Kingston Independent Residents Group (KIRG) councillors are calling on Kingston Council to protect residents prescribed cannabis-based medicines from stigma, discrimination and inappropriate enforcement.

A motion proposed by KIRG leader, Cllr James Giles and seconded by Cllr Yvonne Tracey, asks the Council to review its policies, train frontline staff and improve awareness of cannabis-based products for medicinal use, known as CBPMs.

Medical cannabis has been legally available on prescription in the UK since November 2018 and may be prescribed by specialist doctors for conditions including chronic pain, neurological and psychiatric conditions, palliative care needs and other long-term illnesses.

However, patients can still be wrongly treated as though they are using illegal or recreational cannabis.

Cllr Giles said: "People taking medication lawfully prescribed by a specialist doctor should not be treated as criminals or recreational drug users.

"A medical vaporiser is not the same as smoking cannabis or using a nicotine vape. Patients should not be forced into smoking areas to take prescribed medication, exposing them to tobacco smoke and undermining their health, privacy and dignity.

"This motion is about ensuring Kingston Council gets its own house in order and improves understanding across the borough."

The motion calls for guidance for council staff working in housing, community safety, licensing, customer services, facilities management and HR.

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It also asks the Council to review policies covering its buildings, employment, housing management, anti-social behaviour, licensing and public spaces to ensure patients are not inadvertently discriminated against.

Cllr Tracey said: "No resident should be denied access to services, housing, employment or community facilities because of medication they have been legally prescribed.

"This is a practical motion based on clear information, reasonable adjustments and basic respect for patients."

The Council would also be asked to provide information to licensed premises, seek assurances from housing associations and ask the Metropolitan Police what training officers receive on lawful possession and medical vaporisation.

A report on progress would be presented to the Council's People Committee within six months.

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