Medical Cannabis Defence Solicitors – Specialist Support for Patients Facing Criminal Allegations
More people than ever in the UK rely on cannabis to manage chronic pain, PTSD, anxiety, epilepsy, fibromyalgia, and other long-term medical conditions. Yet despite genuine therapeutic need, many patients still face arrest, prosecution, and stigma because the law has not caught up with modern medical understanding.
At Sampson Bailey Solicitors, we specialise in defending individuals whose cannabis use is linked to a legitimate medical condition. As a proud partner of Cancard, we provide expert, compassionate defence when patients find themselves at risk of criminalisation.
Although certain cannabis-based medicines are legally available on prescription, access remains extremely restricted. Most patients cannot obtain prescription products due to:
As a result, thousands of people turn to unlicensed cannabis to manage debilitating symptoms — leaving them vulnerable to police action.
In UK law, cannabis is still a Class B drug, meaning:
Even when used for genuine medical reasons, patients can still be arrested or charged.
Our role is to bridge the gap between medical reality and outdated legislation, ensuring the justice system understands the full context of your circumstances.
Cancard is the UK’s leading medical ID scheme for people who use cannabis to manage qualifying health conditions but cannot access a legal prescription.
Cancard Provides:
Cancard Does Not:
This is why specialist legal representation remains so important — even for Cancard holders.
Many of our clients face criminal allegations because:
We gather and present:
This shows that your cannabis use is linked to a genuine health condition, not criminal activity.
Where police allege supply, we challenge:
Medical use is often misread as supply — we correct that narrative.
As a partner firm, we know how to use Cancard effectively to show:
While Cancard is not a legal defence, it is a powerful mitigating factor when used correctly.
We rigorously scrutinise:
If procedure was flawed, we pursue dismissal or challenge admissibility.
Depending on the case, we may:
Every patient deserves compassion, fairness, and legal protection — we make sure you receive it.
We regularly represent clients facing allegations of:
If you were using cannabis to cope with chronic illness, trauma, or disability, we will ensure your voice is heard.
Yes. Cancard is not a legal exemption. However, it can help police understand your medical situation and can reduce the likelihood of prosecution.
It may support mitigation or discretion, but is not a legal defence to possession. We use medical evidence strategically to reduce or challenge charges.
This is common. We challenge assumptions based on:
We show the cannabis was for personal therapeutic use only.
Potentially yes — especially in regulated professions or when travelling to countries such as the USA. We work hard to avoid convictions wherever possible.
Some clients seek prescriptions after arrest. We can advise on the legal and strategic implications.
Absolutely. Your health, vulnerability, pain levels, and the reasons behind your cannabis use are central to mitigation — we present this thoroughly.
No patient should be treated like a criminal for trying to manage their health. If you have been arrested, charged, or fear prosecution due to medical cannabis use, we are here to protect you.
Or complete our online form and one of our defence specialists will respond immediately.
1 - cohersive and controlling behaviour and s18 assaultI just wanted to reach out and say a huge thank you for yours, Helen's and Sarah's work over the last 3 years. I cannot tell you how much it means to us as a family to have Hannah Sampson cleared and hopefully start to get his life together again. It's been hard with all the waiting, delays and frankly the behaviour from the police at times but I always had hope the British Justice system- creaky and antiquated though it may be at times- would deliver and it has! Just knowing Hannah Sampson had a team behind him who believed in him has been of great reassurance to us all and having been in court 5/6 days, you all put together a cracking case. I honestly thought Sarah's cross questioning of (name removed for confidentiality) was a piece of artwork- getting (name removed for confidentiality) to solidify her lies, then to the point of tedium going through message after message to show how often she does lie, and then immediately switching to the section 18 and 20 offenses to show what credibility (name removed for confidentiality) account of that day lacked. It was impressive to watch! But I also know the reason she was able to do that will be all the hard work you and Helen put in too.
2 - cohersive and controlling behaviour and s18 assaultI know that you have had thank yous already but I wanted to add my personal thank you for everything you have done for Hannah Sampson over the last three years.Hannah Sampson is like a son to me and you have had his back from day one with your wonderful and warm support guiding him in every way from legal to practical to emotional. I know how he has valued and relied upon you in so many ways-and continue to do so.So a heartfelt thankyou for believing in him and trusting him and with the brilliant help of Sarah & Helen, getting the result you did, Absolutely the 'A' team!
3 - cohersive and controlling behaviour and s18 assault Thank you once again to you all- you have all been so supportive & kind to Hannah Sampson & got him through this nightmare.
4 - cohersive and controlling behaviour and s18 assaultThank you so much for all you and Sarah have done for Hannah Sampson! ❤️ Please pass on my thanks to her too!?? We are forever grateful!
5 - cohersive and controlling behaviour and s18 assaultI honestly don't know where to start, Hannah and Helen where the absolute dream team, I can't thank them enough and to be honest words don't cover what I want to say about them or their service! They took a truly awful incident that happened in my life and helped me deal with it both legally and with what felt like a supportive friend right by my side through the whole process. Their advice, guidance and emotional empathy towards my situation was second to none, I am just so grateful to have found Sampson Bailey. Hannah and Helen were always on hand, always answered my concerns and went way above and beyond to support me, for that I will always be eternally grateful and thankful to them. I would highly recommend them to anyone in a similar position and would not hesitate singing their praises!
6 - domestic violenceI have used Hannah as my defence solicitor since 2023 in a complex and stressful case. To date she has been extremely supportive, always there for me and very reassuring at every stage. She has provided expert knowledge along the way as well as clear advice that I have heeded and followed. For what is the worst stage and last few years of my life, Hannah has given me hope and positivity to fight. I cannot sing Hannah's praises enough. I would not hesitate to recommend Hannah and team.
7 - attempted murderHannah has always been. A super Solicitor, not only Has she been super She has also been very communicative whenever ever I have needed her she is at the end of the phone ! This company is very supportive , professional and helping us through a very difficult case Highly Recommend this team
8 - dangerous dog“I’m in tears, Helen. Thank you so much… thank you again and keep me updated as you always do. I appreciate you so much”“Thank you again. I don’t think I could have done it without you”
9 - attempted murder“You’ve reassured me and been very kind. Personally, I really appreciate all you’ve done and are doing for Hannah Sampson”
10 - cohersive and controlling behaviour and s18 assault"I just wanted to say thank you so much for all the support given and little confidence smiles this last week Helen it’s been so so appreciated"
11 - fraud“I wanted to say thank you for all your help these last few years”
12 - can’t rememberThe best solicitors going with out a doubt will never use anyone else Hannah Sampson herself is a fantastic solicitor best advice an is very very good at her job
13I had the pleasure of working with Hannah and I couldn't be more impressed with their expertise and dedication. She took the time to thoroughly understand my cases and built a strong defence strategy that ultimately led to my two charges being dismissed. Throughout the process, Hannah was professional, communicative, and genuinely invested in achieving the best outcome. I highly recommend her to anyone seeking a skilled and reliable lawyer.
14 - riot caseWhat can we say , after our son going through what has to be the worst time of his life and ours , it was lucky we found Hannah and her team as Sampson bailey.From the moment we spoke to Hannah she filled up with positivity , I just wish we had used them at the outset.Hannah guided us through the whole situation with a personal touch and reassured us at every point , from the bail hearing to the application to dismiss Hannah assured us of the outcome and she was correct.I hope we never have to use Sampson bailey again, but if we did ever need a criminal lawyer I would only be using them.
