A new group has been launched in the UK to champion the rights of medical cannabis patients facing discrimination.
Medicinal cannabis has been legal in the UK for close to six and a half years, but patients prescribed CBPM (cannabis-based products for medicinal use) can experience discrimination from those who are ignorant of its status – either intentionally or unintentionally. While it’s illegal to discriminate against people who use prescribed medical cannabis in many cases due to protections under the Equality Act 2010, incidents continue. It’s becoming an increasing problem given the growth in patient numbers.
CannCare’s mission is to advocate proactively and reactively for patients; taking on discrimination cases and fighting for patient rights.
CannCare supports its members through direct communication, media and legal advocacy, and actions it says address issues before they become critical. An example of a recent action was a case involving a patient from West Sussex who was threatened with eviction from her rental property for using legally prescribed medicinal cannabis. While it’s illegal for prescription cannabis to be smoked at home, it can legally be vaporised or taken in other forms, such as an oil or capsule.
“We want to see a future where all CBPM patients in the UK can confidently take their prescription medication without fear of harassment, prosecution, or persecution,” says CEO Calum Jones
There are free and voluntary paid membership options. As for its charity status, CannCare is currently functioning as a “charity in spirit”.
“We are a non-profit dedicated to patient advocacy until we can officially register,” says the group.
CannCare currently has no external funding and is funded by its board, among whom are Callum Jones, Dave Barton (Communications Director), Andrew Walters (Political Advisor), and Sophie Butterworth (COO).
A member of UK’s Cannabis Industry Council, CannCare is planning various patient outreach initiatives across the UK in coming months, as well as an online and offline community for UK patients through a digital community platform and in-person events.
While there’s not much to see on CannCare’s website yet, the group says it is “working tirelessly” to get a better website happening as soon as possible.
