At PatientsCann UK, we are deeply concerned by Network Rail’s recently issued safety advice (NRA24-13), which imposes a blanket ban on employees using prescribed medical cannabis outside the limited conditions recognised by NICE guidelines. This policy not only impacts employees’ health and livelihoods but also risks violating their rights under the Equality Act 2010.
What the Policy Entails
The policy mandates automatic suspension for employees prescribed medical cannabis for conditions not covered by NICE, such as chronic pain or mental health conditions. It requires cessation of treatment and proof of a “clean” test before reinstatement, regardless of the employee’s role or whether their prescription affects their ability to perform their duties.This approach disregards the fact that medical cannabis is often prescribed as a last resort after other treatments fail. Forcing patients to abandon their effective treatment places undue pressure on their well-being.
Equality and Discrimination Concerns
The Equality Act 2010 protects individuals with disabilities or long-term conditions, requiring employers to make reasonable adjustments rather than imposing blanket restrictions. Network Rail’s stance risks discrimination by disproportionately affecting those with legally prescribed medical cannabis treatments.
Call for Change
PatientsCann UK has written to Network Rail, urging them to:
- Reassess their policy with input from stakeholders, including patients and advocates.
- Adopt an evidence-based, individualized approach to ensure that safety and equality are balanced.
- Offer reasonable adjustments for employees prescribed medical cannabis.
We believe policies should focus on functional assessments, rather than blanket assumptions about impairment. Other potentially impairing medications, such as opioids, are managed on a case-by-case basis, medical cannabis should be no different.
Share Your Story
If you or someone you know has been affected by this policy, we want to hear from you. Your experiences can help us challenge these injustices and push for fairer workplace practices.
Contact us via email at [email protected]. Together, we can advocate for equality, inclusivity, and the rights of medical cannabis patients.
Join us in making a difference.
The post Network Rail’s Medical Cannabis Policy: A Cause for Concern first appeared on PatientsCann UK.
