Smoking marijuana is pretty common - many people smoke. And many people are in therapy. It may be that these factors are unrelated. But they can go hand in hand.
In many places, smoking is illegal but a big part of people's lives, and this may quickly become a topic that's talked about in therapy. You may be worried about the consequences of talking about smoking something illegal with your therapist. So let's answer a few questions you may have...
Can my therapist know I smoke marijuana?
I'm not sure whether your therapist will be able to tell you smoke weed - that depends on you, how you present and if they can spot it. Despite if it's obvious or not, however - in the UK, you can feel at ease to tell you therapist.
In fact, it might be a good idea. If smoking is a big part of your life, I guarantee your therapist wants to know about it, because they want to know about you and your life. Especially if smoking affects your relationships, school or work, why keep it a secret from your therapist?
There is no reason. In the UK, a therapist does not need to break confidentially if you smoke marijuana. It doesn't matter how old you are or if you have dependents. This could be a different case if you sell to people under the age of 18, but simply smoking it isn't something anybody will go running to your GP or the police about. Please don't worry. Don't let it come between you and the professional who wants to hear you and get to know you for who you are.
But, will they judge me?
If they judge you, they shouldn't be a therapist. Period.
If they do, tell them that this is how you feel, and if it can't be worked out, leave or request to see different therapist. Being or feeling judged is an issue in therapy, and progress can not be made without a respectful, understanding and accepting environment.
Therapists tend to hold the belief that people are doing the best they can in their situation - naturally striving, making an effort and trying to survive in the colourful, unique ways in which this unfolds. Above all else, they will try to understand what smoking means for you and what role it plays. Why do you smoke? Is there an underlying reason for this? Do you want to stop or, actually, are you a fairly content smoker?
Should they try and stop me?
Two things. This might depend on what's brought you into therapy.
Firstly - your therapist may recommend you stop should they feel smoking is negatively impacting other parts of your life. In the situation that smoking is keeping you away from your goals in therapy or in wider life, your therapist may well bring up the subject of stopping. Though, a good talk should happen before they begin telling you what you should be doing, which brings me onto my second point.
Secondly - if smoking is the reason you're in therapy, therapists should work to understand what smoking means to you. Smoking very well be your reason for living - literally the thing that helps you get through your day. They must be understanding and respectful of this. They shouldn't rip this away from you. That would be cruel and unfair, no?
Let me also say - a good therapist shouldn't try to run your life for you or make a dozen changes against your will by shaming you into submission. It's your life. You get to choose.
Can they stop seeing me because I smoke?
A therapist might. Nothing should stand in the way of stopping either you or your therapist from shaking hands and walking away from each other. So, yes, they might. And that's up to them - they can have their personal reasons (which they may want to work through).
But know, if someone has smoked enough that they cannot engage with their therapist, can't talk or think - then therapy is not happening. In this case, a therapist may be very supportive and keen to work with you, but can't. This means, they might have to stop a session and may want to suggest something else that is better able to support you.
Overall,
Smoking marijuana should not stop you from being transparent with your therapist. Smoking in the UK does not permit a therapist to break confidentially, so you should be able to feel safe and secure in the knowledge that what you share is private.
They should be glad you've felt able to share yourself with them - every part of you - including whether you smoke or not. They may want to better understand this and explore what smoking means for you in your life. It's all you, so it's all relevant. Don't be scared. If you are, you could tell them this too :)
Written by Lily Llewellyn
5th December 2022
Lily is a psychotherapist trained and educated in person-centred counselling to master's level and achieved an MA in anthropology. Her areas of interest include our relationships with ourselves and others as well as the ways in which we relate to objects, such as food and money, and activities, such as shopping and work.
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