Cannabis is legal — so why are medical users still treated like criminals?

“Weed will ruin your life,” or so I was told as a teenager.

Twenty years later, I am now one of 50,000 legal medical cannabis patients in the UK. Although the times have changed, with public opinion shifting in favour of drug reform, ignorance and stigma loom large. Legal cannabis patients are never the focus or the main story for corporate media and are still vilified and stigmatised by the media establishment.

Access at what cost?

For those out of the loop, medical cannabis has been legal and available in the UK since November 2018. Access is limited to twenty private clinics and must meet strict conditions. And to be eligible, patients must have a qualifying condition and have failed at least two different GP-prescribed treatments.

The quality, speaking from personal experience, is rarely consistent. It fluctuates between “meh” and “what the fuck is this?” Suboptimal is what you’ll get — that is, unless you’re willing to pay well over £100 for 10g. The black market, where top-of-the-line organic flowers are sold for less, is a popular destination attracting 1.8 million users. This is not helped by the fact that legal patients are advised to vape instead of smoke cannabis, even then you’re only allowed half a gram per day… um, okay then.

To top it off, every repeat prescription and mandatory consultation may come with an extra charge. This is starting to feel like a for-profit industry masquerading as a medical system — a blatant scam to monetise the drug, and ring-fence access … the plant literally grows in the dirt, guys…

Discrimination on the dance floor

The Canary spoke to medical patient Chris who was denied entry and ejected from the Warehouse Project, a popular nightclub in Manchester. This, he contends, was in response to  him having his legal medication.

Chris is a medical patient living with chronic pain for the past decade after a bad fall rock climbing. He used to rely on strong pharmaceutical opioids to manage his pain, but due to the side effects, he chose to explore cannabis as a safer alternative.

I use medical cannabis for chronic pain due to having a fused ankle, as well as metal work in my other ankle. Medical cannabis is quite helpful for prolonged time on my feet

He and his wife had booked tickets to the night club months earlier. Upon arriving, Chris was flagged by a police dog, and as result he was directed to a booth and searched. After producing his prescription, a nurse was brought in to inspect it.

According to Chris, the nurse entered the room and dismissively asked without platitudes, “Is this the medical cannabis…? I’ve been waiting for this”.

It seemed like the nurse had a preconceived notion about who I was before she even met me. I was fully compliant; I wasn’t rude. I didn’t swear; not even once. I thought I was being friendly and helpful.

After intensive questioning and an inspection of his legal medicine and pain medication, Chris was denied entry. The venue alleged that he exhibited “bad attitude,” an allegation he strongly denies. Security physically escorted Chris from the venue and he contacted his wife, already inside.

I’ve visited the venue before and was subjected to the same searches, and the staff were great! This time was completely different though.

I was left devastated, not just by the embarrassment of being turned away in front of everyone. More than anything it was the sinking realisation that I was being judged… Discriminated against because of a medication I am legally prescribed. It felt deeply unfair, and deeply hurtful.

I can totally understand the frustration, I was searched just yesterday!

The couple were furious and nearly £340 out of pocket for travel and hotel expenses. They have lodged a complaint but have yet to receive a response from the Warehouse Project. This about much more than money for Chris. It’s the repeated stigmatisation and vilification he and others face. They deserve live lives free of pain and  embarrassment.

We should not still be having this discussion in 2025

The reality is that cannabis is legal.

The government must educate the general public and publish clear-eyed guidelines leaving little room for misinterpretation, as well as offer extensive training.

Private businesses and the patients they support, as well as prescribed users, are still at risk of inadvertent discrimination. Venues are ultimate target for legal reprisals. Most importantly, legitimate patients end up disenfranchised; embarrassed by the judgment of others.

Patients like Chris, who just want to be able to live their lives, even if it’s just something little, like booking a hotel, hopping in the car, and going for a wee boogie.

The ignorance extends to police officers. On three occasions in the past 6 months, officers have threatened me with arrest or have told me I cannot vaporise my medication in public. I’m not too proud to say I get some satisfaction explaining the law to them as I load my vape up. So far, it’s worked out for me, but not everyone has been so fortunate.

Featured image via Getty Images/Unsplash, and additional images by @HeadyPots