We’ve all been there- you stocked up on weed in bulk to save some money, and you have to preserve it. Weed/Cannabis is a delicate plant that likes very specific conditions to stay fresh.
Whether a seasoned producer or an occasional user, you have likely questioned how properly you were storing your weed. There are many aspects to consider regarding weed storage, and it’s critical to understand what variables matter.
The main danger to weed’s shelf life is moisture. Humidity above 65% can promote the growth of mold and mildew on your weed, which is bad all around.
Let’s examine these issues in further depth, starting with the significance of why you should correctly store your weed and factors that can cause damage to your supply.
Related: Best dry herb vaporizers of [year]
Best Ways of Storing weed
Proper storage should be a priority if potency and flavor are essential to you, as they should be. It should go without saying that you should keep weed out of the reach of children and animals. But beyond safety, the storage conditions greatly influence the flavor and how enjoyable the vaporizing experience is (or any other consumption method.)
The golden rule is to keep weed dry, cold, and away from light. Let's look at the ideal conditions for the variables—humidity, temperature, air, and light—that significantly impact your weed buds and nugs.
- Keep the right temperature: The ideal temperature range for cannabis storage is between 60 and 68 degrees Fahrenheit. If you store the flower at a warmer temperature, the terpene levels may drop, and buds may dry out. Alternately, keeping your weed at a temperature that is too low can result in the terpenes and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) content degrading. As mold and mildew flourish at temperatures above 74 degrees, keeping the weed at lower temperatures is essential.
- Minimize Light Exposure: While cannabis plants require light to flourish through various phases, UV rays can quickly deteriorate your flower after harvest. Keep your weed away from a direct light source to prevent losing priceless terpene and cannabinoid content while in storage. Cannabis loses color and potency when exposed to sunlight due to the sun's UV radiation. A stash jar that blocks light can help you store it properly.
- Reduce Air Exposure: Cannabinoids and terpenes can degrade more quickly in environments with high oxygen levels. Terpenes, cannabinoids, and other phytonutrients in the plant material start to degrade when the bud is exposed to air, which also causes it to start drying out. Keep your stash in an airtight container to shield it from excessive perspective. In this process, the tetrahydrocannabinol acid (THCA) will first lose its carboxyl ring and slowly transforms into THC, which can then degrade to cannabinol (CBN) when exposed to high temperatures through prolonged exposure.
- Reduce Humidity: Maintaining the proper humidity levels when storing cannabis is critical. Low humidity can cause your marijuana to dry up and cause the destruction of cannabinoids and terpenes, while high humidity can provide a breeding ground for mold and mildew. According to recommendations, relative humidity should be kept between 59 and 63 percent. Humidity packs can also help you here.
- Different types of weed have different storage requirements: You must store and refrigerate cannabis-infused edibles and other perishables according to their specific instructions. Always keep them in their original container and utilize them before the specified expiration date. Concentrates and tinctures can deteriorate due to light, heat, and humidity. Therefore, always keep them in a cold, dry, and dark location.
Best storage containers
Some cannabis storage containers are more ideal than others, even though there isn't a perfect one. While some alternatives can handle long-term and short-term storage, others are designed for temporary storage. Some of these options also offer the bonus of being smell-proof, such as glass and mason jars, which are widespread weed storage. You can also use plastic pots but for shorter storage only.
- Mason Jar 32oz: It is a time-tested sealing compound that ensures an airtight seal with each lid. It can be refrigerated for up to 3 weeks for freezer capacity.
- Fortiflower 120z: Fortiflower is an odor-proof container for strong flowers. Stainless steel of the highest quality and food grade is used to construct the airtight containers. Your jars' contents will keep fresher for longer thanks to their leak-proof lids.
- Portable Aluminum Storage Jar 3-pack: The cannabis will stay fresh for a longer time since the airtight lid with a rubber seal assures that no outside odors or liquids will get into or leak out of this jar. It is ideal for keeping things with strong scents.
- Smell-proof Bamboo Stash Jar 100ml: This bamboo herb stash container is odorless and airtight, with a tight closure that keeps out all smells. This storage jar for weed can be covert in any situation because it is airtight, scent-proof, and odorless.
- Stash Jar Smell Proof Container: The thick, resilient UV-protection coated glass provides uncompromising protection from sunshine and any UV radiation. This herb jar is the gold standard since it has provided all botanical and herbal requirements for a long time.
Bottomline
The trichomes of the weed buds will not stay forever, much like everything else. The molecular structure of the weed can change over time through heat, light, and moisture exposure.
Extreme temperatures, an excessive amount of moisture, air, or UV radiation can cause chemical changes in cannabinoids and terpenes that reduce the effectiveness of the flower. These elements may also impact the taste and texture.
Keep an eye on the harvest date on the box and take care to prevent exposure to the factors mentioned above if you want to keep your weed in prime condition for as long as possible.