Mark Greene
Cannabis is renowned for its natural and pure health benefits, but without good storage, they might be equal to zero. Like any other product meant to be consumed, weed also has its expiration date. Left long enough in unsuitable conditions, it can dry out, become crumbly and grow mold.
Nowadays, marijuana products usually tend to have the date of harvest imprinted on them but no expiration date, and users and enthusiasts often wonder how long they last. It is widely understood that if stored properly, weed can maintain its aroma and potency for up to 2 years.
With this in mind, it’s perfectly normal that we ask ourselves what the best ways of keeping this product fresh and longer-lasting are.
In the article below, we look at the factors that are crucial in ensuring that your product is stored safely. We focus on the ultimate ways of storing weed by creating the perfect environment so you can successfully maintain the product’s top quality.
The Weed Humidor
One of the most paramount factors in guaranteeing that the weed is in great form is to have humidity control so that any mold contaminants or microbial growth keeps away from the weed.Â
Since humidity control is of the essence, you should consider buying a weed humidor that you can trust to keep your stash at the ideal humidity level to fight off these nemeses. Not only will it keep your weed fresh, but it will also protect it from any children with curious fingers opening the box and gaining access.
The general rule of thumb for storing the weed and maintaining its color, aroma, flavor, and consistency is keeping the optimal RH range between 55% and 65%. Not only will it maintain these properties but it will also enhance them.
However, be careful not to drop the RH too low as it increases the risk of the trichomes becoming easily brittle and the essential oils drying out.
The Effect of Light
We know that UV rays are harsh and can make any object look faded, burn the green lawn outside our house, lighten the hood of our car and even burn our skin.Â
So it is no wonder that this direct light exposure can also be damaging to marijuana buds, as it bleaches them and degrades our weed over some time. The massive amounts of heat directly affect the cannabis product, reducing its quality.
Although you might think that glass Mason jars are interesting for storage purposes, they won’t protect your weed in the very best way as an opaque container would. If you want to look at the marijuana, a brown-colored container can also filter out strong UV rays. Green containers are also a solution and can block out UV rays.
Regardless of these containers, always make sure that the herb is stored in a dark and cool spot, away from any sunlight.
Spare The Air
You might not think of air as an enemy to your stash since it’s something that helps us dry out the buds before putting them into storage.Â
However, too much air speeds up the degradation process and makes the weed dried out leaving a not so enjoyable taste. This might seem tricky since too little air can also alter the humidity levels causing hazardous mold or mildew. Â
The best recommendation is to use an air-tight container that holds the cannabis without much room to spare, without the buds being crowded, helping prevent humidity from getting trapped inside.
Rules on TemperatureÂ
The overall quality and freshness of the cannabis depends also on the temperature at which you store it.Â
Molds and mildew thrive on cannabis and other organic matter at temperatures between 77°F and 86°F so the basic recommendation is to avoid extreme heat and keep the cannabis in dark and cool places. This will help prevent the cannabinoids and terpenes, that have gone through months of being developed, from evaporating and drying out.
If you do not pay attention to this, the extreme heat will surely lessen the weed’s efficacy.
Excessive cold temperatures can slow down the decarboxylation process and know that you are not doing yourself a favor if you believe that you’ll extend the lifespan of the product by putting it in the refrigerator.
Remember that the ideal temperature for storing cannabis is between 32°F and 68°F as this will ensure that it keeps its pleasant flavor and that it stays in peak condition.
Get Rid of The Plastic
Even when you’ve gone through the above list of creating the perfect environment for your bags, there are few other elements you need to consider.Â
One of them is knowing that the absolute worst way in which you can store your weed is by putting it in plastic bags. This storage option is not the way to go if you want the weed to maintain its potency and wholesome taste for a while longer. They are only advised to be used if the storage time is a matter of a few days but in no way as long-term solutions.
Plastic baggies do not help greatly in achieving this but only keep the light, air, cold, heat, and humidity out of the stash. The statistical charge of the bags pulls succulent and precious trichomes from the plant matter onto the plastic. This creates a powdery and sticky mess that you’ll never be able to get out of the bag and use.
Plus, not only will a plastic bag ruin your weed but it is also bad for the environment when thrown away in the garbage.
Final Thoughts
Good storage is all about preserving the look, taste, and smell of your favorite weed and guaranteeing a long-lasting product. If you want to continue to be a satisfied user and weed connoisseur, you need to know the crucial factors for storing your stash.
To ensure consistent quality, you must learn to keep the right humidity, temperature, air, and be aware of light and its effects. If not, the product will quickly become susceptible to mold and degradation and lose its longevity.
Weed humidors for optimal humidity levels and airtight glass containers will store your weed safely, offering the best protection from the outside elements. This will allow you to get your money’s worth and enjoy any leftovers or forgotten weed that you were smart enough to store properly.
