Dating apps are used by more than 350 million people around the world, yet 78% of users reported feeling burnt out by them, according to a Forbes Health poll. For cannabis users, finding a 420-friendly match can cut through a lot of the noise that makes dating frustrating from the start.
What is 420 dating?
When people signal "420 friendly" in their dating apps, it means they use cannabis or are comfortable with their partner using cannabis. With 420 dating, users can find lifestyle compatibility quickly and filter out the potential matches that don't align with their values and interests.
Dating apps can be extremely helpful for filtering out incompatibilities. Many provide the capability to compare interests, lifestyles, faith, dating intentions, political leanings, and more. These features allow users to focus on finding meaningful matches.
For cannabis users, 420 dating is an effective way to find lifestyle matches. While cannabis use is more common across different demographics these days, intentionally signaling a preference to date other users can lead to better results overall. Even with increased access to cannabis in the US and UK, it can be difficult to meet other stoners, especially in the dating scene.
What "420 friendly" actually means on a dating profile
When a dating profile says "420 friendly," it means the person in the profile uses cannabis and wants their potential partner to also use the plant (or at least be comfortable with their partner's consumption).
While this can be a useful signal for compatibility, there is still a large spectrum of usage. Traditional dating app users will need to ask follow up questions regarding their matches' cannabis consumption to better understand their lifestyle compatibility.
Some people put "420 friendly" on their dating profile because they are heavy, frequent smokers. They might have a strong preference for their partner to consume in a similar fashion.
Others might signal "420 friendly" while enjoying the occasional weekend edible after a long week of work. Many others fall somewhere in between the spectrum of heavy and occasional use.
Some users might specify that they want a partner who can also be a smoking buddy. Others just want acceptance for a solo consumption ritual that they're not looking to change.
Even if a dating profile signals "420 friendly," it's crucial to ask follow up questions to better understand your potential compatibility.
Why niche cannabis dating works better than mainstream apps with a "drug use" filter
Depending on where you live and your relationship with cannabis, you might have luck by simply using the "drug use" filter on a mainstream dating app. But if you're one of the 9% of US adults who use cannabis regularly, or one of the nearly 2.5 million people in the UK who use cannabis, you might have better luck narrowing your search with niche cannabis dating apps.
When you use a regular dating app and add cannabis use to your interests, you're dealing with a huge, diverse selection of people. Some mainstream apps like Hinge require users to pay for the ability to filter by drug use. On apps like Bumble and Tinder, you can choose to self-report cannabis use, which can lead to a disconnect or misrepresentation of habits. After all, self-reported data has several disadvantages, from subjects choosing the more socially acceptable answer instead of the truth to an inability to accurately introspect.
But niche cannabis dating apps allow users to quickly find compatible matches without the hassle of paying for filters or trying to interpret other people's self assessments. The playing field is level when using 420 dating apps because it's a given that every user is 420 friendly. The dating pool is smaller than that of mainstream dating apps, but that's because the niche nature of the app has already filtered out non-smokers or consumers.
The state of 420 dating in the US
Nearly half of all the states in America have legalized recreational cannabis while more than 40 states allow for medical cannabis use. Daily cannabis use in the US has surpassed daily alcohol consumption and young adults are increasingly opting for weed drinks instead of alcoholic beverages.
Despite these figures, social-use venues are few and far between because most state laws do not permit cannabis consumption spaces, or regulators haven't built out a solid framework for them. And even though cannabis use is on the rise, there are stark differences in attitudes across the country. The 420 dating scene in Denver, Colorado is much more alive than that of Birmingham, Alabama, for example.
The 420 dating scene in the US doesn't stray too far from traditional date activities. Common dates include getting dinner and drinks (which can easily switch to smoking together and then eating a meal), watching a movie or going to a concert together while high, smoking before an activity like hiking or bowling, or getting high before a day at the museum or farmers market.
The state of 420 dating in the UK
Cannabis in the UK is only legal for medical purposes. However, first-time offenders caught with personal amounts may receive a Cannabis Warning, which doesn't go on a criminal record but is accessible by law enforcement.
Despite lacking a framework for recreational use, cannabis has been the most used drug in England and Wales for more than 30 years. Cannabis use has long been a cultural norm in the UK, making it a solid complement for dating activities. But because it's illegal and less publicly available, cannabis consumption is slightly more of a subculture rather than an open lifestyle in the UK.
First-date etiquette for 420-friendly couples
Even if you know that your date is 420 friendly, there are some important etiquette rules to keep in mind as you get to know each other. You'll both need to discuss your personal use habits and preferences to see how they match up.
Depending on consumption method, product type, tolerance level, biology, and other factors, you might not be fully synced up with your habits. It's a good idea to assess your habits first and discuss your tolerance levels, preferred way of consumption, and thoughts on dating partners who don't consume (this one is important in case either of you decide to take a tolerance break, have a drug test for a job, or other reasons that might impact your ability to consume with your partner).
There is no fundamentally "right" way to use cannabis, so be sure to approach these conversations with an open mind and curiosity. If you discover that your date has a significantly higher or lower tolerance than you, don't judge. If they prefer smoking socially instead of solo or vice versa, hear them out as to why. But don't suggest they need to change their habits.
Remember, even if cannabis is a big part of your lives, it's not everything. Some dates might not be amazing simply because you share a love for cannabis. Use cannabis as a jumping off point, but don't get caught up in only talking about weed. Discuss your hobbies, goals, interests, and other topics more than you spend time talking about cannabis on your date.
The cannabis dating site landscape compared
Here are the key features and functions of 420 dating sites and their traditional counterparts. Use this table to see which app or website best suits your needs.
| Features | Stoner Singles | 420 Singles | High There! | Blazr | Hinge (with premium cannabis filter) | OkCupid (with 420-friendly question) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Available in US | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Available in UK | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Audience size estimate | Small | Small | Small | Small | Large | Large |
| Key feature | Community and real dating advice | Strain profiling | Photo and video stories | Social feed | Predictive algorithm | Questionnaire-based |
| Our verdict | BEST CHOICE |
With a community focus and real, actionable dating advice, Stoner Singles is the best pick for 420-friendly dating. While all of the apps in question have unique, useful features, Stoner Singles equips users to date more intentionally and get the most out of their experiences through community groups and expert advice.
Who is 420 dating for? Who shouldn't participate?
For those who use the cannabis plant, 420 dating can be an incredible way to narrow potential matches and find real love that lasts. It's an effective way to connect with those who share your values. Even more importantly, 420 dating helps people avoid sinking time into a potential relationship before discovering crucial dealbreakers around cannabis consumption.
But it's not for everyone. It works best for those who use it as a way to find like-minded people while focusing on other parts of their lives, like hobbies, interests, and goals. Because 420 dating eliminates a lot of the dating pool, it's a great way for people to find meaningful connections quickly without all the fluff of traditional dating apps.
However, some people might still prefer to use traditional dating sites instead of cannabis-specific ones. If you're just looking for the largest dating pool available, a mainstream app is going to satisfy your needs much better. Those who don't care too much about cannabis use or consume irregularly will likely find better results on traditional apps, too.
Finding love in the cannabis community can be incredibly special. There's no bond like the one between two loving stoners. On top of our app, our community resources are here to help you get the most out of your dating experience. For deeper reading, check out our guide to finding love in the cannabis community.
FAQ for 420 dating
What does "420 friendly" mean on a dating profile?
Dating profiles that say "420 friendly" signal that the person uses cannabis or is comfortable with their partner using cannabis. It could mean they are frequent, heavy users, or it could mean they occasionally like to have a social smoke with friends. Sometimes, it means they don't mind if their partner uses cannabis even though they themselves do not.
Is 420 dating only for daily cannabis users?
Any level of consumption can be used in 420 dating. Finding someone who also enjoys cannabis use is the first step. Once you've found a potential match, you can ask other questions about consumption and see where you match up. There is no definitive rule for how much cannabis is required to engage in 420 dating.
What's the best 420 dating site in the UK?
Based on the comparison table above and the feedback we've heard from satisfied customers, Stoner Singles is the best 420 dating site in the UK. However, everyone is unique and may have different preferences or reasons for using a 420 dating site or other traditional dating apps.
What's the best 420 dating site in the US?
Based on the features and feedback we've heard from real users, Stoner Singles is the best 420 dating site in the US for a variety of reasons. With a strong community base and useful dating advice, it's an all-around helpful app for finding connections that really matter. It's especially useful in states with strong cannabis communities.
Are there mainstream dating apps that work for cannabis users?
Mainstream dating sites like Hinge or OkCupid allow users to filter for cannabis use in some ways. However, Hinge requires a premium fee to filter by cannabis use. Many people report success finding other cannabis users on mainstream apps, but it often takes longer to find meaningful matches in large, unfiltered dating pools.
How do you tell a non-cannabis date that you're 420 friendly?
The best way to tell a non-cannabis date that you're 420 friendly is to be open, honest, and confident. There doesn't need to be a stigma around your cannabis use. Discuss it as you would other parts of your life, like workout routines, career choices, and hobbies. If you feel judged or shamed, know that you are probably not a good match.