The airline Jet2 has apologised to a medical cannabis patient—and is said to be ‘reviewing its policies’—after their medication was confiscated on a flight from Belfast.
David Toms from Belfast, who is prescribed cannabis-based medicines for chronic pain and anxiety, was flying to Antalya in Turkey on 5 November 2024 for what was supposed to be a “dream family holiday”.
In line with the guidance for patients travelling with their medication, he had written to the Turkish Embassy to inform them of his arrival and acquired all of the necessary documentation, including a copy of his prescription and a travel letter from his doctor.
During check-in Toms informed several members of staff that he was carrying his medication and declared it at security and customs without any issues.
Once on board the flight, Toms— who was nervous as it was his first time travelling with the medication—asked the cabin crew if there was anywhere in particular he should store it. This, he says, is “when the nightmare began”.
Despite presenting copies of his prescription again, he was asked to accompany the steward to the front of the plane where he was told by the pilot that there was “no such thing as legal cannabis” and he would not be allowed to travel with “drugs on his plane”.
The flight was then delayed for over 30 minutes while Toms tried to explain his circumstances before airport police were called to assist. Officers checked his paperwork and confirmed that his medication was legal but said the decision was ultimately down to the pilot’s discretion.
The pilot remained adamant that Toms was not permitted to take his medication on the flight, despite his health issues and the fact that he was travelling with other controlled prescription drugs. He was forced to handover his medication to officers who said they would happily return it to him on his arrival back in Belfast.
“I was humiliated, embarrassed and in tears,” Toms told Cannabis Health.
“I offered to walk off the plane saying I couldn’t cope, on the condition I would get a full refund, to which I was told there was no guarantee. I was then basically told to sit down and shut up for the next five hours as the staff would not be speaking about the issue any further.”
Toms says he was “ignored” by the cabin crew for the duration of the flight and on arriving in Antalya quickly became unwell without his medication.
“I suffered the week from hell with no medicine, I was sweating, in pain and unable to sleep,” he continues.
“My Aunty and cousin who came with me also had their holiday ruined as they had to look after me all week and listen to me toss and turn and pace the floors every night. It was the one of the worst, longest weeks I’ve ever had to endure mentally and it left me physically ill.”
Toms and his aunt made separate complaints to Jet2 during the holiday, with a hotel rep calling a doctor on one occasion out of concern for his condition. He was offered an early flight home but told he would have to pay full price which he “couldn’t afford to do”.
“In hindsight I really wish I said nothing at all [on the plane] but in my mind, I was only doing what I was legally told to do,” he adds.
“My anxiety is bad enough as it is and I just wanted to be safe and not sorry. I wouldn’t want anyone to feel the humiliation I went through that day.”
READ MORE: Can I travel abroad with my medical cannabis prescription?
Since returning from his trip, Toms has sought legal advice and made an official complaint with Jet2. The company has now apologised and offered him a partial refund for the flight along with £50 compensation.
In an email to Toms, seen by Cannabis Health, a member of the Jet2 team said: “I am very aware that this situation was difficult for you and your family and I am very sorry for any distress caused… Your comments and concerns have been taken on board and I would like to assure you that we are looking into this matter to avoid a similar situation happening again.”
Toms welcomes this response and hopes it will prevent the same thing happening to other patients. But he admits he is “disappointed” with the level of compensation and the fact that a full refund was not offered.
A spokesperson for Jet2 said: “We are sorry to hear of Mr Toms’ experience. We are reviewing our policies and processes to ensure this incident does not happen again. We have contacted Mr Toms personally to apologise and have provided a gesture of goodwill.”
Airlines urged to ensure policies ‘reflect the legality of prescription cannabis’
In June last year a British Airways flight travelling from London City Airport to Amsterdam was grounded for several hours by armed police after concerns were raised about medical cannabis on board.
Despite having the correct documentation to travel with their prescription—and clearing security checks— their medication was confiscated and placed in the cargo hold, going against professional medical advice for a Schedule 2 controlled substance.
The latest incident has led to calls for airlines to ensure their policies ‘reflect the legality of prescription cannabis’ and patients’ rights under the Equality Act.
CEO of the UK Cannabis Industry Council, Mike Morgan-Giles, commented: “This situation is regrettable, as medical cannabis patients should be treated like any other patient while travelling abroad with their medication.
“The CIC urges airlines to ensure their policies reflect the legality of prescription cannabis, and the protections available to patients under the Equality Act.
“Additionally, the CIC encourages medical cannabis patients travelling abroad to ensure they have all relevant paperwork with them, and to proactively engage with airlines and other interested parties. There is a range of travel advice for patients available online.”
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Author: Sarah Sinclair
