Cannabis 101: How to Store Weed

Properly storing weed is a must if you want your stash to last and maintain its quality. Whether you’re storing long-term or just until the end of the week, where you keep your buds plays a large part in their flavor and potency. In this guide, we will show you the best way to store weed, so you’ll always have top-quality flower on hand.

Importance of Proper Cannabis Storage

So why does it matter how cannabis is stored? Can’t we just put it in a sandwich baggie and call it good? Not if you want it to last. The problem with improper storage is that if your flower comes in contact with too much air, you risk reducing the quality. And if it gets too moist, you could end up with mold. But the right balanced environment will keep your buds aromatic, fluffy, and potent.

The Best Way to Store Weed

Cannabis flower can have a stable shelf-life of up to a year or more when it’s been cured and adequately stored. And while buying properly cured cannabis is the first step, you can follow these common-sense tips to keep your cannabis fresh for the long-term.

Keep it Cool

High temperatures can cause your cannabis to dry out and the terpenes to evaporate. That means you shouldn’t set it near a heater, water system, or outside. But you also want to avoid freezing temperatures because they can burst the delicate trichomes and cause your bud to lose potency. A closet, drawer, or dark corner should work just fine.

Keep it Dark

The same way UV light can fade the color of your favorite shirt or give you a sunburn, it can also break down the cannabinoids and terpenes in your bud. Make sure your containers are always stored in a dark place and never leave your buds in the direct sun.

Keep it Away From Moisture

The best way to end up with moldy buds is to allow them to come in contact with moisture. But good bud can’t get too dry without causing degradation of the cannabinoids and terpenes. The key is to maintain proper humidity levels, ideally between 59% and 63% RH (relative humidity). For this reason, we don’t recommend storing cannabis in the refrigerator. The fluctuations in temperature and humidity will increase your chances of growing mold.

Keep it Clean

Make sure any containers you use are clean and free from dirt and grime that could contain bacteria or mold spores.

Containers

The rule of thumb when it comes to storing weed is that glass is best, and you should avoid metal or plastic. While plastic and metal can be used for the short term, they will start to affect the aroma and flavor after a while. Plastic also tends to have a static charge that will cause trichomes to fall off the buds and stick to the sides of the container. Your best bet is glass, as it is airtight and nonporous. Mason jars are a well tested and accepted method that is popular with cannabis growers.

If you do use a wood container, don’t use a cigar humidor because they can make your weed taste like cedar. Cannabis-specific humidors are made from other types of wood and won't affect the flavor. Keep in mind, though, that wood isn’t as useful as glass for the longevity of your buds.

What About Cannabis Products?

Cannabis-infused products like edibles and other types of perishables will have their own guidelines, so store and refrigerate as directed. Always use them by the stated expiration date and keep them in their original container. Tinctures and concentrates can also degrade from light, heat, and humidity. So always keep them in a cool, dry, dark place.

We know we just threw a lot of information at you about cannabis storage, but don’t stress too much about storing your weed. We think the best way to get the most bang for your cannabis buck is to smoke it in a timely fashion. That way, it’s always guaranteed fresh!

If you’re looking for the best quality cannabis flower in Mendocino? Come down and visit us at Cannavine. We’ve got flower so good you’ll be smoking it all before you even need to worry about storing it!