In light of this year’s 4/20, a leading medical cannabis clinic published research which shows while recreational use of cannabis can be tolerated for one day, patients following clinical routes continue to experience prejudice.
Sunday 20th April 2025 marked two celebrations. Easter Sunday and 4/20, the annual and unofficial celebration of cannabis culture which was founded by a group who referred to themselves as ‘The Waldos’ in 1971.
In previous years crowds of up to 30,000 have gathered in London’s infamous Hyde Park to mark the event and this year’s turnout wasn’t much different in popularity. The Metropolitan Police likewise attended, but officers were required to pay close attention to potential disorder or anti-social behaviour, allowing many recreational users to smoke freely without arrest.
Though this undisturbed tenor is yet to become evident among those who require cannabis for medical reasons – a legislation that was granted in November 2018. A case study which includes two neurodivergent individuals, who are cared for under Mamedica – the UK’s leading cannabis clinic – showcases how people who rely on the drug for medical reasons are still made to feel like criminals.
Both individuals, otherwise known as Andrew and Issac, had been prescribed medical cannabis for long-term health conditions including ADHD, anxiety and depression and were recently detained at Heathrow Airport for over two hours after they were found to have the drug on them, despite also having the correct medical documentation explaining their circumstances. This included prescriptions and travel letters.
Once they two lads were found to be carrying cannabis, instead of being offered support, they were subjected to an invasive security process and their passports were confiscated despite travelling on a domestic flight. What’s more, their diagnoses and appearance were also called into question.
‘We could see each other shutting down under the pressure,’ Issac explained. ‘We were trying to stay composed while being unfairly accused of being intoxicated. We were reaching sensory overload, and I had to manage myself and Andrew with no one to help. We felt scared and isolated.’
He continued: ‘If I’d been carrying diazepam, none of this would have happened. That double standard says everything.’
Under scrutiny, both Issac and Andrew’s documents were photocopied and they themselves were photographed. To help protect themselves they attempted to record the situation, but the request was blocked and all footage was forcibly deleted. As a result of the experience, the pair are now seeking legal advice on what they believe to be a breach of their rights under the Equality Act and potentially unlawful detainment.
While this example can be described as nothing short of distressing, the fact it actually happened is also surprising considering the growing support for cannabis legalisation. The latest figures from Mamedica show 35% of UK adults support full legislation of cannabis for recreational use, while 54% support decriminalisation where there is a legitimate medical reason.
Photo by Jeff W via UnSplash
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