Stash Your Stash: Protecting San Diego with Safe Cannabis Practices
Accidental cannabis ingestion, as well as general cannabis exposure, is a growing crisis in the San Diego Community. Over the last decade, cannabis poisoning cases reported to the California Poison Control System (CPCS) skyrocketed from near zero to 79%. SAY San Diego’s “Stash Your Stash” initiative educates San Diegans on how to practice safe cannabis storage for adults 21 and over. This starts with securing your stash!
Why Secure Storage Matters:
Edibles like gummies, brownies, and chocolates often look exactly like regular snacks to a curious child or pet.:
- For Kids: Accidental cannabis ingestion is becoming increasingly common as the popularity of edibles grows in the state of California.
- For Pets: Calls to the Pet Poison Hotline for cannabis poisoning in dogs have increased by 400% in the last six years.
- For the Community: Driving while high is impaired driving. Protecting our families means staying safe on the road and at home.
CONTACT INFORMATION
Claudia Ciarmoli | Program Director
858.289.7101
atod@saysandiego.org
SAY San Diego | Alcohol, Tobacco, and Other Drugs Prevention Program
A Project of SAY San Diego in Collaboration with The Collective Coalition and local cannabis retailers
Three Steps to #BlazeResponsibly
1.
Lock It Up
Store all cannabis in child-resistant, opaque containers. A dedicated cannabis lockbox is the most effective way to ensure you are the only person with access to your stash. Always re-seal containers immediately after use.
2.
Keep It Out of Sight
Find a secure place that is completely out of sight of children and pets. High shelves are not enough; "locked away is best" to avoid accidental cannabis ingestion.
3.
Maintain Original Labels
Keep labels on all products at all times. Legally sold cannabis products have clear, intact labels that help adults distinguish them from regular food. These labels could save a life in an emergency.
Essential Safety Tips
- Be Extra Careful with Edibles: Because they look like candy or baked goods, edibles are a leading cause of accidental pediatric poisoning.
- Avoid Mixing: Keep it simple. Never mix cannabis with alcohol, medicines, or other substances.
- Educate Your Household: Ensure all adults in the home understand the importance of the "Stash Your Stash" protocols.
- Avoid Impaired Driving: Cannabis can impair judgment, reaction time, and coordination. Never drive or operate heavy machinery after using edibles, or ride with someone who has. Use a designated driver, rideshare, or wait until you’re fully sober. Driving under the influence of cannabis is illegal and carries the same penalties as alcohol‑impaired driving.
