How to Store Your Cannabis Properly in Ohio’s Changing Seasons
Cannabis is like gourmet coffee or a fine wine — it’s a delicate product that can degrade with time if you don’t keep it in the proper conditions. Correctly storing any of the fine cannabis products you get from our Cincinnati dispensaries helps preserve their potency, flavor, and overall quality, protecting the therapeutic compounds and aromatic terpenes that make each strain unique.
Understanding the Importance of Proper Marijuana Storage
Cannabis products are a growing industry, and part of this marketplace is the proliferation of cannabis packaging solutions. This growing interest in providing you with effective storage for cannabis means its packaging market is projected to reach $1.99 billion in 2025.
The main aim of proper weed storage is to protect the terpenes and cannabinoids, such as CBD and THC, from degradation. These are the compounds that give marijuana its effects and aromas. If marijuana is exposed to certain environmental factors, it may break down these delicate components, which can lead to a loss of potency and other issues, such as unpleasant changes in aroma and flavor.
Key Factors in Marijuana Storage
There are a number of factors that can affect the longevity and quality of stored cannabis.
Light
UV rays are among the culprits in cannabinoid degradation. So it’s a good idea to store your cannabis products in cool, dark places and avoid contact with direct sunlight. Also, avoid using transparent containers to minimize the exposure of your cannabis to direct sunlight or harsh artificial light.
Temperature
Extreme temperatures — both hot and cold — can have a negative impact on your cannabis. High temperatures might cause cannabinoids to degrade more rapidly while potentially causing terpenes to evaporate. Conversely, freezing can make trichomes brittle and prone to breaking off. A cool, consistent temperature is best for cannabis storage.
Air/Oxygen
Exposing your cannabis to oxygen can accelerate cannabinoid and terpene breakdown. To prevent this oxidation process, be sure to use a container with an airtight seal. Airtight storage also helps prevent any nearby odors from interacting with your cannabis products, keeping them fresh.
Humidity
Too much humidity can promote the growth of mold and mildew, while too little humidity can dry out the product, which can make it harsh to smoke. It also causes trichomes to detach. The optimal relative humidity for cannabis flower is generally between 59% and 63%.
Best Practices for Storing Marijuana
If you’re wondering how to store weed and how to keep weed fresh for months, there are storage solutions that you can implement to tackle the potential issues that environmental factors introduce.
Store in Cool, Dark Places
Store your cannabis in a cool, dark place away from heat sources. This ensures it avoids direct sunlight and fluctuations in temperature. A drawer, a cupboard, or a dedicated cannabis humidor are excellent storage locations.
Use Airtight Glass Jars
Airtight glass jars are considered the best storage vessels for cannabis. The airtight seal prevents oxidation, and they’re nonporous, which prevents the container from leaching chemicals or odors. Using dark or UV-protected glass is even better, as this also mitigates exposure to light.
Avoid using plastic, such as sandwich baggies or other containers, that can cause the cannabis’ trichomes to stick to the plastic, which reduces potency. Some plastics can also leach chemicals and odors into the cannabis, impacting its quality.
Consider Using Humidity Control Packs
Two-way humidity control packs are a good way to maintain optimal humidity for your stored cannabis. If you put these packs in your storage container, they can automatically regulate moisture levels and keep your cannabis at the ideal humidity. Avoid using cigar humidors, as they typically use cedar wood. This has a distinct aroma that may transfer to your cannabis and affect its flavor profile.
Tips for Storing Different Cannabis Products
The best storage for weed can vary depending on the specific cannabis product you’re storing. Here are a few tips for storing common cannabis products:
- Cannabis buds: Airtight, UV-protected glass containers are best for cannabis flower. Store these containers in a cool, dark place.
- Concentrates: Dabs, sauce, and budder are best stored in thick glass jars or airtight silicone containers. Silicone can be an alternative when glass isn’t available, but make sure to use pure, food-grade silicone to avoid odor absorption.
- Vape cartridges: Store cartridges upright in a cool, dark place.
- Edibles: These often have specific storage instructions on the package. Generally, store them in airtight containers in cool, dark places, or possibly refrigerate if they contain perishable ingredients.
Identifying and Avoiding Common Storage Mistakes
Improper weed storage can lead to premature degradation. There are a few common mistakes you should avoid, which relate to maintaining the optimal environmental conditions for storage. First, don’t store your marijuana in the refrigerator or freezer, with the exception of edibles. You might think refrigeration or freezing keeps things fresh, but not in the case of cannabis flower. Fluctuations in temperature and humidity may damage trichomes, and lead to dryness or even mold.
Avoid storing your cannabis with other items. Cannabis can absorb odors from its surroundings, so try not to store it near any strong-smelling items such as coffee, spices, or chemicals. Finally, avoid excessively handling cannabis flower, as this can cause trichomes to break off, potentially reducing potency and impacting flavor.
Proper Marijuana Storage Ensures Its Longevity
Effectively storing any of the quality marijuana products you get from UpLift is a simple but effective way to preserve their quality, potency, and flavor. If you have any questions on correct storage or about our cannabis products in general, don’t hesitate to contact us or visit one of our Cincinnati dispensaries.
Image by Terrance Barksdale is free to use under the Pexels License
