one million medical cannabis patients through the NHS. The adult patients using medical cannabis may be eligible for the new Cancard through their general practitioners (GPs).
The move to give the patients legal access to medical cannabis has been lauded by MPs across the country and supported by the Police Federation.
Due to the low number of patients accessing the NHS’s medical cannabis, many turn to black-market sources. Two years ago, the use of cannabis for its medical value was legalized in the country. This was after significant public attention and media coverage of two epileptic children who gained from using cannabis.
The holographic photo ID developed by medical cannabis patients with senior police officers’ help gives people diagnosed with certain conditions since the 2018 legalization. Legal Cancard holders will come in handy as the approved identification to law enforcers. It is a sign of a verified medical cannabis patient and can be used to enjoy open-source legal defense offered by Cancard in case one needs it.
Ms. Carly Barton, a prominent medical cannabis law reform advocate in the UK, also applauded the initiative. She is the brains behind Cancard. Ms. Barton said that the medical cannabis card would instill peace of mind in patients while inspiring police confidence in using their discretion.
According to Martin Underhill, the Dorset Police and Crime Commissioner, the low number of patients with medical cannabis cards was due to most of the patients not being able to afford it. He reiterated that the situation is set to change with Cancard as it provides patients assurance that their health will not lead to criminal records against them.
