Storing Cannabis: 5 Tips to Keep Weed Fresh

You've just gotten home from a trip to the dispensary with some beautiful cannabis. The weed is fresh, fragrant and potent, but how do you keep it that way? What's the best way to extend the shelf life of marijuana and ensure that it doesn't lose all of its lovely properties? In this article we'll discuss what makes weed go bad, what to avoid when storing weed, and our tips for proper storage.

How to Make Weed Last Longer

Can weed go bad? Sadly, yes. While it will not poison you or cause a negative effect when consumed (unless there is mold involved), cannabis potency can decrease and its active compounds can break down. Additionally, if you don't store your weed properly it can dry out and lose most of its smell and flavor.

The key elements to be aware of when considering how to protect your product are temperature, moisture and air. If the marijuana is exposed to too much oxygen the degradation process will accelerate. If your weed ends up stored in a spot that is hot, dark and moist, it is at risk for developing dangerous mold. Furthermore, when exposed to high temperatures the terpenes that provide delicious flavor and attractive aromas will evaporate and your buds will dry out.

What to Avoid When Storing Marijuana

The easiest way to make sure that your cannabis doesn't go bad is to avoid some of the mistakes that are all too common when it comes to marijuana storage.

• Do not store your weed in plastic bags or any other type of plastic container. Plastic exposes the marijuana to the evils of air, light and temperature fluctuations. Depending on the plastic, BPA could also be introduced to the weed.

• Keep your weed away from light. Light is the primary factor in cannabis degradation because it causes the tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) to turn into cannabinol (CBN), a cannabinoid that is far less psychoactive than THC.

• Do not store your weed in the refrigerator or freezer. When frozen, the precious trichomes on your cannabis can actually fall off!

• Do not store your weed in aluminum foil or paper. These materials aren't effective for keeping your bud fresh.

• Avoid tobacco humidors. Some types of wood used in cigar humidors readily transfer oils and odors meant for tobacco - not cannabis.

If marijuana has not been stored properly the buds will become crumbly and dry and smell like cardboard. Trust us, you don't want that. What you want is a product that is full of cannabinoids, fragrant and sticky with resin!

The Best Way to Store Weed

Regardless of whether you are new to the world of weed or are a seasoned cannabis consumer, it is critical to know how to keep weed fresh and how to keep weed from drying out. The goal is to maintain the appearance and taste that led you to choose that lovely flower in the first place.

The easiest and most affordable way to keep cannabis fresh for weeks on end is to use an airtight jar that can be filled with your stash. A jar with a metal swing and latch design with a rubber gasket on top will create a vacuum seal to keep air out. Alternatively, reach for a Mason jar or a similar sealable glass jar that will keep anything from getting in or leaking out. Jars that are dark-colored or opaque will also keep harmful light out and keep your weed from reaching its expiration date.

A cannabis humidor is another option if you are willing to spend a little more cash to ensure the sanctity of your stash. These humidors are usually wooden (walnut or mahogany) boxes with internal jars. Depending on the model, different systems are used to monitor and maintain the perfect humidity. Humidors also provide a physically attractive option for storing marijuana. Some are quite beautiful and very well made. Prices range from around $100 to well over $500 for top of the line units.

Boveda Packsare another great choice for taking your weed storage to the next level. The packs are produced to deal with moisture storage issues in all sorts of scenarios (electronics, musical instruments, photographs) and work incredibly well as humidity packs for weed. Boveda Packs use water and salts to respond to humidity levels and either add or absorb moisture to maintain the ideal level of humidity that will keep you and your weed happy.

5 Tips for Proper Marijuana Storage

1. Use an airtight glass jar.
2. Place the jar in a dark area that does not experience dramatic temperature fluctuations. The ideal temperature for weed storage is around 65 degrees Fahrenheit. The temperature should never exceed 80 degrees Fahrenheit or drop below 40 degrees Fahrenheit.
3. Keep weed jars away from appliances and other heat sources.
4. As you consume your weed, switch to smaller jars that limit the amount of airspace between buds. Try to keep the weed jars packed as tightly as possible.
5. Be gentle with your weed. Handling it roughly will accelerate the aging process and result in bad weed.

How long does weed stay good? If you've checked all the boxes and followed the instructions above, your weed will easily stay fresh and tasty for months to come.

How do you store your marijuana? What is your go-to system for keeping your cannabis safe and ready to consume? Let us know in the comments section below.