How to Store Weed Properly to Keep It Fresh Longer

Cannabis, being a dried herb with numerous benefits, demands a bit of extra attention to ensure optimal preservation. While you don’t need a personal bank vault for your weed, a little care goes a long way in maintaining its premium condition.

But what does it really take to store cannabis properly? What happens if it’s not stored correctly? Is freezing a good idea? Let’s find out!

How Cold is Cold for Storing Your Cannabis

Ensuring the optimal preservation of your cannabis involves more than just the right container – it’s also about nailing the right temperature. The recommended storage temperature for cannabis is below 21°C (70°F) to steer clear of mold and prevent the degradation of cannabinoids.

An insightful 2012 study delved into the long-term storage of cannabis oil with some noteworthy findings. 

At temperatures of 22°C (71.6°F) and higher, THC decayed by a significant 23.16% within a single year when exposed to light. In contrast, when stored in darkness at a lower temperature of 4°C (39°F), the cannabis oil lost an average of 21.6% of its THC. 

This underscores the importance of maintaining a cooler environment for cannabis storage.

The study also shed light on CBD decay, showcasing an 11.3% loss in samples stored in darkness at 4°C (39°F). On the contrary, when exposed to laboratory light at 22°C (71.6°F), the average CBD loss was higher at 13.45%. 

The overall takeaway is clear: normal storage conditions, with natural light and ambient temperature, lead to a higher rate of cannabinoid decay compared to specialized conditions of darkness and low temperature.

If you’re thinking about long-term storage, consider stashing your cannabis in the cool, dark corners of your abode. This not only shields your stash from the detrimental effects of heat and light but also ensures the prolonged preservation of its quality.

Effective Methods for Storing Your Dried Cannabis

The quality of dried cannabis flowers is susceptible to various factors, including oxygen, light, heat, and moisture, all of which can compromise the integrity of the buds by inducing mold or excessive dryness. 

While smoking may still be possible with dried-out buds, the adverse impact on the entourage effect is undeniable. That’s why you have to store them properly using the following methods:

Glass Jars

Regarded as the optimal storage container, glass jars are airtight, static-free, and allow visual inspection without bud exposure. They keep odors and humidity in as a means of preserving terpenes. 

You can even opt for opaque glass to further shield the flowers from light exposure.

Plastic Containers/Tupperware

While airtight and light-resistant, these containers generate a static charge, risking trichome adhesion. Moreover, they don’t offer the same protection against water loss as glass, making them more suitable for temporary storage.

Freezer or Refrigerator

Cold temperatures in the freezer can make trichomes brittle, risking loss, and refrigerators introduce fluctuations in temperature and humidity, reducing the shelf life of stored weed.

Film Canister or Pill

Compact and convenient for on-the-go use, but not ideal for long-term storage due to issues similar to other plastic containers.

Humidor

Not just for cigars; a small wooden humidor designed for cannabis can maintain the right humidity, often featuring glass containers for optimal weed storage.

Choosing the right storage method depends on factors such as duration, convenience, and desired preservation of cannabinoids and terpenes to ensure your cannabis experience remains consistent over time.