If you are among the thousands of patients who are legally prescribed medical cannabis, you should be aware that you have the right to take your medication wherever you go, without fear of discrimination or ridicule. Carrying your medication with you to public places such as restaurants, shopping centres, or even your workplace is your right and it is fully protected by law, specifically the Equality Act 2010.
While it is important to note that using your medical cannabis in public may draw unwanted attention and cause unnecessary drama, you should be treated fairly and with the respect and support you deserve as a patient. Nonetheless, it is always a good idea to be aware of your surroundings and mindful of those around you.
As a helpful assistant, we have compiled a list of venues that allow the use of ‘Heated Nebulisers’ (Vaporisers) on their premises. We strongly recommend patients to contact any venue prior to visit and to review any relevant information or guidelines before traveling to these venues, so they can ensure a safe and comfortable experience.
If you have any information about a venue to add to our list that may help other patients, please reach out to us on our socials or by email.
NOTE: If you are removed from a premises or refused entry, contact the police and report it as a hate crime/incident. Or you can report it on the Gov.uk website – Report Hate Crime
| Venue/Service Name | Type | Location | Contact | Response |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AO Arena | Arena | Manchester | ||
| Arsenal FC | Football Stadium | London | ||
| ATG Venues | Lesuire | NA | https://help.atgtickets.com/hc/en-gb/requests/new | Hello there, I have been forwarded your information by our Contact Centre team. Please accept my apologies for not replying sooner, as I have been away. I have noted from your original query that you have outlined the different types of nebulisers, and how they are used to support various requirements. Our policy is to provide reasonable adjustments to our guests, which we do so through staff support, our Access Membership Scheme and direct communication with our guests on how best to support their visit. If a guest needed to bring their nebuliser with them, we would have to discuss this directly with them to ensure that the solution is both reasonable and supportive of the guest's needs. As I'm sure you understand, we would need to consider any Health and Safety aspects, including the use of mains electricity, the space needed for the guest, and any other adjustments required. If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to reach out. Kind regards, Megan Conway Megan Conway Group Access and Designated Safeguarding Lead Group Operations |
| Chiltern Railways | Public Transport | NA | https://support.chilternrailways.co.uk/hc/en-gb/requests/new?ticket_form_id=7543734883869 | Thank you for taking the time to contact us regarding your request for information about our policy regarding the use of nebulisers on board our train services. Upon receipt of your email I passed it to our Head of HSSE for clarification on whether we have specific policy relating to the use of nebulisers either on board our services or at our stations. I have been advised that we do not have specific policy or restrictions regarding the use of nebulisers. As long as the devices are kept in good working order and used for their intended purpose, then we would not prevent anyone who had or used this equipment to board our services. However, it is worth noting that for devices that may need to be plugged in to use, that we do not have plug sockets on board all of our services. As a company we operate our service with three different classes of train and these are as follows: Class 165 Class 168 Class 68 We have plug sockets available on our class 168 and 68 trains but not on the class 165s. Furthermore, from a passenger experience point of view it is worth noting that we do not operate seat reservations on board our services and access to seating and plug sockets is available on a first come first served basis. That being said, we fully recognise that some passengers may need an extra helping hand from a member of staff when travelling, whether they have a physical or hidden disability, or personal circumstances such as age or pregnancy. and we offer a free passenger assistance service that can be tailored to an individual's needs. This can include assistance boarding or alighting a train, navigating the station (particularly at Marylebone where there can be quite a distance between the gateline and the platforms). Additionally, the member of staff providing the assistance can also request that a seat be given either in the priority seating area or throughout the train for a passenger who may require it. Passenger assistance is easy to book and can either be booked up to 2 hours in advance of the journey or requested at a station when travelling. For more information regarding our accessible travel policy and passenger assistance please visit: https://www.chilternrailways.co.uk/before-you-travel/Assisted-Travel-Information I have also passed your email on to our accessibility manager for reference, but should he have anything further to add or should you have anymore questions, please do not hesitate to let us know. |
| East Midlands Railway | Public Transport | NA | https://www.eastmidlandsrailway.co.uk/form/customer-relations | Thanks for contacting us recently on behalf of The Sanskara Platform CIC. EMR are an inclusive service provider and support all passengers along their journey as is reasonably possible. I am afraid that in this situation, as the system is typically electrically-powered, it would not be possible for us to accommodate or guarantee the availability of electrical sockets on our services. I am sorry for any disappointment this may cause. Thanks again for getting in touch with us. Kind regards Jayne Dawson Customer Service Centre Tel: 03457 125678 Email: contact@eastmidlandsrailway.co.uk |
| Electric Brixton | Live Music Venue | London | info@electricbrixton.uk.com | Contact venue ahead of time to ensure security are informed and reasonable adjustment/accomodations can be made. |
| First Direct Arena | Indoor Arena | Leeds | accessibility@firstdirectarena.com | guests are more than welcome to bring nebulisers with them to the venue. We encourage guests with access requirements to use our Accessible Entrance. This is not only often quieter and faster than the main entrance, but also means that medics are close by to check any medication, as required. There is also a lift at this entrance that can take guests up to their seating level. |
| GWR | Public Transport | NA | https://www.railhelp.co.uk/gwr/general-enquiry/assisted-travel/other-accessibility | Thank you for your email of 13 January 2024. Please accept my apologies for the delay in my response. Nebulisers vary considerably and so it is difficult for ourselves to give you a blanket position on this. However, as a general rule, if the nebuliser is self-contained (has a mouth piece) and no vapour is emitted, we don't see an issue. The customer will need to consider if the nebuliser is powered by electricity and how much electricity is required, as the onboard plug sockets are low output sockets and only designed for charging phones and laptops. Nebulisers that emit vapour into the air, will not be allowed on board. This is because we have a responsibility for all passengers onboard, and some passengers may find the vapour an irritant or in more extreme cases, may affect people's breathing. If a customer did need to use a nebuliser that emitted vapour, we would recommend doing so before and after travel. If required in-between travel, the customer would be able to break their journey for no charge (get off at a station on the way), use the equipment either outside the station or in the smoking area. If you have a specific example of a nebuliser that you wish to clarify if it is ok to use onboard, don't hesitate to ask. Yours sincerely Leanne Jones Executive Correspondence Manager |
| Hull Trains | Public Transport | NA | https://www.railhelp.co.uk/hulltrains/general-enquiry/policy-and-products/customer-relations | Thank you for email about the use of nebulisers on trains. I can confirm that we do allow use of these on board our trains and, should any customers require special assistance boarding and alighting trains we recommend the use of our Passenger Assist system This can be arranged by calling us on 0800 316 1323. Yours sincerely, Paul Customer Service Advisor Hull Trains |
| London Northwestern Railway / West Midlands Railway | Public Transport | NA | https://www.londonnorthwesternrailway.co.uk/contact-us/customer-relations | Thank you for your recent correspondence to us regarding your query. I have investigated your query further, and although there is no specific clause or policy for nebulizers on our services, I would suggest that if these are used on medical grounds, these could be used on our services. I trust that you will find this information helpful and please let me know if I can assist you with anything else. Kind regards Chris Customer Relations Advisor |
| Nando's | Resteraunt/Cafe | NA | https://help.nandos.co.uk/hc/en-gb/requests/new?ticket_form_id=12958532951313 | Thank you for bringing this to our attention. As you've noticed, we remain dedicated to fostering an inclusive environment for both our customers and team members, we appreciate the insights you've provided. We consider all our policies on a case-by-case basis as needs arise. You offer of literature is noted and we may take you up on your offer later if needed. Many thanks. Beth Mackie Safety & QA Enquiry Manager |
| Newcastle United | Football Stadium | Newcastle | ||
| Odeon Cinema | Lesuire | NA | https://help.odeon.co.uk/hc/en-gb/requests/new | We don't have a specific policy on nebulisers in our cinema screens, but we're always happy to accommodate our guests' needs whenever possible. To ensure everyone has a safe and enjoyable experience, we kindly ask that nebulisers are used outside the auditoriums. This helps maintain a comfortable environment for all film goers and prevents potential disruptions during the film. Our friendly staff are happy to help find a suitable space to use nebulisers before or after the film, and we'll do our best to make sure everyone has a comfortable experience. Each situation is unique, so please let your members know not to hesitate to reach out to our team when they arrive. We'll work with them to find the best solution that allows them to enjoy their film comfortably and safely. Best Wishes Suzan Guest Service Team |
| OVO Hydro | Indoor Arena | Glasgow | https://www.ovohydro.com/about/contact-us | Our venue welcomes customers of all abilities to attend and will always try to support each and every customer, regardless of their medical requirements, to ensure they can attend events at our campus and have an enjoyable experience. Anyone wishing to attend the venue with medical equipment should reach out to us in advance, so that our Health and Safety team can assess the customers' requirements against venue health and safety policies, procedures, and risk assessments. As long as we can safely accommodate a customer's requirements, there is no issue with the individual attending with their medical equipment. Each and every request will be assessed on an individual basis to ensure the safety of the customer is the priority. Please do not hesitate to reach out should any of your clients wish to book tickets for an event and we can look at how to make the visit as accessible as possible. |
| Pizza Express | Restaurant/Cafe | NA | https://getintouch.pizzaexpress.com/hc/en-us/requests/new | I hope this message finds you well. Thank you for reaching out on behalf of The Sanskara Platform CIC and for your dedication to fostering inclusivity and understanding of diverse health needs. At PizzaExpress, we are committed to providing an inclusive environment for all our customers. We understand the importance of accommodating individuals with various health conditions, and we welcome customers who may require the use of nebuliser devices for medical purposes. Customers dining in our pizzeria are indeed welcome to use nebuliser devices on our premises. However, it's important to note that our team members are untrained to assist with the operation or any technical aspects of these devices. We encourage individuals who rely on nebuliser devices to be self-sufficient in managing their medical needs during their visit to our pizzeria. If any further information or documentation is required to ensure a smooth experience for individuals with medical requirements, please feel free to provide it, and we will do our best to accommodate your requests. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation in upholding the principles of inclusivity and non-discrimination. Should you have any additional questions or require further clarification, please do not hesitate to contact us. Thank you for contacting PizzaExpress. Neil Cruden Head of Quality and Safety Margaret Shelcott Safety Support Assistant |
| Ryanair | Aviation | NA | https://help.ryanair.com/hc/en-gb/categories/12489466690833-Special-Assistance | Online Information: Nebuliser, ventilator, respirator or any other respiratory device These devices may be carried in the cabin of the aircraft without prior notification if the device fits in your cabin baggage. However, if the device will be carried in addition to your baggage allowance you must obtain a medical baggage waiver letter by contacting our Special Assistance team. If you wish to use a nebuliser, ventilator, respirator or any other respiratory device during your flight please contact our Special Assistance line to obtain prior approval. To use one of these machines onboard you will need to complete a “Fit to fly form” which will be sent to you once you have contacted our Special Assistance team. |
| Stonegate Pub Company | Pub | NA | https://www.stonegatepubpartners.co.uk/contact | Thank you for taking the time to contact us regarding this important topic. We take pride in ensuring that all of our sites are inclusive, and comfortable, for all of our guests. Please feel free to inform us of any specific venue, where we can assist in facilitating the smoothest entry for our premises. Thank you, Leona | Customer Experience Executive Stonegate Group | 3 Monkspath Hall Road, Solihull, B90 4SJ |
| The O2 Arena | Indoor Arena | London | https://help.theo2.co.uk/hc/en-gb/requests/new?ticket_form_id=260425 | Upon review, a Nebulizer would be permitted into the arena for medical use. However, it is suggested that guest using this device should contact the arena beforehand to obtain a medical exemption form. On the exemption form it does note that medication may be checked by our team. |
| Trafford Centre | Shopping Centres | Trafford, Greater Manchester | https://traffordcentre.co.uk/yourvisit/contact-us | All medical devices that are required by people are permitted in the centre |
| Transport for Wales | Public Transport | NA | https://tfw.wales/help-and-contact/rail/contact-us | Thank you for contacting us regarding the use of prescription pharmaceuticals. Firstly, please accept my sincerest apologies for the delay in you receiving a response from us. We have experienced a significant uplift in contact in recent months however, I assure you that we are working hard to reduce our current response times and have put measures in place to ensure that our customers receive a far more timely reply. I can confirm that I have spoken to the relevant team and I have received a response stating that the confirmed use of prescription pharmaceuticals via nebulisers and similar devices used on our services or infrastructure would require customers to alert us first so we could assess the risks and any mitigations that may be put in place, and we would require some information on the use and delivery mechanism, hazards and the safety and quality of devices. By which to support us in formulating a risk assessment that would consider the broad factors. TfW make every effort to the inclusion for all stakeholders on a case-by-case-by-case basis. Thank you again for contacting us, I hope this information has helped you, if you require any further assistance please do not hesitate to contact us. Yours sincerely, Sarah-Jane Ryall Cynghorydd Cysylltiadau Cwsmeriaid / Customer Relations Advisor Trafnidiaeth Cymru/Transport for Wales Rail Services |
| Westfield Stratford City | Shopping Centres | Stratford, London | ukwscreception@urw.com |