Glossary term

Statutory medical defence: The statutory medical defence is the legal defence described in UK drug-driving guidance for patients who have taken certain specified drugs lawfully and according to instructions.

EssentialLegal / drivingSource quality: HighLast updated: 29 June 2026

Why this term matters

It is a central UK term and deserves a dedicated entry.

UK medical cannabis context

DfT guidance spells out both the defence and its limits.

What not to assume

It does not apply where the patient is actually impaired.

Careful wording: Avoid saying the defence covers all situations.

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.