Best Practices for Safely Storing Edibles

***Kiva Confections content related to both the effects of cannabis and the results of cannabis use is based upon general user experiences and testimony. This content should be considered anecdotal, and should not to be interpreted as medical advice. Please consult with a medical professional before adding or altering consumption of medication or medical-related activities. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Cannabis is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. ***

Cannabis 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 2021 Pew Research Center survey, 91% of American adults believe cannabis should be legal for medical or 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.

Every year around Halloween, parents are warned to be on the lookout for cannabis-infused edibles in their kids’ candy bags. The good news is that these are highly sensationalized stories, and far from the truth that it is exceedingly rare for an edible to end up in a Trick-or-Treater’s possession, either purposefully or by mistake. While some black market edibles are designed and packaged to look similar to familiar candy, most users know that it is essential that cannabis products be kept out of reach of children and pets. Whether it’s Halloween or any other day of the year, storing cannabis 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

1. Keep edibles and other cannabis-infused products out of sight and out of reach of children and pets. While many regulated cannabis 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.
2. Consider using a locked box or another sealed storage system. Just like we keep important documents and items in a safe, cannabis and other medical products need to be safeguarded from curious minors.
3. 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. While it can be used to support many symptoms and safely, it is not harmless. 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.
4. 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. Being discreet and intentional with storing your products not only keeps those around you safe, but also ensures that the perception of cannabis continues to evolve positively, and sensationalized stories become a relic of the plant’s past.