Travelling with prescribed medical cannabis can raise understandable questions - particularly when crossing borders or flying. Rules can vary between countries, airlines, and even airports, which can make travel feel uncertain without the right preparation.
If you are a Medicann patient with a valid UK prescription, you are able to request official travel documentation to support your journey. This documentation is designed to help demonstrate that your medication has been legally prescribed and is intended for personal medical use.
While documentation cannot override local laws, it can help reduce the risk of delays, confusion, or disruption when travelling.
If you are planning to travel, you can request medical cannabis travel documentation directly from Medicann using the form below. Simply fill in your personal details, location, destination and travel dates.
Detailed letter from your prescribing doctor explaining your medical need
Official prescription documentation with doctor's credentials
Research and guidance for your destination country's regulations
This can take up to 5 working days to complete, so please start your preparations early.
Standard processing: 3-5 business days
Urgent requests: 24-48 hours (additional fee applies)
For urgent travel requests or questions, please contact our support team directly.
Once received, our team will review your request. This can take up to 5 working days to complete, so please start your preparations early.
Standard processing: 3-5 business days
Urgent requests: 24-48 hours (additional fee applies).
If approved, your clinician will issue you the following travel documentation:
Official Medical Letter - detailed letter from your prescribing doctor explaining your medical need
Prescription Certificate - official prescription documentation with doctor's credentials
Country-Specific Guidance - researched guidance for your destination country's regulations.
Please be reminded that medical cannabis is a controlled drug, and your prescription is only valid within the jurisdiction in which it was issued. If you plan to travel outside your jurisdiction, it is your responsibility to contact all relevant authorities — including your local Customs and Immigration Service, the embassies of any countries you will visit or transit through, and your airline or other travel carrier — to ensure full compliance with the laws and regulations regarding your medical cannabis prescription.
If you have been legally prescribed medical cannabis in the UK, you may be able to travel with it, but only under specific conditions.
In the UK, cannabis-based products for medicinal use (CBPMs) are classified as controlled medicines. This means:
Your prescription is lawful in the UK when issued by a specialist clinician
You must be able to prove the medicine is prescribed to you
You must follow strict rules around possession, storage and transport.
Crucially, UK legality does not automatically extend to other countries. Each destination has its own laws, and some countries treat cannabis - even for medical purposes - as illegal.
Some countries do not permit medical cannabis under any circumstances. Travelling with your medication to these destinations could result in confiscation, fines or more serious legal consequences. Countries which enforce strict bans include (but are not limited to):
United Arab Emirates (UAE)
Singapore
Russia
Indonesia
Hong Kong
China
Egypt
Saudi Arabia.
Other countries may allow medical cannabis only with prior approval, specific documentation, or quantity limits. Laws change frequently so Medicann strongly recommends that patients contact the destination country’s embassy or consulate directly.
When travelling with prescribed medical cannabis, you should always carry:
Your original medication in its pharmacy-labelled packaging
A copy of your prescription
A medical cannabis travel letter or certificate from your clinic.
This documentation helps demonstrate that:
The medication has been legally prescribed
The product is for personal medical use
The quantity carried is clinically appropriate.
While documentation does not guarantee entry into another country, it significantly reduces the risk of delays, questioning, or confiscation.
Generally, you can take up to three months’ supply of prescription medication. You can only take the quantity you have been prescribed so if your prescription is for less than three months, you can’t take extra. You should also avoid bringing more than you need for the length of your stay.
Make sure to check with the embassy of the destination country in case there’s any specific laws on maximum quantity.
Medical cannabis should always be transported responsibly and discreetly. You should keep your medication in its original packaging, making sure any prescription labels are clear and show your name. Don’t put medication in unlabelled containers or pill boxes.
Your medication should be stored in your hand luggage. Make sure to check airline regulations, especially for liquid medication like cannabis oil.
Keep medication in its original packaging
Store it in your hand luggage
Do not transfer it into unlabelled containers
Avoid using the medication in public or restricted areas.
If you use a vaporiser or other device for cannabis flowers, check airline rules carefully. Devices may need to be carried separately and must comply with battery regulations.
If questioned, remain calm and cooperative.
You should:
Clearly state that the medication is prescribed medical cannabis
Present your travel letter and prescription
Answer questions honestly and concisely
Never attempt to conceal your medication. Transparency is essential when travelling with controlled medicines.
Find answers to common questions about medicinal cannabis treatment with Medicann.
Our support team is here to help with any questions not covered above.
If you are planning to travel and hold a valid Medicann prescription, request your medical cannabis travel documentation using the form on this page. Our team is here to support you before, during and after your travels so don’t hesitate to contact us with any questions.
