Medical cannabis is being considered as a potential solution to Britons suffering from long-term illnesses, leading to unemployment.
A female worker from Peterborough has shared how the substance, now legalised for medicinal use, has changed her life and allowed her to continue working despite suffering from a chronic disorder.
Sarah Devonshire, 50, hailing from Dogsthorpe, Peterborough, is currently employed at a top supermarket chain.
Luckily, she's allowed to use her medical cannabis during work hours to help manage her Hypermobility Disorder Syndrome.
Mrs Devonshire was diagnosed with the disorder in 2021.
Some 2.8 million people in the UK are unemployed because of chronic illnesses.
Sarah uses the prescribed cannabis to alleviate the chronic pain and immobility associated with her condition.
Her career as a retail assistant has been ongoing for nine years, predating her diagnosis.
Mrs Devonshire’s life encountered a sudden turning point, leading her to seek unconventional means of treatment.
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She suffered from diverticulitis, a concussion, and subsequent anxiety disorder following a horrific attack outside her residence.
After an unsuccessful search for relief from the traditional NHS General Practitioner, Sarah discovered Alternaleaf, a private clinic offering her a lifeline in the form of medical cannabis.
Describing the effects of the medication, Mrs Devonshire said: "The impact on my functionality has been absolutely massive."
Mrs Devonshire experienced a progression of debilitating health issues in 2015, culminating in her diagnosis of Hypermobility Disorder Syndrome.
Recalling the symptoms, she said: “It was becoming more predominant in my hand, hip, and lower left back, to the point where it was crippling me quite severely, so I spoke to my doctor and asked him to refer me to musculoskeletal to find out what was going on."
Sarah’s husband, who suffers with a chronic heart condition and also has autism, anxiety and ADHD, has been using medical cannabis for 2 years and supported her to explore this option, she opted for medicinal cannabis, observing the positive impact it had on him.
After delving into research, Sarah availed herself of Alternaleaf's services.
Touched by the clinic's approach, she said: “They were so attentive and just listened, which I think is really crucial.
"The difference it's made is just completely in-valuable and totally worth it.”
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Despite initial reservations about public perception and potential job loss, Mrs Devonshire is allowed to discreetly use cannabis at her workplace as a part of her wellness plan.
Addressing her experience, she said: "My manager has been incredible.
"She spoke with an occupational health consultant and I was given a wellbeing plan, which meant I can take my prescription at work with no worries or concerns.
"It's just changed the way I feel about being able to be completely validated too.”
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The legality of workplace medication was upheld following an assessment by an occupational health professional about its impact on the employee’s health and safety, as well as others.
According to Alternaleaf, 76pc of its patients are employed, many of whom rely on medical cannabis to persist in their careers, with their numbers doubling every two months.
Health secretary Wes Streeting recently shed light on his plans to deal with the 'sick note Britain' by reducing waiting lists and enhancing healthcare accessibility, noting the importance of tackling chronic illness preventing employment.
Echoing this sentiment, the medical director at Alternaleaf, Nabila Chaudhri said: : “Sarah’s story is just another example of the huge impact medical cannabis can have on someone’s health and wellbeing, without it, she would be unable to work.
“It’s fantastic to see huge organisations and major supermarkets being so progressive and truly putting their employee’s wellbeing first.
"By accommodating Sarah's needs and allowing her to comfortably take her prescription at work, she feels validated, accepted and comfortable.”
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