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Whether you’re new to using cannabis, or have been a daily user for years, I’m sure you have wondered if you have been stashing away your weed properly. There are multiple factors to consider when putting away your marijuana for long-term storage, and some can make or break how pleasant it is to consume. No one wants to smoke dry and brittle buds that are harsh on the throat with no flavor whatsoever. So we at The HighWay put together this quick guide on how to properly store your cannabis in hopes that none of you have to ever experience that!
Benefits of Proper Cannabis Storage
- Improves shelf life of your cannabis buds
- Keeps chemical compounds (cannabinoids, terpenes, flavonoids, etc.) intact and decreases depletion rate
- Flavor improves over time while being cured
- Prevents bacteria, mold, and mildew from affecting your buds
Cannabis and Long-Term Storage
These are the main factors to keep note of while storing your weed:
- Temperature
- Humidity
- Light
- Air
The rule of thumb when storing cannabis is to store it in a cool, dark, and dry place. But what does that entail exactly? Let’s dive deeper!
Temperature
The proper temperatures to store cannabis long term is in the range of 55-65°F (12-18°C) with terpenes beginning to deplete as it gets above 70°F (21°C). Temperatures that are too high will also dry out the weed much faster and result in a harsh smoking experience. It is recommended to not store your cannabis if the area is over 74°F as this can cause mold or mildew to develop (you definitely don’t want to consume that). Storing your buds in too cold of an area can also have similar negative effects, reducing cannabinoids and terpenes.
Humidity
Relative humidity for long-term cannabis storage should be within a range of 54-64%, but ideally 58-62%. Too much moisture can easily cause mold to develop on your buds, while too little moisture will undoubtedly dry out your buds, causing the potency to decrease and lose its natural aromas and flavors. Luckily, there have been multiple products created solely for the purpose of maintaining proper relative humidity, with some of the most popular options being Grove Bags and CVault Storage Containers. Keep a hygrometer in the container with the buds to occasionally check the relative humidity.
Light Exposure
Similar to how you see color fade from something after being under the sun for too long, UV rays can also diminish cannabinoids and terpenes. Indoor lighting is fine for the most part, however it is best to store your buds in as dark of an area as possible. Direct sunlight may also begin to dry out your buds if left for too long.
Air Exposure
Just like how light exposure and extreme temperatures can cause cannabinoids and terpenes to decrease, exposure to oxygen will do the same. Keep your cannabis in an airtight container and avoid any direct air blowing onto the buds. Doing this will ensure that your herbs maintain good moisture content and overall increase the shelf life.
What Should I Store My Cannabis In?
After reading all that, you might still be wondering, “what should I store my weed in?” There’s not one answer for this, and your cannabis storage process may differ from others depending on what you have available in your area. Consumers in the US will likely have different storage options than those in Europe or Asia. If you’re in a region where cannabis is illegal (don’t worry we won’t tell) then any product even remotely tied to cannabis use may be hard to get your hands on.
Cannabis Storage Options:
- Grove bags (recommended)
- CVault (recommended)
- Mason Jars (widely available)
- Clear or tinted, although tinted is preferred as it blocks more light
- Airtight bag (last resort choice)
No matter where you’re located, at least one of these options should be available to you. Check out the Best Cannabis Storage Solutions for some great options!
Now that you know how to properly store your weed, you should learn how to grow your own as well! Check out our Learn To Grow guides and grow better buds than you’ve ever seen before!
Join us on The HighWay.
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