How to Store Cannabis Properly
Proper storage of cannabis is essential to maintain its potency, flavor, and overall quality. Whether you’re a seasoned user or new to medical cannabis, understanding how to store your products correctly can make a significant difference in your experience. In this guide, we’ll explore the best practices for storing different types of cannabis products, from dried flower to edibles, and how to avoid common mistakes that can degrade their quality.
Why Proper Storage Matters
Cannabis is a natural product that can degrade over time when exposed to air, light, heat, and moisture. Proper storage helps preserve the cannabinoids (like THC and CBD), terpenes, and other compounds that contribute to the therapeutic effects and flavor of cannabis. By storing your cannabis correctly, you can:
Maintain Potency: Prevent the degradation of THC and other cannabinoids, ensuring your cannabis remains effective.
Preserve Flavor and Aroma: Protect the delicate terpenes that give each strain its unique smell and taste.
Prevent Mold and Mildew: Avoid moisture buildup that can lead to mold, making your cannabis unsafe to consume.
Best Practices for Storing Dried Cannabis Flower
Dried cannabis flower is the most common form of cannabis, and it requires specific conditions to stay fresh. Here’s how to store it properly:
Use Airtight Containers:
Store your cannabis in airtight glass jars with a tight-sealing lid. Glass is preferred over plastic as it doesn’t affect the flavor and helps maintain freshness.
Mason jars or specialized cannabis storage jars work well. Avoid plastic bags or containers, as they can cause static, which may strip trichomes (the tiny, resinous glands that contain cannabinoids and terpenes) from the buds.
Keep It Cool:
Store your cannabis in a cool, dark place with a temperature between 60-70°F (15-21°C). Avoid storing it in areas that experience temperature fluctuations, like near windows or in the kitchen.
High temperatures can cause cannabinoids to degrade, reducing potency, while cooler temperatures can help preserve them.
Avoid Light Exposure:
Light, especially UV light, can break down cannabinoids and terpenes, leading to a loss of potency and flavor.
Store your cannabis in an opaque or dark-colored jar, or keep clear jars in a dark cupboard to protect them from light exposure.
Control Humidity Levels:
The ideal relative humidity (RH) for storing cannabis is between 55-65%. Too much moisture can lead to mold, while too little can dry out the buds, making them brittle and harsh to smoke.
Use humidity control packs, like Boveda or Integra Boost, inside your storage jars to maintain the optimal humidity level.
Storing Edibles and Infused Products
Cannabis-infused edibles, tinctures, and topicals also require proper storage to maintain their potency and prevent spoilage:
Edibles:
Store edibles in their original packaging or airtight containers to prevent exposure to air and moisture.
Keep them in a cool, dark place, like a pantry or refrigerator, depending on the product. Refrigeration is often recommended for homemade edibles or products that contain perishable ingredients.
Clearly label your edibles and store them out of reach of children and pets to prevent accidental consumption.
Tinctures:
Store tinctures in a cool, dark place, preferably in their original amber or dark-colored bottles. This helps protect them from light and heat, which can degrade the cannabinoids.
Keep the bottle tightly sealed when not in use to prevent air from entering and oxidizing the cannabinoids.
Topicals:
Cannabis-infused topicals, like creams and balms, should be stored at room temperature in a cool, dry place.
Keep the lid tightly closed to prevent contamination and preserve the product’s consistency and potency.
What to Avoid When Storing Cannabis
Here are some common mistakes to avoid when storing cannabis:
Don’t Store in the Freezer: Freezing cannabis can cause the trichomes to become brittle and break off, reducing potency and flavor. Freezing is not recommended for long-term storage.
Avoid Excessive Handling: Handling cannabis too much can cause trichomes to rub off, leading to a loss of potency. Handle your buds gently and only when necessary.
Don’t Store Near Strong Odors: Cannabis can absorb strong odors from its surroundings, affecting its flavor. Store it away from foods or other items with strong smells.
Avoid Overpacking: Don’t overfill storage jars, as this can compress the buds and cause them to lose their shape and potency. Leave some space in the jar to allow for proper airflow.
Conclusion
Proper storage is key to preserving the quality, potency, and flavor of your cannabis products. By following these guidelines, you can ensure that your cannabis remains fresh and effective for as long as possible. Remember to use airtight containers, control humidity, and keep your cannabis in a cool, dark place to get the most out of your products.
At Green Theory, we’re committed to helping you get the best experience from your medical cannabis. Visit us today to explore our selection of cannabis products and learn more about how to store them properly.
We hope this guide has been helpful! If you have any questions or need further assistance, feel free to reach out to our knowledgeable team at Green Theory.