How to store weed? Guide for Optimal Freshness

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Cannabis storage is a crucial step in ensuring the quality and potency of your favorite strains. Whether you’re an occasional or frequent cannabis user, understanding how to store your cannabis correctly will help maintain its freshness and highlight its unique aroma and flavor profile. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the essential factors to consider for storing cannabis and offer some tips on preserving its quality.

Why Proper Cannabis Storage Matters?

Cannabis is perishable, with its shelf life beginning to decline as soon as it’s harvested. The freshness of your cannabis products can be affected by various factors, such as heat, humidity, light, and airflow.

• Temperature: High temperatures can cause cannabinoids to degrade, leading to a less potent product.
• Humidity: High humidity introduces moisture, which may lead to mold growth. Conversely, low humidity can result in dry leaves that make the cannabis fragile and brittle.
• Light: Ultraviolet (UV) light degrades organic matter quickly, including cannabinoids, resulting in reduced potency.
• Airflow: While some airflow is necessary during the drying and curing process, excessive exposure to air can also degrade your cannabis over time.

Taking these factors into account during storage will ensure your cannabis maintains optimal freshness and quality.

Choosing the Right Container for Storage

When it comes to containers for storing your cannabis, not all options are created equal.

Glass jars with screw-on lids, like mason jars, are typically considered the best option for storing cannabis products. This is because they:

• Are airtight and protect against oxidation
• Prevent unwanted scents and flavors from seeping into your cannabis
• Can be easily cleaned and sterilized

For best results, opt for dark, UV-resistant glass jars to further safeguard against light degradation. Avoid using metal containers, as they may affect the taste and aroma of your cannabis. Likewise, plastic containers should be avoided, as they can create a static charge that damages the trichomes, essential structures containing cannabinoids and terpenes.

Storing Cannabis: Temperature, Humidity, and Light Control

To prolong the freshness of your cannabis, keep these environmental factors in mind:

• Temperature: Store your cannabis in an area with a temperature below 70 degrees Fahrenheit (21 degrees Celsius) to preserve the potency of its cannabinoids and prevent mold growth.
• Humidity: Maintain a relative humidity (RH) between 55-62% so the cannabis is neither too dry nor too moist. Using humidity packs specifically designed for cannabis storage helps control the RH within your container.
• Light: Keep your cannabis stored in a cool, dark place away from direct sunlight or other sources of UV light, like fluorescent lighting or spotlights.

Remember, cannabis flower should ideally be consumed within six to eight months of its harvest date, while pre-rolls are best used within three months.

Long-term Storage Tips for Cannabis

If you need to store cannabis products for extended periods, consider these additional tips:

• Vacuum sealing: Remove excess air from your storage container by investing in vacuum-sealed bags or food packaging systems. Vacuum sealing is ideal for preserving cannabis flower for more than a few months. However, transfer the cannabis to a glass container once the vacuum-sealed bag is opened.
• Avoid freezing or refrigeration: Freezing your cannabis may cause trichome loss and compromise the overall quality, while refrigeration increases moisture levels and can promote mold growth. Instead, store your products in a cool, dark, dry space.

Maintaining Freshness of Concentrates and Edibles

Concentrates and edibles have their own set of storage guidelines, which are typically mentioned on the product’s packaging. In general, storing these products in airtight glass containers similar to those used for cannabis flower is a good practice. However, be extra cautious when it comes to temperature fluctuations and humidity levels, as some concentrates and edibles are more sensitive to environmental changes.