UTAW Motion Protects Medical Cannabis Workers

Union Commitment

UTAW formally commits to protecting members who are prescribed CBPMs from stigma and unfair treatment at work.

Drug Testing

Calls for fair, evidence-based approaches to testing. Prescribed medication cannot be treated as misconduct.

Equality Act

Many conditions treated with CBPMs may qualify under the Equality Act, which creates reasonable adjustment duties for employers.

What Is the UTAW Motion?

The United Tech and Allied Workers (UTAW) branch of the Communications Workers Union (CWU) voted to pass this motion in January 2026. It sets out clear steps the union will take to support members who hold a legal prescription for a cannabis-based medicine.

CBPMs are legal prescription medicines in the UK. They are not the same as recreational or illicit cannabis. Despite this, many patients face problems at work, including unfair dismissal, negative drug tests, and stigma from colleagues and management. This motion aims to change that.

PatientsCann UK worked with UTAW to help develop the motion. We provided factual information about CBPMs, patient rights, and the Equality Act 2010 to support the branch's discussions.

"No worker should fear losing their job because they are taking a legal, doctor-prescribed medicine. This motion sends a clear message: UTAW stands with its members."

UTAW Tech Workers Branch, CWU, January 2026

What the Motion Commits To

Six Areas of Action

The branch will produce and share clear, easy-to-read information for members. This will explain 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.

Why This Matters

What This Means for Patients

If You Are a UTAW Member

You can ask your rep for support if you face issues related to your prescription.
Keep a copy of your prescription accessible at work where needed.
Contact your branch if you are asked to undergo drug testing.

Not Yet a Member?

UTAW accepts members across the tech sector. Joining a union gives you the right to representation, support in disciplinary processes, and a collective voice. You do not have to face these issues alone.

Please Note This article is for general information only and does not constitute legal advice. If you are facing a workplace issue related to your CBPM prescription, please contact your union representative or seek independent legal advice. The Equality Act 2010 applies in England, Scotland, and Wales; separate legislation applies in Northern Ireland.

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 means you are not alone when dealing with workplace challenges, and it adds to the collective voice pushing for fair treatment.

References

1 United Tech and Allied Workers (UTAW) (2026) Motion on Cannabis-Based Medicinal Products and Workplace Rights. UTAW Tech Workers Branch, Communications Workers Union. Passed 28 January 2026.
2 Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) (2023) Cannabis-based products for medicinal use. Available at: www.gov.uk/guidance/cannabis-based-products-for-medicinal-use-in-humans (Accessed: 28 January 2026).
3 Equality Act 2010 (c.15). London: The Stationery Office. Available at: www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2010/15/contents (Accessed: 28 January 2026).
4 PatientsCann UK (2025) Workplace Rights for CBPM Patients. Available at: patientscann.org.uk/workplace-rights/ (Accessed: 28 January 2026).

UTAW Passes Major Motion to Protect Workers Prescribed Medical Cannabis