Man removed from Liverpool bus for cannabis smell

A man was kicked off a bus in Liverpool for smelling of cannabis. James Murphy, 22, from Ireland, uses medicinal cannabis to treat ADHD and depression. He claims he vaped cannabis before boarding the bus but stopped once he was onboard. James was on a day trip to Liverpool when a bus driver asked him to leave because of the smell. He tried to explain that his cannabis was prescribed, but the driver refused to listen. James felt he was not causing any disturbance and said he was sitting alone near an open window. Arriva North West, the bus company, has a strict no smoking or vaping policy. They confirmed that while James is a registered medical cannabis patient, their rules apply to everyone. A spokesperson stated that drivers cannot judge the legality of the substances passengers use. Public reactions have been mixed. Some readers support the driver's decision, emphasizing that cannabis use might be off-putting for others on the bus. Others sympathize with James, saying he deserves understanding because of his medical needs. James is frustrated with Arriva's response to his complaint. He believes there should be more awareness about medicinal cannabis and its usage, especially in Northern Ireland. He highlighted that many people rely on cannabis as a last resort when other treatments fail. James’s experience raises concerns about how medical cannabis is perceived and treated in public spaces. He hopes for better understanding and acceptance of medical cannabis in the future.