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Original poster

Should I say something about neighbours smoking weed in the garden?

32 replies

Chloelash · 11/02/2023 18:27

The family next door to me smokes weed in their kitchen/garden several times a day. It’s annoying not being able to open my windows in summer or let my 5 year old play in the back garden, but I’ve felt really unreasonable saying anything because I know that they’re just minding their own business in their own home.

This will be the third summer of them living here though and I’m feeling really fed up with it now so considering saying something. Not sure if that would be out of order though and have no idea how to do it politely, or what they’re supposed to do instead? They have young kids in the house including a baby which is why they smoke it in the kitchen and garden instead of the living room or wherever.

AIBU, and if not what should I say to them?

OP posts:
Original poster
Chloelash · 11/02/2023 18:48

@TiptoeThroughTheToadstools they’re a nice couple, they’re just really young and don’t always realise that things they’re doing are annoying to other neighbours so I wouldn’t want to cause them any trouble. If there was somewhere else for them to smoke it then I reckon they’d do that if asked, it’s just that there’s not really a lot of options unfortunately!

OP posts:
Casilero · 11/02/2023 18:46

I don't like the smell either but I wouldn't mention it myself. They aren't going to stop smoking it and there's no reason for you not to use your garden. Why create problems over such a tiny issue? My neighbours smoke it too, but I like them and consider them to be friends. It's not harming me and they are really great neighbours. We used to look after each others kids when they were younger, borrow stuff - even random things like bottles of wine and in one case a whole chicken so not the normal "cup of sugar". We still look out for each other and take in parcels, feed each others cats. Don't sweat the small stuff would be my advice.

Original poster
Chloelash · 11/02/2023 18:43

MissLucyEyelesbarrow · 11/02/2023 18:38

Why can’t your DC play out? They’re not going to get stoned! And there is infinitely more risk from air pollution than a bit of weed.

Personally I hate the smell, so I get the nuisance factor, but there is not a safety risk.

Afaik if you’re able to smell weed (or cigarette smoke) then you’re likely to be inhaling the harmful substances. I’m happy to be corrected if anyone has a credible source that states otherwise of course.

OP posts:
MissLucyEyelesbarrow · 11/02/2023 18:38

Why can’t your DC play out? They’re not going to get stoned! And there is infinitely more risk from air pollution than a bit of weed.

Personally I hate the smell, so I get the nuisance factor, but there is not a safety risk.

NotTooOldPaul · 11/02/2023 18:35

Maybe mention in a conversation that you worry about your child and appreciate why they smoke outside. Ask if they can keep to the far side of their garden. Make it positive as they do not smoke indoors.

EsmeSusanOgg · 11/02/2023 18:34

So .. we had some younger neighbours in the garden flat nextdoor a few years ago. They smoked weed. I just asked nicely if we could time it so I could be our with my toddler. They said no problem and switched to smoking later in the evening rather than mid afternoon.

This was during lockdown though, so no one had options for outside space to chill except our tiny gardens.

TiptoeThroughTheToadstools · 11/02/2023 18:29

YANBU but I would expect them not to take it very well and off the back of it you'll have nightmare neighbours who still smoke it. Is it an option to report anonymously to the police?