Safe Storage

Proper storage protects children, pets, and the quality of your cannabis products.

• Keep out of reach of children and pets. Cannabis edibles can look like regular candy or snacks. Store all products in their original child-resistant packaging.
• Use a lockbox or high shelf. A locked container is the safest option, especially in homes with children or teenagers.
• Store in a cool, dark, dry place. Heat, light, and moisture degrade cannabis over time. Room temperature is fine.
• Label everything. If you transfer products to another container, clearly label the THC content and product type.
• Keep separate from regular food. Never store edibles alongside regular snacks where someone could accidentally consume them.
• Home grow security: Massachusetts requires home-grown plants (up to 6 per person, 12 per household) to be kept in a locked space not visible to the public. Keep cultivation supplies and harvested product secured.

Avoiding Overconsumption

Taking too much cannabis is the most common negative experience for both new and experienced users. While not life-threatening, overconsumption can cause hours of discomfort.

• Start low, go slow. Begin with 2.5–5mg for edibles (one rec serving in MA is just 5mg) or one small puff for flower.
• Wait before re-dosing. Allow at least 2 hours for edibles, 15 minutes for flower or vape.
• Don't mix methods. Combining edibles with smoking in the same session makes it easy to overshoot your dose.
• Know your limits. Tolerance varies widely between people. What works for a friend may be too much for you.
• Be cautious with concentrates. They are significantly more potent than flower and are not recommended for beginners.

If You've Taken Too Much

Overconsumption symptoms can include anxiety, paranoia, rapid heart rate, nausea, dizziness, and disorientation. If this happens:

1. Stay calm. Remind yourself that the effects are temporary and will pass. No one has fatally overdosed from cannabis alone.
2. Find a safe, comfortable space. Sit or lie down somewhere you feel secure.
3. Hydrate. Drink water or a non-caffeinated beverage. Avoid alcohol.
4. Eat something. A light snack can help some people feel more grounded.
5. Breathe. Slow, deep breathing can help reduce anxiety.
6. Wait it out. Inhaled cannabis effects typically subside within 1–3 hours. Edible effects may take 4–8 hours to fully wear off.
7. Seek help if needed. Call 911 if you experience chest pain, difficulty breathing, or feel you need medical assistance. Massachusetts has no legal penalties for seeking medical help while using cannabis.

Cannabis and Alcohol

Mixing cannabis and alcohol significantly increases impairment and the risk of negative side effects. If you choose to consume both:

• Alcohol amplifies THC. Even a small amount of alcohol can intensify cannabis effects. The combination frequently causes nausea and "the spins."
• Order matters. Using cannabis after drinking tends to produce stronger, less predictable effects than the reverse.
• Neither excuses driving. Combining cannabis and alcohol produces impairment far greater than either substance alone. Massachusetts OUI law applies regardless.
• Best advice: Choose one or the other, especially if you are new to cannabis.

Cannabis and Medications

Cannabis can interact with prescription and over-the-counter medications. Talk to your healthcare provider before using cannabis if you take:

• Blood thinners (warfarin, heparin)
• Anti-seizure medications
• Sedatives or sleep aids
• Antidepressants or anti-anxiety medications
• Blood pressure medications
• Immunosuppressants

Cannabis is metabolized by the same liver enzymes (CYP450 system) as many medications, potentially altering how your body processes them.

No Out-of-State Medical Cards

Massachusetts does not recognize medical cannabis cards from other states. If you hold a medical card from another state, you cannot use it at Massachusetts medical dispensaries. You must purchase from recreational dispensaries, where the 5mg per serving edible cap and up to 20% tax apply.

Who Should Avoid Cannabis

• Pregnant or breastfeeding individuals. THC can cross the placenta and is present in breast milk. Major medical organizations advise against use during pregnancy and nursing.
• People under 21. Cannabis use during brain development (which continues until approximately age 25) may have lasting cognitive effects.
• Individuals with a personal or family history of psychosis or schizophrenia. THC may trigger or worsen psychotic episodes.
• People with heart conditions. Cannabis can temporarily increase heart rate and blood pressure.
• Anyone with a history of substance use disorder. Cannabis can be habit-forming. If you're in recovery, consult your provider. Visit CannabisDependence.org for resources.

When to Seek Help

Call 911 or go to an emergency room if you or someone near you experiences:

• Chest pain or difficulty breathing
• Severe vomiting that won't stop
• Signs of a severe allergic reaction
• Loss of consciousness
• Suicidal thoughts or self-harm urges

For non-emergency support with cannabis use, contact the SAMHSA National Helpline at 1-800-662-4357 (free, confidential, 24/7).