Storing Cannabis: 5 Tips to Keep Weed Fresh
Like other consumables, cannabis does eventually expire and go bad. Sunlight, oxygen, temperature, and humidity can all speed up the expiry date of your buds. While old weed might not be harmful to you, it does degrade the taste, aroma, form, and potency.
Properly stored and dried cannabis flowers can keep well for six months to a year. Beyond one year, the THC content starts to drop. In a worst case scenario, your weed could also even grow mould, which can lead to health concerns.
To avoid all of this drama, we at Elite Cannabis have five tips on the best ways to store weed. We’ve also included a final recommendation on the overall best container in which to store weed.
1. Store in Glass, Not Plastic
If you’ve been to a high-end dispensary in person, then you’ve probably noticed the affinity for keeping cannabis flowers in glass jars. This is because glass containers, like mason jars, can provide a solid seal, have no static charge, and limit the amount of oxygen that enters.
Plastic containers are more porous, which can allow more oxygen to enter. Some plastic containers can even change the flavour through tainting the weed, depending on what plastics they are made out of.
Both types of container are inexpensive, so why not opt for glass instead of plastic?
2. Store in an Airtight Container
This goes back to point number one. A glass jar is better at keeping the seal airtight. Oxygen is your worst enemy in storing weed. Keep it out and you’ll preserve your stash for longer.
3. Use Special Humidity Controls
Quality dispensaries use quality storage methods, and at Elite Cannabis we use the best.
Like a wine cellar, it’s important to have an ideal temperature for storage. The Ideal temperature for cannabis storage ranges between 20 to 25C.
Humidity levels are most ideal between 5 to 65 percent relative humidity (RH). This may seem a bit on the humid side to some, but if the bud gets too dry then it can degrade the chemical properties. Most standard refrigerators create conditions that would be considered too humid for proper storage.
4. Invest in Boveda Packs
Terpenes and cannabinoids are some of the first things to evaporate if weed gets too dry. A good solution to avoid this is to buy a Boveda Humidity Pack.
Boveda Packs can be placed directly in a glass jar or cannabis humidor (similar to a cigar box). Once inside, these small packs help keep the relative humidity in that ideal range. These are easy to use and once you’ve tried them they’re a must have.
5. Keep Away from Sunlight
Sunlight can also speed up the degradation of cannabis. Since most glass jars are clear, we recommend you keep them in a cool, dark location like a closet. Minimal sunlight is ideal for long-term cannabis storage.
Save the high-intensity light for when you torch that cannabis concentrate. All other times, keep light away!
What’s the Best Container to Store Weed?
An opaque glass container that is airtight and stored at the ideal relative humidity or holds a Boveda Pack, is the ultimate storage. This is simple and easy to source.
If you have any leftover dark-colored glass jars from other cannabis products like Mota Green Balm, then consider using them. Reusing cannabis packaging is a good way to be environmentally friendly and save some money. Just remember to avoid: sunlight, oxygen, high temperature, and humidity.
