Dos of Buying Marijuana
There are some little tips when buying marijuana to ensure you obtain the right quality:
- Buy from a licensed dispensary: Always buy from a licensed marijuana dispensary if you live in an area where it is legal. Such dispensaries are regulated and under strict rules about the safety and quality of their products. This way, you’re likely to find strains that fit your needs and preferences perfectly.
- Know your source: If you don’t have a dispensary, then it becomes important to know and trust your source. It’s not advisable to risk buying from some stranger or some unverified dealer. You are unable to tell how the quality or safety of their product is, which poses great risk. Where possible, ask for recommendations from friends or do your own solid research online to reach a reputed seller.
- Check the quality: Before one makes a purchase, make sure to look up close to ensure it is good weed. High-quality cannabis really should have a strong smell, not have any mold or mildew and appears sticky to the touch. Here, it should be noted that if those buds are dry and crumbly or even smell foul, it is ideal to pass and not make the purchase.
- Start low and go slow: If you are new to marijuana or trying a new strain, it is imperative that you start off with a low dose and go slow. Different strains can have vastly different effects so its best to err on the side of caution until you know how a particular product affects you.
Mistakes to avoid when buying marijuana
Just as there are dos there are also some key donts to keep in mind when purchasing marijuana:
- Don’t buy from an unknown source: As mentioned above buying from a stranger or unverified dealer can be risky. Not only can you not be sure of the quality of the product but you also don’t know if it’s been laced with other substances that could be harmful.
- Don’t buy more than you need: Pot can lose its potency over time so it’s best not to buy more than you can reasonably consume in the near future. If you do end up with excess store it properly to maintain its quality (more on that later).
- Feel free to ask questions: When one is uncertain of a product, or has questions on its effects, one must not fear asking. A good dispensary or seller must be willing and ready to answer all the questions and in most cases would guide and ensure you get the right product for your need.
Dos when storing Marijuana
Proper storage is key to maintaining the quality and potency of your marijuana. Here are some dos to keep in mind:
- Use an airtight container: Marijuana should be stored in an airtight container, like a glass jar or a specialized cannabis humidor. This will help to protect your buds from too much oxygen, thereby controlling their moisture loss rate and avoiding dehydration and mold.
- Store in a cool dark place: Light heat and humidity can all degrade the quality of your marijuana over time. Therefore, store your stash in a cool, dark place such as a closet or drawer. Avoid storing them near appliances that produce heat, such as a stove or a refrigerator.
- Out of reach: With kids or pets, it is important to keep marijuana in a safe place where your kids or your pets can’t get to it. Consider investing in a locking box or storing it high in a cupboard to prevent accidental ingestion.
- Label and date your stash: If you have multiple strains or products it’s a good idea to label them clearly with the strain name and purchase date. This makes it easier to inventory and ensures you’re consuming the oldest product first.
Donts of Storing Marijuana
Just as there are dos, some crucial donts prevail for storing marijuana:
- Do not store in the refrigerator or the freezer: While this might sound like a safe way of preserving the freshness of your marijuana, in the actual sense, this is the exact opposite of the same. Wide fluctuations of temperatures and humidity levels make the buds brittle in the long run, and they may end up losing potency.
- Don’t store in plastic bags: Plastic bags are not airtight and can cause your marijuana to dry out quickly. They may also leave a plastic taste and smell in your buds.
- Dont store near strong odors: Since marijuana is highly porous, it becomes very susceptible to virtually any strong smell that it comes in contact with. Avoid placing your stash near strong-smelling products, such as spices or cleaners, as the smell may end up affecting the taste and aroma that your buds retain.
Choosing the Right Storage Container
When it comes to storing your marijuana choosing the right container is crucial. Here are some options to consider:
- Glass jars: Undoubtedly, glass jars with airtight lids are the most commonly used forms of marijuana storing. They are so well spread, inexpensive, and quite easy to clean. Look for jars with large mouths—those increase your ability to access your buds.
- Specialized cannabis humidors: If you are serious about storing your marijuana long-term, then you might be interested in buying a specialized cannabis humidor. Those gizmos were designed with the perfect levels in mind, to hold in the smell, freshness, and proper consistency.
- Vacuum Bags: You may have good storage using vacuum bags. These bags wipe out every bit of air surrounding your buds that might make them lose their strength and property. Just make sure you use the ones which are used for storing marijuana as regular plastic bags could spoil the quality of your stash.
Maintaining the Right Environment
- Control the humidity: Marijuana needs to be stored at a relative humidity level of around 59% to 63%. Excessively high humidity will get your buds contaminated with mold; too low, and they dry and lose potency. Invest in a moisture-controlling pack to keep the levels right.
- Avoid extreme temperatures: Marijuana should be stored at a temperature between 60-70º F (15-21º C). Avoid storing your stash in areas mainly hit by extreme temperatures, such as the attics or garages.
- Keep away from light: Light, UV light in particular, degrades the quality of your stash over time. Hence, it is always good practice to have your stash kept in an opaque container, away from windows and other light sources.
- Keep it away from air: Air is one of the biggest enemies of marijuana since it dries it out and reduces its potency. That’s why it’s important to keep your stash in an airtight container and not open it unless necessary.
Knowing When to Restock
Even with proper storage, marijuana won’t ever stay fresh. Here are some signs that it’s time to restock your stash:
- Loss of aroma: If your marijuana has lost its distinctive aroma it might be a sign that its past its prime.
- Shape and mould change: If your buds have become dry and crumbly or have changed colour from what it was at the time of purchase (e.g., from green to brown), it could be time to get it replaced.
- Reduced potency: If you find that you’ve got to smoke more of the marijuana than usual to get the effect, then chances are pretty high that your stash has lost its potency.
In general, you want to consume your marijuana within 6-12 months of buying it. If you’re not going through your stash quickly enough, consider buying smaller quantities more frequently to ensure you’re always consuming fresh product.
