Cannabis
- Cannabis is an illegal drug under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971
- Recreational use is against the law and may breach your tenancy agreement, which prohibits illegal activities
- Some forms of cannabis‑based medicines can legally be prescribed by a specialist doctor. Where this is the case, we'll take a sensitive and proportionate approach, consistent with our ASB Policy and our responsibilities around equality, fairness, and reasonable adjustments
- We do not in any way encourage or approve the use of non prescribed cannabis in our homes
Communal concerns
- A communal concern would be smells reported in hallways or stairwells
- Your neighbourhood officer may send a general reminder to all residents in the block confirming that recreational cannabis use is illegal
- If wider nuisance is identified, we may undertake neighbourhood visits and/or work with relevant partner agencies
- We'll encourage customers/residents to report suspected criminal activity directly to the Police, who are the lead agency for drug offences
Concerns about a specific individual/property
These reports will be investigated by our ASB team. An officer may take the following steps:
- Contact the reporting person to understand the concerns raised, including the level of harm or evidence available
- Where proportionate, contact the alleged perpetrator to discuss the concerns
- Encourage the reporting person to report all relevant details to the police
- Assess reports of noxious smells or smoke based on the level of harm or disruption to others
To ensure fairness and safety, VIVID staff will not usually contact both parties on the same day.
Response times will vary depending on the level of impact and available information, though we will progress concerns promptly.
To report any concerns to us, please get in contact and we'll look into it.
If someone reports that smoke is affecting their health or the health of their household, we may ask for medical evidence, but only when it is needed to show a significant impact for potential legal action. This is in line with our policy, which requires substantial and externally supported evidence in such cases.
Severity and Pattern
We review how often the issue occurs, how long it lasts, and whether there is a persistent pattern that may require intervention.
Effect on Daily Life
We consider whether the reporting household is being forced to make unreasonable adjustments to their living environment, routines, or daily life.
Wider Nuisance
We review any linked behaviours such as:
- Persistent noise or disruption
- ASB from visitors
- Repeated or widespread complaints
- Evidence shared by the police or other agencies
We fully support the police in responding to reports of suspected drug use. Any action taken by the police, and any evidence provided by them or other agencies (e.g., Environmental Health, medical professionals), will be considered as part of our assessment.
VIVID will only consider legal or tenancy enforcement action where there is clear evidence of cannabis use AND substantial, demonstrable impact on individuals or the community.
We may collect, request, or rely on evidence such as diary sheets, witness accounts, medical information, environmental health reports, or police information only where necessary to meet the evidence threshold for formal action.
Legal Tools
We may consider legal tools such as injunctions or tenancy enforcement when:
- The impact is significant
- Behaviour is persistent
- Evidence meets the thresholds outlined in the ASB Policy
Prescribed medical cannabis must be approached differently and customers using legally prescribed medication should feel safe, respected, and understood. Our response must be trauma‑informed, proportionate, and non‑judgemental.
Our approach
We will adopt a supportive, person‑centred approach that recognises prescribed cannabis as a legitimate medical treatment. We will:
- Create a safe space for disclosure:
Customers are not legally required to provide a prescription; however, they should feel empowered—not pressured—to share relevant information if they feel comfortable. This enables us to understand their needs and consider reasonable adjustments. - Request information respectfully and only when necessary:
Where appropriate, we may ask to view a valid prescription to help clarify the situation. This request will be made sensitively, explaining why the information may support them and reduce the risk of misunderstanding with neighbours. - Provide guidance around use and ventilation:
We may remind customers to use their medication in accordance with its prescribed route of administration and offer practical advice around ventilation to help minimise odour‑related concerns. - Share information only with explicit consent:
In rare circumstances, and only when the customer gives clear consent, we may share limited information with neighbours/other agencies to reduce tensions or prevent escalation.
We will never share personal medical details, and any information shared will be minimal, proportionate, and strictly necessary.
We'll apply tenancy clauses fairly and avoid any action that could amount to discrimination against someone using medically prescribed treatment. Concerns reported by neighbours will be managed with balanced, evidence‑based responses to prevent unnecessary escalation.
Where tensions exist, we may recommend the use of an independent assessment or mediation service. This can help rebuild communication, resolve conflict, and support neighbours in reaching mutually acceptable solutions.
Legal Context (for clarity)
- Prescribed cannabis is lawful when supported by a valid prescription and correctly labelled products
- Cancard is a voluntary ID scheme that may influence police discretion, but it is not a legal defence or licence
- National guidance confirms that smoking is not an approved route for prescribed cannabis; only the route specified by the clinician (e.g., oils, capsules, or approved vaporisation devices) should be used
To reflect our ASB Policy:
- We would not normally take tenancy enforcement action for smell alone
- Enforcement will be considered only where there is significant additional nuisance, impact and supporting evidence
- Criminality (possession, supply, cultivation) is the responsibility of the police
- We may use early intervention tools such as:
-Asking customers to be more considerate
-Acceptable Behaviour Agreements
-ASB referrals/assessments
-Mediation
-Warning letters
We recognise that some customers may want help to reduce or stop their cannabis use. The following organisations can provide confidential advice and support:
- FRANK – Free, confidential advice on drugs and their effects- www.talktofrank.com / 0300 123 6600
- NHS – Cannabis: The Risks- www.nhs.uk/live-well/addiction/cannabis-the-risks
- Change Grow Live – Support with substance use and recovery- www.changegrowlive.org
- We Are With You – Free, confidential support with drugs and mental health- www.wearewithyou.org.uk
