How did my weed go bad so fast? Hopefully, you've never had to ask yourself that question. But all too often, every product, from flower to edibles to top-shelf cartridges, can go bad.
Stale buds, broken cartridges, and melted edibles aren't the end of the world, but they sure do sting from the loss of THC and money. More importantly, if your bud is getting stale, it's because air is getting in and out (and that means the smell is, too).
Avoid this pain by learning the best way to store weed to keep your cannabis products fresh, potent, flavorful, and odor-free for longer. Weed is like any other product. It's susceptible to degradation, but a few precautionary steps ensure your products stay fresh for as long as possible.
What Happens When You Don't Store Your Cannabis Properly?
Nature does a number on cannabis. If you don't know how to store weed, it can be exposed to elements like heat, air, and UV light that will lead to changes in the plant's cells, degrading its potency and effects.
Changes include impacts to the vast cannabinoids in the system, like THC and CBD. Cannabinoids can even synthesize into other compounds. The cannabinoids are stored in the trichomes of the cannabis flower as acids and aren't considered bioavailable in their raw state. Without heat, often called decarboxylation, many compounds don’t fully convert.
The most well-known version of cannabinoid conversion is THCA to THC. The latter is the cannabinoid known for creating intoxicating effects in cannabis. THC is only bioavailable after heating raw plant material containing THCA.
Cannabis consumers who don't learn how to store marijuana properly could accelerate the degradation of THC to CBN.
If you want to keep your THC for as long as it can, store it properly--more on that below. Doing so helps preserve potency, texture, flavor, and effects.
Light
UV light rays are powerful, particularly UVA and UVB. THC loses potency when exposed to UVB light. Storing flower in UV-protected jars in a cool, dark place is the best bet for limiting exposure.
Temperature
"Cool" can be subjective. So, be sure to store your flower at around 60°-70°F and in a dry place. Otherwise, the flower will be exposed to heat and moisture, which can lead to mold.
Remember, keep it cool, not cold! Don't put flower in the refrigerator. Can you freeze weed instead? Yes, but you really shouldn't unless you want to make solventless extracts. Improperly freezing your cannabis can lead to trichome loss, affecting aroma, flavors, and plant potency overall.
Air
Cured flowers should be exposed to minimal amounts of oxygen. An abundance of O2 leads to rapid cannabinoid deterioration and the synthesizing of THC to CBN. To keep flowers fresh and your experience at an optimal level, store your nugs in an airtight, UV-protected glass or silicone container.
Moisture
Moisture levels are critical. Keep the flower dry but not deprived of moisture. Otherwise, you risk turning your flower brittle and flavorless. Flower that is too damp reduces airflow, creating mold and bacteria. Meanwhile, too much humidity and stale air can negatively impact flavor due to excess ammonia in the chemical equation.
Regulate moisture levels with freshness packs (also called humidor packets). These products have helped cigar makers and consumers control humidity levels with relative ease for ages.
Can You Freeze Cannabis?
As mentioned above, freezing cannabis flower is only a good idea if you're looking to make top-tier solventless extracts like bubble hash. Most of us aren't going to be making bubble hash, so it's best to avoid the freezers.
Freezing flowers in an average freezer degrades their quality, as trichomes freeze and snap off the bud. The loss of trichomes affects the plant's profile, decreasing its cannabinoid content while lessening the taste of the product when consumed.
Is It Better To Store Cannabis In Glass Or Plastic?
You must have an airtight, non-porous seal to store cannabis long-term without the smell. Plastic is not non-porous, so if you store your weed in Ziplocs or Tupperware, your weed will smell and dry out. Glass or aluminum makes a much better storage option to avoid cannabis odors and maintain freshness.
For the best way to store marijuana, look to glass containers. Glass is by far the best option for storing cannabis. A glass container provides an airtight storage method that won't allow unpleasant smells or aromas to interact with your nugs. On the other hand, plastics are known to leach unpleasant aromas into nugs, including chemicals from the plastic itself.
Another benefit of glass is that it allows you to showcase your cannabis! That is, as long as you keep it in a UV-protected glass in a dark place. Of course, that may negate the showoff status of your stash, but it's a fair trade-off for fresher flowers. If glass isn't available, look for an airtight metal container.
READ ALSO: How to Get the Cannabis Smell Out of Your Car
How To Store Cannabis Correctly
Photo by Add Weed on Unsplash
Storing Cannabis Flower And Pre-rolls
As mentioned above, flowers deteriorate when exposed to the elements. Don't opt for a cheap storage option, like a sandwich bag. Baggies are NOT the best way to store weed. Cannabis may last six months or less in a Ziploc baggie, but the precious trichomes on your nugs tend to stick to plastic due to static electricity. If you have NO other option than a baggie, at least put the baggie in a cool, dry place to extend the life of the bud.
Whenever possible, use UV-protected glass kept in cool, dark places.
Edibles
Do edibles lose potency over time? Not really, but if you want to enjoy those edibles weeks or months after purchasing, you better store them properly or risk losing their freshness. The key is always to pay attention to the packaging. Shelf life varies depending on the edible and its ingredients.
First, check each item for its best use, sell-by, and/or expiration date, like any other grocery item. Then, look for storage instructions, which typically include information on how long the product lasts and whether it needs to be refrigerated. Ask your budtender for any info you can't find.
Most drinks and edibles can be stored in the fridge. Chips, popcorn, and other snacks are exceptions, which typically do fine at room temperature. CBD oil doesn't need to be refrigerated but maintains its best freshness between 60 and 70 degrees in a dark place. If this isn't possible, it can also be stored in the refrigerator.
If you don't like your edibles cool, take them out 5-10 minutes before consuming them to allow the room temperature to warm them a bit. If a package isn't resealable, use a Ziploc bag or an airtight glass container, though most dispensary edibles, like gummies, come in resealable, childproof packaging.
You can store CBD edibles in the freezer if they're the type that freezes well. Brownies and cookies often freeze well and last up to 3 months. To extend storage time, you could freeze edibles to solidify them, and then vacuum seal them for long-term storage. Be sure to freeze them before you vacuum seal them, or they will most likely be reduced to mush when the vacuum pressure sets in. This will work well for soft cookies but not well for crispy types. Gummies freeze surprisingly well, too!If you aren't using infused butter or olive oil daily, put it in the freezer for longer storage. Typically, they should last for up to six months. Take out your oils or butter when needed for your next round of cannabis cooking, and be sure to give them a few hours to defrost.
READ ALSO: How Long Do Edibles Last?
Concentrates
Concentrates, similar to edibles, offer an immense variety of options made from many extraction processes. The result is distinct textures and effects like rosin, shatter, badder, resin, and crumble. Concentrates offer more potent experiences than flower. Extracts also often come with an arguably cleaner high and more complex taste.
That said, inadequate storage is detrimental to any positive characteristics. If you're wondering how to store dabs, storage is simple. Often lasting six months or longer when properly stored, concentrates like dabs, sauce, budder, and crumble should be stored in airtight glass containers in the fridge. Rosin is typically best when stored in the freezer and brought to room temperature before dabbing. Smaller options, like shatter, are often packaged in plastic cases or envelopes, though exposure to the elements remains an issue. When using these methods, the product tends to be wrapped in parchment paper to reduce exposure to air.
Vape Cartridges
Like most cannabis products, vape carts need to be placed in a cool, dark space to preserve their qualities. Remember to store your carts vertically when not in use. Not doing so can lead to leaks and clogs. Moreover, be sure to remove the cart from your battery when not in use. Doing so should lessen the chance of any heated oil leaks.
Keep in mind that many carts are made using metal or ceramic components that tend to clog and break. You may not want to spend more than $40 per cart, but doing so may help avoid such issues as more expensive options tend to use stronger glass and ceramic. Still, oil viscosity can fluctuate, leading to jamming in any cart. Warming the cart in your hands or taking several short, small puffs may help resolve the issue.
Tinctures
Tinctures have the longest shelf life of any cannabis product, typically lasting two to three years when stored properly. The long shelf life is credited to their alcohol-based extraction. If the tincture didn't come in one already, find a UV-protected bottle and store it in a cool place when not in use.
Topicals
Topicals also have a long shelf life, often lasting one to two years. Like tinctures, topical ingredients are almost always shelf-stable and come with their own protected container. Be sure to keep your topicals closed and in a cool, dark location when not in use.
Examples Of Cannabis Products That Already Come With Great Packaging
Cannabis Flower And Pre-rolls
Find a company using product packaging that promotes freshness and longevity.
Edibles
Remember that edibles' storage varies greatly. While some items are made for multiple uses and come with resealable containers, many do not. When choosing a multiple-use or multiple-dose edible, buy from a company that uses resealable packaging. Finding such a company should be easy enough, as most states mandate strict child safety standards on packages.
READ ALSO: What is Delta-8 THC (and How Does It Work)?
Concentrates
Choose a brand that puts its concentrates in resealable, UV-protected containers.
Vape Cartridges
Look for a brand that uses quality components to build its batteries and carts.
Tinctures
The ideal tincture is made using top-quality cannabis that is then stored in adequate containers. Choose a bottle made from UV-protected glass with a measured dropper for easy dosing.
Topicals
Look for a cannabis topical much like you would any other skin treatment. Look for an option that protects products from the sun without causing any messy leaks.
Keeping your weed fresh is relatively simple: Keep it in a cool, dark place free of UV light and oxygen exposure. So, make sure your baggies are zipped and your weed is chilling at or around room temperature. Doing so should make sure it lasts as long as possible.
The information in this article and any included images or charts are for educational purposes only. This information is neither a substitute for, nor does it replace, professional legal advice or medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have any concerns or questions about laws, regulations, or your health, you should always consult with an attorney, physician or other licensed professional.