AIBU if I report a weed smoking next door neighbour?

[TwinklyNavyPoster]

I (F, 27) live in a mid-terrace house with my husband (M, 30) and baby (M, 13 weeks). We have lived here for 2 years and it became quickly apparent when we moved in that our next door neighbour regularly smokes weed. I know it's my next door neighbour as whenever the smell appears, they have a specific upstairs window open and if I watch the window, I can see smoke coming from it.

I have no issue with people smoking cannabis, but I can't stand the smell. I did find our neighbours habit quite irritating from the get go as it is frequent, I can't leave washing outside to dry as it picks up the smell, and if I leave the windows open in warm weather the smell makes its way indoors. However, I hate confrontation and actually like our neighbour so I've always just put up with it.

Since having my son, the weather has improved and I'm smelling weed again more often. I'm really trying to bite my tongue, but I write this at 4:50am when I've just had to stop feeding the baby to get up and close the bedroom window in 24 degree heat because it absolutely reeks. I'm feeling really irritated and upset with my neighbour as they know we have a baby and I think it's really inconsiderate.

First and foremost, I'm worried about baby as I'm concerned about the effects second hand cannabis smoke could have on him - but I don't know if I'm over-reacting or being overly protective. Does anyone know if second hand cannabis smoke is dangerous for babies? I feel like it must be, but I'm unsure if this is just if you smoke directly in front of them - since the smoke is coming from next door perhaps this doesn't count? I will note that the window they smoke from is directly adjacent to our bedroom window, and our baby is currently sleeping in the same room as us as per safe sleep guidelines.

Secondly, AIBU if I report the neighbour for ASB? I don't feel comfortable bringing it up with them in-person and I don't know what else to do.

TL;DR - is second hand cannabis smoke harmful to babies, and AIBU if I report my next door neighbour for ASB for regularly smoking weed out of the window of their mid-terrace house?

Report it to who?

You could try and air purifier and get an anti pollution screen for your bedroom window. You could also mention it to your HV as they might have some advice.

You could have a word with the neighbour to see if they'll not hang out their window smoking it as you have the baby in your bedroom. You could report it to the police but they're pretty unlikely to bust a recreational user. You could also report to the council as anti social behavior.

It's illegal to possess cannibis. I think people have forgotten this somehow. Report it to the police - they are likely to do something, they like easy wins.

We have problems here too with the fucking stench of the stuff, I'd report it but no idea who it is - suspect next door neighbour, but unsure.

You can try but they wont do anything, my friend has this issue and neither the police or council care.

If you like your neighbour why on earth would you send the police round? Are you trying to ruin their life?!
It's difficult but you (or your husband!) need to kindly explain the problem and smoke elsewhere in the house/garden.

I had the same issue and came on here to be told no one would be interested. The smell from next door was so strong we had to keep windows closed too. I called 101 and the Police did knock on doors and ask our neighbours about antisocial drug use. It did stop after that for us. The lad next door went elsewhere to smoke it.

it was helpful to have a record of times as they wanted to turn up when they too would be able to smell it.

If it were me , I'd leave a note explaining the problem .
Can he use a different room ?

We all know it's illegal. We also know unless they're likely to be dealing the police are very uninterested. If you live in a sleepy area they might send some PCSO's round to have a word OP. If you're in a busy town/city they'll have bigger fish to fry.

Whilst I can imagine that's very difficult for you OP as the smell of cannabis being smoked as a joint is very strong, as a legal cannabis user, just wanted to point out that the possession of cannabis isn't illegal in this country. It's legal with a valid medical prescription, which many of us have for different conditions. However, one of the conditions for use is that it's not used with tobacco- cannabis vaporisers are most commonly used.
Just wanted to clarify the legal position!
I live next door to a young family & if they came to me explaining they had concerns over the smell (which tbh using a vape means the odour is massively reduced) I'd go out of my way to be a respectful neighbour. If you get on with them, drop a note through the door explaining your worries xx

I doubt that many folk have it on prescription 😁 it costs way more than getting it off your local dealer for a start. Plus you need your GP to sign off on legal use for medical conditions. Which isn't your usual Bob next door user.

And whilst it's "legal" on prescription. So were my slimming tablets from a "GP" when I paid for basically legalised amphetamine. We live in a consumerism world and if you can afford to pay them you can mostly have what you like.

The legalised cannabis route will sign off on prescription for mental health for a start. Which in 99% of cases is a crock of shit as it causes more damage than it supports. As with anything in life, they see a taxable selling point angle and run with it.

Reporting them seems like a bit OTT. Why might you do that when you can simply pop round and explain your concerns?

If its social housing then the landlord might get involved

I’m not sure reporting would do much.

Why are your ages and sexes relevant to the story? Especially the sex of your child?!!

I can’t stand the smell of it and I totally understand your views. I’d probably have a quiet word and maybe see if you can come to a compromise
you could report them but it might make things uncomfortable

Nothing will happen. You are wasting your time.

we have tried the police, local council (next doors house is council) and social services (they have 7 kids in there) and not a single thing has changed. It’s horrific one of our upstairs bedrooms is virtually unusable and we cannot have a relaxing bath as our bathroom absolutely stinks of it so it’s a quick shower and out every time.

We had a similar problem and reported them to their landlord. They lived two doors down and the smell was so overpowering as he would smoke all day and night. I never would have thought it would be such an issue. Luckily they left shortly after (I think he was also dealing and no doubt didn’t want his landlord on his case)

Report it but nothing will come of it
My house absolutely stinks of it cos of my neighbours, my curtains etc reek
Housing association didn’t give 2 shits

You've known this was a problem since you moved in 2 years ago, so approx 12 months before you conceived, but have decided you want to do something about it now? You think it's dangerous for your baby but you didn't think, before you started TTC, that you should ensure you are bringing a newborn child into a home that you consider safe?

I was thinking more the council than police - they have an environmental health department which deal with issues like ASB and noise complaints.

I'm too anxious to speak to them about it!

We're both owner-occupiers but thank you for the suggestion!

Not relevant at all really, just thought I'd include as most people on here do.

The police will do bugger all, I called to report my neighbour and was told they wouldn’t/couldnt.

The police have forgotten that it’s illegal too. No one does anything about it. People smoke openly in the street.

This would make me so mad! Yes report it, but more importantly report them if you see them get in their car as it sounds like they’re always smoking so they’ll also be drug driving. Sorry you’re dealing with this.
Alternatively you could mention it to them if you do have an okay relationship but they must be stupid if they don’t already know it’s an issue.