Discovering Weed in Aberdeen: A 1000-Word Human-Readable Guide
Aberdeen, the “Granite City” of Scotland, may be famous for its oil industry, cold North Sea winds, and stunning coastal landscapes, but under the grey skies and university buzz lies a surprisingly low-key but active cannabis scene. While it’s not Amsterdam — and it’s certainly not Glasgow or Edinburgh in terms of sheer volume — weed in Aberdeen is alive and well, if you know where to look.
This guide will walk you through the essentials of discovering cannabis in Aberdeen: legality, culture, where people find it, what’s popular, and how to stay safe and respectful.
1. The Legal Landscape
Let’s get the legal bit out of the way first. Cannabis is illegal in Scotland (and across the UK) under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971. It’s a Class B drug, and the penalties are:
- Possession: Up to 5 years in prison, an unlimited fine, or both.
- Supply/production: Up to 14 years in prison and/or a fine.
That said, the reality on the ground is often more relaxed. Small-scale possession for personal use might earn you a warning or a caution, especially if it’s your first time. But don’t get complacent — enforcement is still a risk, and public use is never a good idea.
2. Who’s Using Weed in Aberdeen?
Aberdeen has a pretty diverse demographic of cannabis users. You’ll find:
- Students at the University of Aberdeen and Robert Gordon University, especially around student flats in Old Aberdeen and Garthdee.
- Young professionals, particularly those in creative fields or burned out by the 9-to-5.
- Older users who quietly use cannabis for stress relief or chronic pain.
- Artists and musicians, who form a core part of the local scene.
Unlike some cities where cannabis use is front and centre, in Aberdeen it’s more hush-hush — smoked behind closed doors, shared in small circles, or enjoyed privately at home.
3. How People Find Weed in Aberdeen
Finding weed in Aberdeen isn’t as flashy as in bigger cities, but it’s not impossible either. Here’s how locals tend to access it:
A. Word of Mouth
The most common way. Ask a friend, who asks a friend, and soon enough, you’ve got a contact. This is usually the safest and most reliable way to find quality product.
B. Messaging Apps
Encrypted apps like Telegram and Signal have become popular. Some Aberdeen dealers share menus, delivery options, and pricing this way — often complete with photos and strain info.
C. Student Parties
If you’re a student, chances are you’ll run into cannabis at house parties or in shared flats. Deals often happen in casual, social environments where trust is key.
D. Street Options
Less common, but some areas — especially around the city centre and certain parks — may have people offering weed. Be cautious with street pickups: quality is inconsistent, and safety is an issue.
4. Types of Weed in Aberdeen
You might be surprised by the variety available in a relatively small city. Common choices include:
- Local indoor strains like Stardawg, Lemon Haze, and Gelato.
- Cali imports – These are high-end strains, often branded and very strong, like Runtz, Wedding Cake, or Zkittlez. They’re flashy, pricey, and not always worth the hype.
- Hash – Still kicking around, often Moroccan or Afghan in origin.
- Edibles – Gaining popularity, especially in student and creative circles. Expect brownies, gummies, or cookies.
- Carts & Vapes – Discreet and growing in popularity for those who prefer to avoid smoke.
Prices range from £10 to £15 per gram, with discounts for 3.5g (“an eighth”), 7g, or more. Cali strains can go for £40–£50 an eighth.
5. Where Do People Smoke in Aberdeen?
Because of its climate and legal status, cannabis in Aberdeen is mostly enjoyed indoors. That said, there are a few common settings:
A. Flats and Shared Housing
This is by far the most common place. People roll up, vape, or snack on edibles behind closed doors with trusted friends.
B. Student Accommodation
Places like Hillhead or Garthdee often have a low-key but regular cannabis presence — though smoking inside can breach tenancy agreements.
C. Nature Spots
On a rare sunny day, you might catch whiffs of weed around Seaton Park, Hazlehead, or even Aberdeen Beach at dusk. These spots offer privacy, but always be discreet and respectful.
D. Cars (Parked)
Some people smoke in parked cars away from busy roads, but this can still draw police attention — and it’s definitely not legal.
6. Cannabis Culture in Aberdeen
Aberdeen’s cannabis scene is more quiet and functional than flashy or highly social. Weed is seen as:
- A way to relax after a long shift or class
- A boost to creativity in the studio or at a gig
- A tool for coping with anxiety or sleep issues
Events and music scenes often bring weed into the mix. Local indie, grime, or hip-hop shows in bars like The Tunnels, The Lemon Tree, or Drummonds can be places to find like-minded users.
Unlike larger cities with full-blown stoner subcultures, Aberdeen’s cannabis culture is subtle and private — but strong all the same.
7. CBD Options in Aberdeen
Not into breaking the law? Aberdeen also has a growing CBD market:
- Shops like Hemp and CBD Store or Holland & Barrett offer oils, gummies, and vapes.
- Online orders can bring full-spectrum CBD right to your doorstep.
- CBD cafés haven’t quite hit the city yet, but there’s growing interest in the wellness side of cannabis.
CBD is legal and can help with sleep, pain, and anxiety — though it won’t get you high.
8. Safety and Etiquette Tips
If you’re going to explore cannabis in Aberdeen, do it right:
- Keep it quiet – Don’t make noise, smoke out windows, or draw attention.
- Be respectful – Don’t smoke in front of kids, pets, or strangers.
- Avoid public lighting-up – It’s risky, and locals generally don’t appreciate it.
- Know your source – Trust matters. Stay away from unknown street sellers.
- Mind your dose – Especially with edibles or strong Cali strains.
9. Will Weed Ever Be Legal in Scotland?
Scotland has shown increasing interest in drug law reform, and the Scottish Government has voiced support for decriminalisation. However, drug laws are still controlled by Westminster, so change is slow.
In cities like Aberdeen, where cannabis use is already normalized in private spaces, legalisation could mean:
- Safer access
- Quality control
- Medical cannabis availability
- Less criminalisation of casual users
For now, though, the scene will stay in the shadows.
Final Thoughts
Discovering weed in Aberdeen is a matter of knowing the right people, understanding the local rhythm, and being respectful. It’s not a loud or lawless cannabis culture — it’s quiet, relaxed, and deeply woven into student life, working-class evenings, and artistic exploration.
Whether you’re new in town, a longtime local, or just curious, Aberdeen has a cannabis culture that reflects its character: subtle, practical, and quietly enduring — even under grey skies.
Disclaimer: This article is intended for informational purposes only. Cannabis remains illegal in the UK. Always obey local laws and use discretion.