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Taking Your Medication to Public Venues – PatientsCann UK
Patient Rights Guide

Taking your prescription
medication to public
venues

Medical cannabis patients have the same rights as any other patient with a disability or medical condition. Know your rights — and what to do if they're not respected.

Your Legal Rights

What the law says

Equality Act 2010 Protection

You must not be discriminated against or prevented from treating yourself when necessary. Service providers must make reasonable adjustments for patients with disabilities or medical conditions.

Vaping Is Not Smoking

Dry herb vaporisers do not involve combustion and are not covered by smoke-free regulations under the Health Act 2006. Vaping in a venue is at the venue's discretion — not prohibited by law.

Medical Privacy

You do not have to disclose your specific condition or disability to venue staff or security. You only need to confirm you hold a valid prescription if challenged.

Right to Compensation

If you are unlawfully refused entry or removed from a venue, you are entitled to a full refund and compensation for costs incurred (travel, tickets, etc.).

Legal Framework

Key Legislation to Reference

Section 6 defines a disability as a physical or mental impairment that has a substantial and long-term adverse effect on your ability to carry out normal day-to-day activities. Many conditions treated with medical cannabis qualify under this definition. View legislation →
Section 20 imposes a duty on service providers to make reasonable adjustments for disabled people. If a provision, criterion, or practice puts a disabled person at a substantial disadvantage — including policies that prevent medicating — the service provider must take reasonable steps to avoid it. View legislation →
Section 149 requires public authorities to have due regard to the need to eliminate discrimination, advance equality of opportunity, and foster good relations. This applies when publicly funded venues or public-facing bodies restrict access for medical patients. View legislation →
The Health Act 2006 introduced smoke-free regulations for enclosed public spaces. The Government has clarified that vaping devices (including dry herb vaporisers that produce vapour without combustion) are not covered by these regulations. Individual venues may set their own vaping policies, but there is no legal prohibition on dry herb vaporising in public indoor spaces. GOV.UK vaping guidance →

Step-by-Step Guide

If you're challenged at a venue

What to do if security or staff challenge you

1

Contact the venue in advance

Wherever possible, notify the venue ahead of your visit. Inform them and their security team that you hold a medical cannabis prescription and may need to use it. This prevents many issues before they arise.

2

Cite the Equality Act 2010

If challenged, remain calm and cite Sections 6, 20, and 149 of the Equality Act 2010. You are not required to disclose your specific condition — only that you hold a valid prescription and have a medical need.

3

Ask to speak to management

If security or front-of-house staff are unaware of the law, calmly request to speak with a manager. Make note of names, times, and what was said — this evidence may be needed later.

4

Make a formal complaint

If you are unlawfully denied access or removed, make a formal complaint to the venue. You are entitled to a full refund and compensation for your expenses.

5

Contact the Equality & Human Rights Commission

If the matter is not resolved, you can escalate to the Equality & Human Rights Commission, which can investigate and take action on your behalf.

Resources

Useful Documents & Links

Template Letter for Venues Public Use Guidance (SoF) Consumption Lounges Near You Equality & Human Rights Commission GOV.UK Vaping in Public Venues Legal Support Directory
Important Notice: The information on this page is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or professional advice. The acceptance of medical cannabis at public venues varies. PatientsCann UK strongly advises contacting a venue in advance regarding their specific policies. PatientsCann UK will not be liable for any issues arising from the use of medical cannabis at public venues.