Ever been Mickey Finn’d?
Personal experiences and thoughts...
"I have a severe intolerance to THC". (the psychoactive compound in cannabis that causes a “high”.)
Many find it ironic that, despite this, I work for the Cannabis Trades Association, advocating for the safe and regulated use of cannabis in the UK. To me, it’s like being a gardener with hay fever. I’m doing it for for the greater good because it’s the right thing to do, and I have skills.
That greater good is to ensure cannabis is used responsibly and integrated safely into society, whether for medicinal, food products, or industrial. Despite the progress we've made, certain people within the cannabis movement are, in fact, doing more harm than good. Through reckless behaviour and disregard for the rules, they’re setting the industry back and damaging years of hard work.
I’ve attended several cannabis-related events where I’ve been poisoned, so to speak, by careless attendees who have purposely released uncontrolled amounts of THC into the atmosphere, either by smoking indoors or gerry-rigging devices to release uncontrolled amounts into the venue. For someone with THC sensitivity, this isn’t just inconvenient—it’s dangerous. In my eyes, it’s no different than spiking someone’s drink at a bar - without their consent. It’s harmful, thoughtless, and shows a complete disregard for those around them.
Under UK law, these actions could be classified as far more than just irresponsible behaviour. Consider Section 24 of the Offences Against the Person Act 1861, which states it is an offence to maliciously administer poison or a noxious substance with intent to injure, aggrieve, or annoy another person. Section 23 of the same act goes further, covering instances where a noxious substance is administered to endanger life or cause grievous bodily harm. While most offenders at cannabis events likely do not act with explicit malice, the effects of their actions on others—especially those like me, who are highly sensitive to THC—are no less serious.
What makes this behaviour even more infuriating is the hypocrisy. The same activists who claim to fight for the legalisation of cannabis are the ones whose actions provide ammunition to those who oppose it. Instead of proving that cannabis can be used responsibly, they reinforce negative stereotypes of lawlessness and recklessness. This kind of behaviour proves exactly why stricter regulations are needed.
It’s especially frustrating when these events have designated areas specifically for medical cannabis patients to medicate. These spaces are provided so patients can use cannabis responsibly without affecting others. But some activists and attendees ignore these rules, smoking indoors or in public areas despite regulations clearly prohibiting it. This level of recklessness is not just disrespectful—it’s a direct threat to the safety and wellbeing of others.
Security teams often approach these individuals, asking them to move outside to the designated smoking areas. Instead of complying, many respond with aggression and belligerence. These confrontations are not isolated incidents. I’ve witnessed it myself—people lashing out when simply asked to follow the rules.
This behaviour is not just a personal affront; it’s the reason many venues are forced to close down events. No venue wants to deal with aggressive attendees or the liability that comes with it. It’s these few reckless individuals who are jeopardising future opportunities for the industry to thrive.
Imagine attending a professional event only to be met with disregard for basic rules and courtesy. It’s like going to a food fair and being force-fed something you’re allergic to. This isn’t activism—it’s negligence. And it’s causing harm on multiple levels. Not only does it create a hostile and unsafe environment for people like me, but it also damages the reputation of the entire cannabis industry.
We’ve already made significant strides in the legal cannabis market, from medicinal use to industrial hemp innovations. But this kind of reckless behaviour threatens to overshadow all of that progress. If venues and event organisers are forced to deal with aggressive attendees who won’t follow the rules, they’ll simply stop hosting cannabis-related events altogether. The actions of a few could ruin opportunities for the many, dragging the entire industry backwards.
Cannabis activists need to grow up. The future of the UK cannabis industry depends on responsible behaviour and respect for the law. Legalisation doesn’t mean everyone gets to do as they please. It’s about creating a framework where cannabis can be safely and responsibly integrated into society. If these reckless behaviours continue, we risk reinforcing the very negative perceptions that have held the industry back for so long.
I may be intolerant to THC (and the thoughtless), but I’m not intolerant to the cannabis industry. I’m committed to seeing it thrive in a way that benefits society, without harming others. But it’s time we demand better from everyone involved. The activists who refuse to follow the rules, the venues that host these events, and the security teams tasked with enforcing them all need to do their part. Only then can we move forward and build a responsible, sustainable industry for the future.
Published - 27th November 2024
Sian Phillips - Executive Director
