What If My Partner Hates Weed?

Dating can be complicated enough without having to worry about disagreements about cannabis use. However, with legalization changing the landscape, it’s now something that may come up during dating. Ashley Manta, sex coach and CannaSexual founder, has some advice on how to navigate these conversations without letting them become dealbreakers.

What Is Cannabis?

Cannabis is a plant species in the family Cannabaceae. It includes three primary subspecies: Cannabis sativa, Cannabis indica, and Cannabis ruderalis. Cannabis has been used for a variety of purposes, including for its medicinal and recreational effects. It is also known for its psychoactive compounds, such as tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD).

What Is THC?

Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is a psychoactive compound found in the cannabis plant. It is responsible for the “high” commonly associated with cannabis use. THC acts on the cannabinoid receptors in the brain, which are involved in the regulation of mood, appetite, and other cognitive functions. The amount of THC in cannabis varies depending on the strain, with some strains having higher levels of THC than others.

What Is CBD?

CBD stands for cannabidiol, which is a naturally occurring compound found in the cannabis plant. CBD is one of many compounds, known as cannabinoids, that are found in the cannabis plant. Unlike the more well-known compound tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), CBD is non-psychoactive, meaning it does not produce the “high” commonly associated with cannabis use.

CBD has become increasingly popular in recent years as a natural remedy for a variety of health conditions, including anxiety, pain, and insomnia. It is also used to manage symptoms of conditions such as multiple sclerosis and help with epilepsy. CBD is available in a variety of forms, including oils, capsules, and topical creams.

It’s not always about the stigma

It is understandable if someone does not want cannabis in their life for personal or professional reasons.

If you don’t want to risk losing your job or custody of your children, it’s best not to date someone who could be negatively affected by your cannabis use.

Communication and compromise

If we want to find common ground, communication and compromise are key. By talking to each other and being willing to give and take, we can find solutions that work for everyone.

Cannabis consumption is something that couples should figure out together through communication. Drawing a hard line on cannabis use is not the best approach; instead, create opportunities for dialogue about it.

The partner who is uncomfortable with cannabis use may want to explore the reasons behind their discomfort. Is it religious or political? Or is it based on personal experience or misinformation? By understanding the reasons for their discomfort, the couple can work together to find a resolution.

It is important for consumers in relationships with cannabis growers or sellers to know themselves and their habits, to understand what they want or need from the cannabis, and to communicate their boundaries and needs clearly and kindly.

Compromise is key in any relationship, and that includes relationships where one partner consumes cannabis and the other doesn’t. Rather than issuing an ultimatum, explore strategies like only consuming on days apart or choosing non-intoxicating CBD strains. Communication is also important; let your partner know what you’re comfortable with and ask them to do the same.

If you’re concerned about smoking in general, you may want to try cannabis-infused edibles, oils or beverages instead.

When to abstain

There are many reasons why someone might choose to abstain. For some, it may be a personal choice based on health or religious beliefs. For others, it may be a way to avoid the negative consequences of drinking, such as job loss, financial problems, or legal trouble. Whatever the reason, abstaining can be a positive choice that improve your life in many ways.

There is a common worry among those who don’t use cannabis that their partner needs to be high in order to enjoy sex. However, this is largely an unfounded fear, according to Manta. Cannabis isn’t magic and it won’t make you enjoy something that you otherwise wouldn’t.

She stresses that it is perfectly acceptable to ask for sober sex if one’s partner’s state of mind is negatively affecting their sexual experience. Ultimately, it is up to the person receiving the request to decide whether or not to comply based on the parameters that have been set.

You don’t have to evangelize, or teach

It is important for couples to communicate openly about cannabis, with the goal of finding a compromise that works for both partners. However, there may come a time when one partner who has been abstaining becomes curious about trying cannabis. In this case, it is important to be aware that not every cannabis consumer is prepared to guide a first-time experience.

“Just because someone smokes occasionally doesn’t make them proficient in best practices,” Manta said, adding that consuming partners shouldn’t feel obligated to teach their canna-curious partners. “If they have a high tolerance and don’t know enough to advise their novice buddies to take their time and try balanced THC/CBD products or super-low-dose foods, they could end up giving their buddies Bad first experience and scaring them off weed entirely.”

It is advisable to use a trained professional like a budtender, cannabis sommelier, or cannabis-friendly relationship coach to get the most out of your marijuana experience.

Is this feasible?

Different views on cannabis should not get in the way of long and fulfilling relationships. If both parties are willing to communicate openly and compromise, then they can definitely make things work. According to Manta, the key is to show respect for each other and be willing to work together to find a solution that works for both of you.