There are many times you have some stash left to store for later, but fear will spoil. Either because you are a few and far between smokers or you’re buying in bulk to save some money (every penny counts, right?). That’s the reason many new weed consumers (and old ones, too) wonder if they need a better cannabis storage method.
If you can relate, then this article is for you! You’ve probably gone online by now, searching for forums and Facebook groups for some tips. Moreover, you probably already know you should keep your weed apart from light, water, and air.
Nevertheless, how much dark and dry is too much? Keep reading to find out what type of cannabis storage is the most successful in keeping your weed fresh.
The Importance Of Cannabis Storage
You don’t like smoking trash, do you? That’s why you most certainly have paid hundreds of dollars for some excellent marijuana strains for your best high. Even worse, if you suffer from hemp-treatable illness, you’ll want to keep your cannabis protected, especially if you live in someplace where shipping times are long.
Poorly stored cannabis and exposure to light, water, or insects can lower its potency and quality and lose its flavor. What’s more, high levels of humidity can quickly get your stash covered by mold and mildew, deeming the weed unsafe to consume. Therefore, storing your pot in an orderly manner is essential.
As impressive as it can be, scientists have found that well-stored cannabis can keep its characteristics up to 2 years. Therefore, it doesn’t matter if you simply want it to last until next weekend’s party or preserve it during your whole internship in Africa before college. So, let’s save some bucks and some weed!
How To Storage Cannabis Buds: Exploring Some Easy Ways?
There are some factors to consider to know the best way to store your cannabis. As a rule, cannabis should always be stored in a dry, calm, and dark place. However, we need to remark that there might be some variations because of the different types of marijuana strains. Nevertheless, here we’re going to take a look into the key elements to consider when storing cannabis, no matter which marijuana strains you have.
● Proper Temperatures
Cannabis buds will dry out, and terpenes will diminish if the storage temperature is too high. As a result, the flavor will be altered, and the experience of consuming them ruined.
On the other hand, storing your buds at a low temperature can deteriorate the terpenes and the CBD content. Experts recommend storing cannabis at temperatures between 12°C (or 55 degrees Fahrenheit) and 18°C (or 65 degrees Fahrenheit) to avoid this.
● Minimize Lighting System
UV lighting systems are a tremendous ally when growing weed indoors. However, as good as they might be during the growth stages of your cannabis, UV rays can ravage it after it is reaped. Excessive light exposure can tear apart valuable terpenes and cannabis compounds.
To prevent this, keep your buds in either a dark environment, such as a basement or any other room where direct sun rays can’t filter in, or darken its containers. Tape, double-layered newspaper, or cardboards are of great help for this end.
● Humidity
As with any food, high levels of relative humidity can breed mold and mildew. Not only that, but they can cause your cannabis to lose CBD and THC potency and, therefore, recreational and medicinal properties. In contrast, too little humidity may cause your buds to dry out and degrade terpenes and cannabinoids.
The recommended level of relative humidity is around 54-63%. Apart from storing your cannabis in a waterproof container, you might also use some silica gel pouches if you live in a very humid state such as Florida or Mississippi.
● Oxygen
Being exposed to too much oxygen can also affect your cannabis. It can cause it to dry out, especially if you live in a dry area. Moreover, it can also degrade cannabinoids and their terpenes. However, it is effortless to avoid. You can keep your weed in an airtight container.
In addition, if your stash is too big and you would need to open the container several times to consume, there is a straightforward trick. Divide your stash into different small containers before storing them. That way, you won’t expose it to oxygen every time you want a little pot.
● Materials
Many containers come to mind when it comes to storing things: boxes, containers, bowls covered with cellophane, etc. However, all of these would be a mistake. Boxes are usually made of cardboard which is far from being airtight or waterproof.
Plastic, on the other hand, has a static charge that attracts marijuana and hemp particles. This causes the trichomes to separate from the buds and results in less potency. To get the best container, get some glass flasks, which negatively impact the plant.
● Storage Area
Some places aren’t advisable to keep your stash. Firstly, avoid appliances altogether. As you probably know, electronic devices heat up. For that reason, storing your pot nearby is a big no-no. Moreover, it would help if you also kept it from the reach of kids and pets. You’d be surprised to know how many accidents happen because of this.
Lastly, it would help if you also kept your pot separated from your pipes and grinders. This is because the smell of burned weed lingers and affects the quality of the buds.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Cannabis Storage
Proper cannabis storage can be highly beneficial for your wallet and health. Either because you’ve spent countless hours growing weed outdoors or indoors and getting the best buds or because you’ve spent hundreds (or even thousands!) in high-quality cannabis strains. In addition, while a mold is usually harmless, smoking or eating some fungi strains can send you down to the hospital.
In contrast, many people live in places where weed consumption is kind of in a gray area. Therefore, storing your cannabis adequately can lead to blatant hiding and trouble with the long arm of the law. Consequently, some might simply prefer putting their stash aside on a Ziploc bag and under a floorboard.
Best Containers for Weed Storage and Keep It Fresh
We must mention there’s nothing such as a flawless container for every possible cannabis strain to kick off. However, with that said, some containers are better than others. Here we provide an extensive list of the best ones for both short and long-term storage.
There are so many in the market. There’ll be some economic ones and others with unique features such as smell proof. So, without further ado, here are the most acceptable containers for your weed!
● Glass Mason Jars
You won’t have to spend a penny on some great containers as you most certainly have some at hand. We’re, of course, talking about glass jars. In combination with the metal lid, their toughness provides an airtight seal that’ll keep your stash dry and odor-free. Simply wash your peanut butter or jam leftovers and put them for a few minutes in boiling water to sterilize them.
Remember to wrap them in newspaper to repel sun rays. Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a free superb jar for storing weed.
● Titanium Jars
While cheap metals can alter the taste of your pot in the long run, this isn’t the case with titanium. That’s why we opt for titanium jars. Although they are considerably more expensive than aluminum or steel, they’re worth it.
Moreover, they have no risk of falling to the floor and breaking, making all the stored pot unsafe to use, as glass jars have. Lastly, they are entirely opaque, so no light will filter in and degrade the buds.
● Humidor
If you live in a very humid or dry place, perhaps you want to consider investing some money in a humidor. If you have never heard of them, a humidor is a wooden box that lets you store your dried flowers in a humidity-controlled environment.
The most expensive ones can keep up to four cannabis strains without compromising their taste and smell. As a fair warning, take into account that your humidor must be for storing marijuana specifically. Tobacco or cigar humidors’ material might alter the taste of cannabis.
● Tight Sealing Plastic Bags
We’ve all been there. Though humidors and jars are excellent, we can’t always store our marijuana on them. There may be many reasons: transporting it in a tight purse or backpack, having too much weed and small storage space, etc. In those cases, we all turn to tight-sealing plastic bags.
Although they are far from ideal, they can provide a secure enough temporary storage space. If there’s no other option, be sure to high-quality ones that ensure a tight seal and BPA-free. Some Ziploc™ bags will do the trick. You can also vacuum it with a paper straw before completely closing it. As difficult as it might sometimes be, try your best to keep it in a dry and cool place, not your pants.
● Keep the Weed Away from Freezer and Refrigerator
We have no clue why. Perhaps it is because of word of mouth. Or maybe it’s because it happens in some movies and series. However, many users keep their dried flowers in their refrigerator or freezer, whatever the reason might be.
Even though it can be a great hiding place, it isn’t so good for keeping your flowers’ quality. In combination with the condensation that causes your buds to soak, the severe freezing temperatures will significantly damage your cannabis. This will result in less potent and less flavorful flowers, which will worsen the experience of consuming them.
Storing Other Cannabis Products
With a vast and ever-growing cannabis market, there’s a big chance you have some cannabis products to store too. Some of the highest quality companies have catalogs with items that can cost hundreds. Therefore, let’s see what’s the best way of keeping other popular cannabis products:
Oils and Tinctures
As with flowers, cannabis oils and tinctures should be kept in a relaxed and dark environment. As they come in an airtight flask, humidity is typically no issue with them. In contrast with dried flowers, they have been designed to be shelf-stable and be stored for long periods.
Joints
Pooled storage has mostly the same recommendations as dried flowers storage. Please keep them in a dry, dark and cool area and inside a PotPocket or doob tube to protect them from the elements. Failure to follow these tips will result in the flowers degrading and losing potency and flavor.
Cannabis Foods and Drinks
In cannabis edibles, such as gummies or capsules, are safe to store in their original jars. If they are baked goods such as brownies, they are best kept in the fridge due to eggs and dairy inside. The cannabis within will not be affected as they are consumed quickly.
Placing them in the freezer is not advisable, though. Unless they’ve arrived refrigerated, you can store them on your shelves in the case of beverages. You should put them inside the fridge if opened, though.
Conclusion
As we’ve seen, keeping your flowers safe is not so intuitive as it might appear at first glance. There are some key factors to take into account when storing your cannabis. No matter what the weather conditions of the place where you live are. The area in which you store your stash should always be cool, dry, and dark. What’s more, your pot must always be out of reach of children and pets that might consume them and end up in the ER.
Moreover, it’s always worth it investing in an airtight and waterproof container. This will help prevent the formation of mildew and mold and spare you a stomachache or something worse.
In addition, a suitable container will keep your flowers free from any possible weird odor in the environment. This guarantees you’ll get the real taste and smell of the flower. Therefore, when you have some cannabis on the side, follow these tips for the best storage!
