Nowadays, it’s easier than ever to access high-quality cannabis. Thanks to reliable weed delivery services, you can now purchase flowers, pre-rolls, vape cartridges, and edibles, among many other products, at practically any time.
That said, no matter who grew or sold your weed, there’s one fact that you have to accept: it won’t last forever. What you can do is practice good storage habits, so you can extend shelf life as long as possible without sacrificing freshness, potency, and flavor.
Here are some ideas and general information for storing your weed stash the right way:
Plastic, No. Glass, Yes.
The first thing you have to remember is that it’s a big no-no to use plastic containers for your weed. This is because plastic creates static, which causes the trichomes—the tips of the cannabis flower where most of the cannabinoids and terpenes are concentrated—to break apart. This ultimately results in a loss of potency and flavor. Similarly, metal containers are not a good idea because they alter the taste and smell of cannabis flowers.
For the best results, your best option would be glass jars or silicone containers. If you want to invest, you can get a humidor. It’s like a safety deposit box with a built-in hygrometer so you can monitor the humidity inside the box. Depending on where you buy your humidor, you may have to purchase glass storage separately.
Say No to the Fridge
Unless you’re storing edibles like cannabis-infused baked goods, you’re best off keeping your stash away from the fridge or freezer. The cold temperature will create moisture, which is bad for your weed.
Get the Right-Sized Containers
At first, it might seem like a practical decision to buy big containers for your weed. What if you need to store more, right? However, while fresh cannabis flowers need some room to breathe, too much extra space can lead to oxidation. Thus, it’s better to get a modest-sized container and keep it topped up at least two-thirds of the way.
One of the most important things to remember about storing cannabis flowers and joints is that you need to keep them dry. If you can’t invest in a humidor just yet, you can purchase humidity packs and put them in wherever you store your stash (not inside the jars themselves).
In terms of temperature, the ideal is 70F or under but not below 60F. This way, the cannabinoids and terpenes won’t dry out. You also shouldn’t expose your weed stash to direct sunlight, because the UV will degrade the natural chemicals in marijuana.
Once you open a pack of cannabis flowers or joints, you can expect them to stay in good quality for about 30 days if stored correctly. Consume them within this timeframe for the optimal experience.
Compared to cannabis flowers, cannabis edibles are much easier to store. For most baked goods, treat them like most other foods: throw them in the fridge or freezer in resealable, airtight containers.
For sweets like candies and gummies, you can keep them inside your pantry or kitchen cabinets. If you have kids and pets at home, however, choose high shelves or any lockable storage for security reasons. For edibles that come in individually sealed packaging, leave them as is and just place the container in a cool, dry, and dark spot.
You have two options when it comes to storing cannabis oil, wax, and shatter: silicone or glass. Each has its own pros and cons, so take note of your needs and preferences before making a decision.
What makes silicone a good candidate for keeping cannabis oil, wax, and shatter is that the product won’t stick to it. This is particularly true for shatter. If you want an easy, no-mess way for storing and getting into your oil, wax, or shatter stash, then silicone containers are for you. Choose the medical-grade ones so you can be sure of the quality.
Meanwhile, glass containers are smell-proof. No matter how potent your cannabis, you can rely on good ol’ glass to remain odor-free and thus keep your weed’s flavor intact. In addition, glass containers are much more accessible and easier to clean.
Finally, for cannabis concentrates, you may also choose either silicone or glass. If you’re planning on consuming the concentrate within a few days or weeks, medical-grade silicone is a good bet. However, if you’re planning on long-term storage, glass jars are better overall because they’re airtight. If you can, vacuum-seal glass containers so that the contents can stay moisture-free for long periods.
It’s easy to acquire high-quality weed these days, but keeping them high-quality is another story. Hopefully, with these storage tips and ideas, you can keep your preferred cannabis product fresher for longer.
