Finding the Best Buds: Cannabis Consumer Safety Tips
Cannabis legalization continues to make progress state-by-state with 33 states and Washington, D.C., having some form of medical or adult-use program. While this is promising, challenges still remain for consumers who find themselves traveling from state-to-state having to contend with both subtle and obvious differences in laws that impact how they can access and consume cannabis.
In states like California, Colorado, and Nevada, cannabis consumers have the option to pick from a wide-array of licensed cannabis dispensaries that get their products through licensed cultivators.
Inside D.C. dispensary, Takoma Wellness Center
Cannabis patients and enthusiasts living in states without medical or adult-use programs may seek out medicine through the legacy market that has been serving consumers since long before legalization had a glimmer of hope.
“In the ideal world, cannabis becomes legal at the federal level and states work to create regulated adult-use systems with multiple license-types allowing folks who’ve been operating in the legacy market a chance to build business in the regulated economy.”
In the ideal world, cannabis becomes legal at the federal level and states work to create regulated adult-use systems with multiple license-types allowing folks who’ve been operating in the legacy market a chance to build business in the regulated economy. Consumers would benefit from a wide range of products that must all adhere to a series of safety guidelines, from seed to sale.
While things are looking hopeful, federal policy (and some state laws) have yet to catch up with the times, so wherever you source your cannabis make sure you know what to look for and what questions to ask to ensure your cannabis is clean and green:
Moldy cannabis. Blah!
What’s that dusty stuff?
Smoking moldy cannabis may not be life-threatening, but it’s probably not good for you.
Moldy cannabis has a grayish-white, dusty coating. It is easy to mistake cannabis trichomes for mold if you don’t look carefully. Trichomes are sticky and shiny on the leaves, whereas mold is dull and powdery. Mold may also have a damp or mildewy smell.
To prevent mold when storing cannabis at home, make sure to use airtight containers and keep it in a dark place. Exposure to sunlight can draw out moisture from the leaves creating damp conditions.
When purchasing cannabis, ask to look at the buds. If that’s not an option, ask how and where the cannabis has been stored.
How does your garden grow?
Know how and where your cannabis was grown! Safe, organic growing practices create the best cannabis.
With the growth of the cannabis economy, people are recognizing that some cultivation practices are less healthy for consumers because they use potentially harmful chemicals. The main concern is the use of Plant Growth Regulators (PGRs) which are used to stimulate bud production but have been banned for use in food crops. Probably not something you want to be inhaling!
If you’re in a state with regulated cannabis dispensaries, you can look on the packaging and see which cultivator provided your buds. Research their growing methods or ask your friendly budtender if they can provide more information.
For folks in states without regulated cannabis options, you may be getting cannabis from a friend with a home grow. Ask if they use PGR’s or any other chemicals.
If you’d like a sneak-peek at the future of organic cannabis, check out the Sun & Earth Certification program.
It’s more than just a bad smell!
Clean your bong. Regularly.
We all know the murky water with resin floating around ominously. Maybe you’ve spilled it on a rug and spent weeks trying to get the smell out, or perhaps you took a bet and took a sip (YUCK!).
Whatever your experience is, If you clean your bong on the regular and fill it with fresh water before each use, you can avoid the long, smelly cleaning process.
More than being stinky and gross (and ruining the taste of your delicious buds), dirty bong water can carry bacteria. Gross. If the idea of inhaling micro-organisms isn’t your cup of tea, we suggest reading this article from Weedmaps.
Be safe and don’t smoke dirty bongs. We’ll see you on August 28th at NCF in Washington, D.C.!