Marijuana, pot, cannabis, Mary Jane, whatever you call it, weed is a pretty addictive drug. And while it may seem like a great way to chill out and relax, dating a stoner does come with its own unique set of challenges.
The key to a happy, healthy relationship is setting boundaries and finding ways to compromise. Here are a few things to keep in mind when dating a stoner.
1. Get to Know Their Interests
When you meet a stoner, be sure to get to know their interests. They can range from a passion for baking and homemaking to cannabis-related activities. It is not uncommon for a stoner to be interested in collecting bongs, bubblers, famous pot smoker movie posters, and other marijuana-related collectibles. If you want to gauge how marijuana-friendly a person is, try bringing up a discussion about marijuana legalization or any other relevant issues relating to cannabis.
People who do not partake in cannabis often stereotype stoners. They may think that stoners are lazy, lack ambition, and do not care about their appearance. Although these stereotypes are starting to dissipate as weed becomes more accepted, it is important not to enter into a relationship with preconceived notions about a person simply because they smoke weed. Instead, learn to appreciate the unique person that they are. Then, you will have the best chance of keeping them around for a long time.
2. Set Boundaries
One of the most important things to remember when dating a stoner is to set boundaries. This means setting clear expectations and letting your partner know what you do and don’t want in a relationship.
For example, if you’re a non-smoker and your partner wants to use marijuana in front of you or you feel uncomfortable with it, make sure to talk about it. If you’re unable to accept that your partner smokes weed, you may want to reevaluate the relationship.
Many people have negative stereotypes of stoners. They often think that they’re lazy, have bad personal hygiene and only care about getting high. This is not true for all stoners and going into a relationship with preconceived notions can cause you to miss out on the potential of a great connection. Instead of judging your stoner partner, try to enjoy some aspects of their lifestyle together like a late night trip to Taco Bell or a hilarious weed podcast featuring Cheech Marin.
3. Compromise
People who smoke weed often feel pressure to fit into mainstream stigmas about their habit. This can lead to them feeling obligated to keep it secret from non-smoking friends and family, or even their partners. This can lead to short term frustrations in your relationship as they are not meeting the expectations you have for your relationship.
You might find yourself in a situation where your partner feels they have to get high before going out or doing chores, but they are not able to control the urge. This is a sign that their addiction may be too strong and it’s time to take a step back.
If they are unable to control their pot-fuelled behaviour, it’s important to compromise and find some activities that both of you enjoy. This might mean finding a new hobby that doesn’t require smoking, such as hiking or yoga. It might also be a good idea to introduce them to some go-getter stoner friends, to show that cannabis doesn’t make people lazy and unmotivated.
4. Be Honest
Regardless of whether or not you smoke, it’s important to be honest about your cannabis consumption. It’s not fair to your partner (or potential partner) to lie about your weed smoking habits or keep them a secret for too long.
This is especially true if you live in an area where marijuana is not legal. If you’re caught with a joint in your hand or weed in the car, it could get you both arrested—and that’s no way to start a relationship!
That being said, it’s also OK to enjoy aspects of stoner culture. You don’t need to be a smoker to have fun with late night trips to Taco Bell or White Castle, trippy books, or hilarious weed podcasts featuring Cheech Marin. Besides, many normal relationships norms—such as eating together or having sex—are more fun when done high! So don’t be afraid to try some ganja with your significant other. Just remember to set the boundaries beforehand!
