Glossary term

Drug driving: Drug driving refers to offences connected with driving while impaired by drugs or with specified controlled drugs above legal limits in the body.

EssentialSafety / legalSource quality: HighLast updated: 29 June 2026

Why this term matters

This is one of the most important real-world safety topics in UK patient education.

UK medical cannabis context

GOV.UK says patients may raise a statutory medical defence if the drug is lawfully prescribed and taken as directed, but driving while actually impaired remains an offence.

What not to assume

A prescription does not create immunity if the patient is actually impaired.

Careful wording: Avoid saying “a prescription means you can always drive”.

Related glossary terms

Related MCPH pages

Sources and review notes

This entry is educational vocabulary, not medical advice. Suitability, prescribing, product choice and monitoring belong with a qualified clinician or pharmacist.