Carry the evidence. Store the medicine safely.

The practical baseline

NHS guidance says patients should keep medical cannabis in its original packaging because the dispensing label identifies the medicine and the person it was prescribed for. Keep a current prescription copy and matching identification available when carrying it.

Choose the situation

1. At home. Follow the dispensing label and leaflet, keep the medicine in its original packaging and choose a cool, dry place away from heat, moisture and direct sunlight unless the pharmacy gives different instructions.
2. Around other people. Keep it out of sight and reach of children and pets. Use a locked or otherwise access-controlled place where another person could take, mistake or misuse it.
3. Travelling within the UK. Carry the labelled medicine with current prescription evidence and matching identification. Keep it under your control rather than loose in shared luggage or an unattended vehicle.
4. Hotels, venues or shared accommodation. Check the property policy before arrival. Lawful possession does not automatically create permission to smoke, vape or administer medicine anywhere on private premises.
5. Airports or international travel. Use the dedicated travel guidance. Destination and transit-country law, border requirements and airline rules are separate from storage and lawful possession in the UK.
6. Medicine is lost, stolen, damaged or expired. Do not improvise a replacement dose. Contact the dispensing pharmacy or prescribing service. Report suspected theft or an immediate safety risk to the police and return unwanted or expired medicine to a pharmacy for disposal.

Safe storage at home

• Follow the storage instructions on the dispensing label, packaging and patient information leaflet.
• Unless told otherwise, use a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight, heat and moisture.
• Keep the medicine in the original container so the label, directions, expiry information and product protection remain with it.
• Keep it out of sight and reach of children and pets. Where another person could access or misuse it, use a locked or access-controlled location.
• Do not transfer it into an unlabelled jar, bag or shared household container.

Storage requirements can vary by product. Ask the dispensing pharmacy before refrigerating, freezing, decanting or using an alternative container.

Carrying medicine on a domestic journey

For a journey within the UK, keep the medicine under your control with the evidence connecting it to you. Public transport, workplaces, hotels, venues and other private premises can apply separate safety, security and administration rules.

• Carry only your own prescribed supply in its labelled packaging.
• Avoid leaving it unattended in a vehicle, shared bag, hotel room or communal area.
• Protect it from temperatures or conditions outside the label instructions.
• Keep any vaporiser, batteries or other equipment secure and follow transport and venue rules for the device.
• Driving law remains separate: do not drive while impaired or unsafe.

Evidence worth keeping available

• The medicine in its original pharmacy packaging with the dispensing label attached and readable.
• A current prescription copy or clinic medication record.
• Photo identification matching the patient name on the label and prescription.
• Any clinician letter, venue agreement or travel approval relevant to the situation.
• The pharmacy or clinic contact details in case the packaging, directions or storage requirements need to be checked.

Record where you keep the evidence without uploading the documents →

Hotels, venues and shared buildings

Possession and administration are different questions. A hotel, venue, university, workplace or housing provider may restrict smoking, vaping, batteries, odour, fire risks or use in communal spaces even where the medicine is lawfully prescribed.

Ask for the relevant policy and a discreet practical route before arrival. Explain only the health information needed for the request. Where disability is relevant, identify the specific barrier and adjustment sought rather than claiming the prescription overrides every rule.

Read the housing, tenancy and neighbour guide →

Lost, stolen, damaged or unwanted medicine

• Contact the dispensing pharmacy or prescribing service for clinical and replacement-process advice.
• Do not alter the dose or use damaged, contaminated or incorrectly stored medicine without professional advice.
• Report theft, suspected diversion or an immediate safety risk to the police.
• Return expired or unwanted medicine to a pharmacy for safe disposal; do not share it or leave it where another person can take it.

Leaving or entering the UK

International travel introduces separate controlled-drug, border, airline and destination-country rules. GOV.UK says controlled-drug medicine must be carried with you in hand luggage when entering or leaving the UK and may be taken away if you cannot prove it was prescribed for you. Check every destination and transit country before travel.