Cannabis/hemp is part of the daily routine of millions of Americans. From flower to tinctures, edibles to transdermal patches, there are now a myriad of ways that this incredible plant can be used to support our health and happiness. According to a January 2024 Pew Research Center survey, 88% of U.S. adults say either that cannabis should be legal for medical use only or for medical and recreational use. The plant has come a long way since the 1930s, when it first became prohibited in the United States. Despite cannabis’ excellent safety profile, there are still some risks to be aware of- particularly around the safe storage of products.
Storing cannabis and hemp products (in whatever form they take) in a safe, secure manner is considered a best practice for all consumers. The good news is, a little precaution and common sense can go a long way in preventing accidental ingestion.
Best Practices for Safely Storing Edibles
- Keep edibles and other infused products out of sight and out of reach of children and pets. While many regulated cannabis and hemp product packages contain child safety features, these are usually rated to deter use for children under 5 years old. If you have older children and teenagers in the house, keeping your products completely inaccessible is key.
- Consider using a locked box or another sealed storage system. Just like we keep important documents and items in a safe, cannabis, hemp, and other medical products need to be safeguarded from curious minors.
- Educate your children on cannabis and its effects, as well as the repercussions of eating it. Children should understand that cannabis, similar to other psychoactive substances like alcohol and prescription drugs, is a powerful medicine for adults. How, when, and why to use powerful, mind and body-altering substances is an evolving conversation you can be empowered to have with your child as they grow up. Setting boundaries and staying involved in their lives will help you determine the right time to bring up this subject and how to best approach it.
- Take inventory! It’s important to know how much medicine, alcohol, and cannabis you have in your home and where it’s kept. Try to regularly check if anything is missing that shouldn’t be. Keeping on top of your supply and storage is wise and could help prevent ingestion from children, pets, or anyone else you may share your space with.
A little preparation and organization go a long way when it comes to cannabis and hemp. Being discreet and intentional with storing your products not only keeps those around you safe, it also ensures that the perception of cannabis continues to evolve positively, and sensationalized stories become a relic of the plant’s past.