When it comes to cannabis, there are a lot of factors that go into the quality of your high and how much you’re paying for what’s in your bag. When you’re spending your hard earned cash to stock your stash, you want to get the most out of your investment. That means you need to learn how to store weed properly. So, let’s cover some basics on how best to preserve the flavor, aroma, and potency of your fine flower without killing all the fun by turning it into dried-out dust.
Why Does Weed Storage Matter?
Weed is a natural product. As such, it can be damaged by its environment. And as any avid stoner knows, if you don’t take care of your stash properly, it will lose its potency over time. That’s why knowing how to store weed correctly is so important. Plus, when stored incorrectly, weed is susceptible to mold, mildew, or otherwise rotting in undesirable conditions. You can’t smoke moldy weed, so it’s time to learn how to store weed and keep it fresh for as long as possible.
On the other hand, super dry weed is not so fun to smoke. It lacks flavor and usually burns your throat as it burns up too quickly.
If you grow your own, weed storage is especially important. You’ve put all that time and energy into growing, harvesting, trimming, and curing your buds. So, don’t fail to follow through with the proper long-term storage to keep your harvest just as good as day one. Plus, if you know how to store weed, you can likely hide the weed smell when you need to be discreet.
Considerations for How to Store Weed
There are a few things to consider for how to store weed in the best way possible. Assuming the dispensary has done its part to keep the buds stored correctly, it’s up to you to take care of them once you get home. Here are the biggest considerations for how to store weed. Pro tip: these are generally good rules for how to concentrates as well.
Light
No matter the cannabis strain, artificial and natural light can degrade the quality of your cannabis very quickly. UV rays are especially tough on plant matter and will degrade the potency of the THC. When this happens, the THC turns into CBN. There are plenty of benefits to non-psychoactive CBN, so it’s not necessarily the worst thing, but if your goal was to get high, then you might be disappointed.
Always store your cannabis in a dark place. Sitting in a clear jar near an open window is not a great idea, even if the jar is properly sealed. If you’re not currently cracking into the container, then it’s wise to just put it in a closet, drawer, or cupboard until your next session.
Temperature
There’s a sweet spot for temperature, and it’s between 60 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit. This is an ideal ambient temperature that will preserve the bud’s integrity for as long as possible. If it gets too hot, the buds are a breeding ground for mold, fungus, and bacteria to grow in its tiny little crevices. Even if nothing funky happens, heat will most certainly start to degrade the terpene content, and there goes that original flavor. Not to mention that terpenes play a huge role in the effect of the bud, so you want to keep them intact as much as possible.
If the buds get too cold, then condensation becomes a risk factor, which can also lead to mold and mildew. It’s very difficult to freeze and thaw cannabis without coming into contact with excess moisture.
Humidity
Even when the temperatures are ideal, you might live in a climate with naturally high humidity. As we mentioned above, this added moisture can ruin your weed. That said, you don’t want your weed to be bone dry either, or the terpenes will just begin to crumble and fall off.
So, what’s the ideal humidity for weed? Somewhere between 59-63% is your best bet. If this isn’t possible where you live (we see you desert dwellers), then it might be a good idea to invest in a hydration pack, like Boveda, to insert into your storage container. This brings us to our next point!
Container
Bags, jars, silicone containers, which do you pick? The basic ground rule is to make sure your weed storage container is airtight. That’s the most important part. Every time your stash is exposed to oxygen, it degrades a little bit more. Plus, it’s exposed to all of the mentioned conditions that also affect its freshness and longevity.
So, what kind of container is the best for storing weed? Glass jars with a resealable lid are the best choice. Plastic and silicone can leach into your weed over time, making them a less desirable option. A classic mason jar is a great choice, even better if you can find them in amber glass. To go and beyond, check out Miron glass. This specialty glass was designed to keep out UV rays to preserve its contents for a long time.
How Long Does Weed Last?
How long does weed last? That depends on how you store and use it, but the general rule of thumb is that if you keep your cannabis in a cool, dark place and don’t touch it too much, you can expect about three years from your stash. That’s if you’re talking about dried cannabis (weed that’s been dried and cured), which tends to remain stable for longer than fresh flowers that haven’t been properly cured or dried yet.
Short-Term vs Long-Term Weed Storage
Short-term storage is for a few days to a few weeks, and it’s best to keep your weed in an airtight container. This will prevent damage from moisture and oxygen. If you want to keep your weed for longer than a few days or weeks, long-term storage is best. Long-term storage allows you to store your cannabis for months or years without worrying about any damage happening due to moisture or light exposure. To properly store long-term cannabis you need to find a cool, dark place (like a closet) and get an airtight container that seals well, so no moisture enters. If you use mason jars, it’s wise to put those into another box to ensure that no light gets in.
How to Store Weed FAQ
Still have questions on how to store weed? We have answers.
Should You Put Weed in the Fridge or Freezer?
The short answer is no. If you freeze your weed, it will almost certainly have some moisture as it thaws, putting it at risk of mold. The fridge is a better choice, but you should only do so if you absolutely must due to higher temperatures in your natural environment. In this case, store the weed in airtight containers, then place those in an opaque box or bag. Even the fridge light can affect the buds with repeated exposure.
Should You Take Weed Out of the Packaging it Came in?
When you’ve got weed from a reputable source, there’s no problem with leaving it in its original packaging so long as it follows the rules above. Although you could transfer your stash into a more discreet container, or for something intended for long-term storage.
What’s the Best Way to Store Edibles?
Many of the same rules apply to edibles, but not for the same reasons. Generally, keeping edibles in their original container is perfectly fine. Since most edibles are consumed within a reasonable time, you don’t need to worry about freshness. Products like gummies definitely need to be in an airtight container or they will harden and be nearly impossible to bite into. Generally, treat THC edibles like you would treat any other food product.
How Do You Store Vape Pens?
The most important thing about vape pen storage is to keep them standing upright. This prevents leaking and clogging that can ruin a good cartridge. Follow the same temperature and light rules as you do with weed, and you’ll be good to know. Avoid the fridge or freezer, or you may permanently damage your vapes.