Marijuana Storage, Potency, Dosage and More

Why is modern cannabis so much more potent than what was smoked in the 1970s?

Working in basements and greenhouses, clandestine marijuana growers have for decades before legalization been crossbreeding and selecting the highest-potency plants from their “crops” to create higher and higher potency pot. And recreational users who like the intense euphoria of high-potency pot have been eager buyers. But there are other reasons. In the 1970s, a lot of marijuana contained stems, seeds and leaves along with THC-rich flower buds; today, it's mostly flower buds.

A lot of 1970s pot was grown in Colombia and shipped to the U.S.; now, it's mostly homegrown and so is fresher and more potent, too.

Without standardized labeling and manufacture, how do you figure out dosage?

Products sold at a dispensary do tell you how much THC, and often how much CBD, is inside. Follow the standard advice to “start low, go slow” and begin with 2.5 milligrams of THC or less per dosage, experts recommend. Then do a little math to figure out how much of your chosen product delivers just that amount. It could be a half or a quarter of an edible, a tiny drop of tincture or a few puffs on a vape pen.

What's the best way to store different forms of marijuana?

• Flower/bud: Store in a glass jar with a lid, and in a cool, dry place. Don't refrigerate; Temperature and humidity shifts could encourage mold. Don't freeze, either; it could make the tiny trichomes containing pot's active ingredients fall off.
• Gummies and other candies: Put in an airtight container in a cool, dark place. Follow label instructions — some brands suggest refrigerating.
• Baked goods: Wrap first in waxed paper or aluminum foil, then store in a container with a tight-fitting lid, in the refrigerator or freezer.
• Cartridges: Cannabis oil cartridges for vape pens should be stored in a cool, dry, dark place.
• Tinctures: Place in a glass bottle in the refrigerator or freezer for long-term storage. For the short term: a cool, dry, dark place.

In all cases, mark carefully and noticeably so unsuspecting adults don't mistake the item. And store in places that are out of reach for children, even if they are rarely in your home.