UTAW Passes Major Motion to Protect Workers Prescribed Medical Cannabis
In a significant step for workplace rights, the UTAW Tech Workers Branch of the CWU has passed a landmark motion to protect, support, and raise awareness for workers prescribed cannabis-based medicinal products.
UTAW formally commits to protecting members who are prescribed CBPMs from stigma and discrimination.
Calls for fair, evidence-based approaches to testing, prescribed medication cannot be treated as misconduct.
Many conditions treated with CBPMs may qualify under the Equality Act, triggering reasonable adjustment duties.
What the Motion Commits To
Six Areas of Action
The branch will produce and circulate clear, accessible information to members explaining what CBPMs are, how they differ from illicit cannabis, and how stigma affects patients at work. When unions speak clearly, patients are less likely to hide their prescriptions or fear coming forward when problems arise.
Reps will receive guidance on supporting members prescribed CBPMs, including handling discrimination, advising on reasonable adjustments, and maintaining confidentiality. Many conditions treated with CBPMs may fall under the Equality Act, meaning employers may have duties to accommodate rather than penalise.
Drug testing is often the flashpoint for discrimination. Many employers' policies treat any positive THC result as misconduct, even where a member is taking legally prescribed medication. UTAW's motion calls for clear, fair, evidence-based approaches, ensuring that prescribed medication is not confused with illicit use and that test results, which are sensitive health data, are handled lawfully.
The motion formally commits UTAW to building relationships with PatientsCann UK and other organisations who specialise in supporting medical cannabis patients. This ensures guidance aligns with lived experience, clinical realities, and practical workplace needs.
Get yourself protected. If you are a medical cannabis patient, consider joining UTAW, the CWU, or another trade union you are eligible for. Being a union member ensures you are not alone when navigating workplace challenges, and it strengthens the collective voice pushing for fair treatment.
