{"id":29233,"date":"2023-11-14T10:46:47","date_gmt":"2023-11-14T10:46:47","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/cannabishealthnews.co.uk\/?p=29233"},"modified":"2023-11-15T10:48:14","modified_gmt":"2023-11-15T10:48:14","slug":"salford-councillor-moves-unprecedented-motion-to-protect-citys-cannabis-patients","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/cannabishealthnews.co.uk\/2023\/11\/14\/salford-councillor-moves-unprecedented-motion-to-protect-citys-cannabis-patients\/","title":{"rendered":"Salford councillor moves \u2018unprecedented\u2019 motion to protect city\u2019s cannabis patients\u00a0"},"content":{"rendered":"

Salford City Council will vote this week on an \u2018unprecedented\u2019 motion designed to protect medicinal cannabis patients from discrimination.<\/b><\/h3>\n

The <\/span>motion,<\/span><\/a> moved by independent <\/span>councillor, Andrew Walters, puts forward a number of proposals to raise awareness of the legality of medical cannabis and protect those in possession of legal prescriptions.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

It is expected to be discussed at the Full Council meeting of Salford City Council on Wednesday 15th November.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

If approved, all council premises could be required to have a safe indoor space for patients to consume their medication in order to prevent council employees and visitors from being discriminated against, in accordance with the Equality Act.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The City Mayor will also be urged to ensure that all licensees, Housing Associations and police officers in the city are aware of the legal status of cannabis-based products for medicinal use, to provide training, and to request measures are introduced to avoid potential discrimination.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

It is thought to be the first time a local authority has put forward a motion of this kind, which acknowledges the legality of medical cannabis and the issues facing patients in the wider community.<\/span><\/p>\n

Medical cannabis was legalised in November 2018, but five years on, <\/span>surveys <\/span><\/a>have shown that around half of the UK population are still unaware that it is available on prescription.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Meanwhile there have been numerous reports of patients being <\/span>refused entry<\/span><\/a> to events, <\/span>arrested<\/span><\/a>, facing <\/span>eviction <\/span><\/a>and losing their jobs due to discrimination around their medication.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Councillor Andrew Walters<\/em><\/p><\/div>\n

A \u2018potentially game-changing\u2019 moment\u00a0<\/b><\/h4>\n

Coun Walters told Cannabis Health that the motion will ensure patients are treated with \u2018dignity\u2019 and no longer feel they have to consume in secret like \u2018criminals\u2019.<\/span><\/p>\n

Since putting forward the motion, <\/span>he understands that other councils across the UK are considering similar action, adding that it has already \u2018succeeded\u2019 in raising awareness regardless of the outcome of Wednesday\u2019s vote.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIt is an honour and privilege to move this unprecedented, potentially game-changing motion this week,\u201d he commented.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThe motion is all about awareness; it is not changing any law, or doing anything different. It is not radical, liberal or political. The Equality Act is just as relevant without the motion as it would be if the motion is passed. If a patient walks into the council building today, and needs someone safe and secure to take medicine, the Equality Acts apply. But would a council officer know what to do? What documents to ask for? Unlikely, perhaps, which is putting the council at real risk of anti-disability discrimination. The motion is all about education; so if a patient needs to medicate, officers know what to do, and can treat the patient with dignity.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Attention patients in the greater Manchester\/Salford area! Please attend and support cllr Walters with his motion on cannabis based prescription medicine<\/p>\n

Directions to attend are here: https:\/\/t.co\/X8fJJUbbtv<\/a><\/p>\n

Can\u2019t attend? You can watch live, here: https:\/\/t.co\/oe9pNNWQND<\/a><\/p>\n

— ???????? Medical Cannabis Patients Association (@MCPA_UK) November 13, 2023<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n