The truth is, there’s no single best way to store cannabis products.
That’s because storing cannabis flower has different requirements than storing cannabis-infused products.
Cannabis flower is more delicate so you don’t want to just throw it in a plastic bag and toss it in the corner. Meanwhile, cannabis-infused products can lose flavor and potency if not stored correctly.
We’ll take a look at the differences.
The Best Way to Store Cannabis Flower
First things first. It’s crucial that you purchase cannabis that’s been properly cured from a high quality producer. Subpar cannabis is simply not going to last as long.
And while the refrigerator is a godsend for infused products, you want to avoid it for cannabis flower because it will degrade the cannabinoids.
Containers for Flower
When it comes to storing flower, your container choice makes a huge difference. If you’re looking for long-term storage, glass is the gold standard.
Plastic and metal are okay for the short-term, but will compromise the flavor and aroma after not too long. Plus, plastic has a static charge that can pull the trichomes from the buds and cause them to stick to the container.
Another option is a wood container. Wood is also not for the long-term though. And avoid cigar humidors unless you enjoy (for some reason) the taste of cedar. There are cannabis-specific humidors constructed from other types of wood that won’t damage the flavor.
The reason glass is so effective is that it’s airtight and nonporous. A Mason jar will do the trick. Just be certain that the containers are clean and free from any dirt or grime that might contain mold spores or bacteria. Then there are three main factors to consider when keeping cannabis flower fresh for the long-term.
1. Avoid UV Light
Sunlight or UV light only benefits cannabis during the growing stages. After that, it’s the enemy. It’ll break down the cannabinoids and terpenes and leave you with a drab and low potency flower. So tuck it away in a closet, drawer, or dark corner somewhere.
2. Control Moisture
Along with UV light, moisture (or lack thereof) can do serious damage to the bud. Too much moisture and you run the risk of mold. And much like UV light, a lack of humidity degrades the cannabinoids and terpenes.
Ideal humidity levels are 59% to 63% – which are achievable in an average climate controlled environment. This is precisely why you want to avoid the refrigerator since it fluctuates in humidity.
3. Keep It Cool But Not Frozen
With the fluctuations in temperature and humidity in the refrigerator, it may seem that the freezer is a safer bet. It’s not. Freezing a bud can cause the trichomes to burst and zap the potency of your flower.
High temperatures are just as harmful. They can cause your cannabis to dry out and you can then bid those trichomes a hasty adieu. So steer clear of water systems, heaters, or outside.
Storing Cannabis-Infused Products
Unlike the delicate flower, storing cannabis-infused products is a less involved venture. Products such as edibles, drinks, concentrates, and other cannabis products actually do quite well in the refrigerator. Especially if they contain sugar, oil, or flour.
There are even edibles and concentrates that do well in the freezer for several months. Any longer than that though and they may start to lose their flavor and quality. And you’ll need to defrost them slowly too so as to avoid a sudden temperature change.
Of course, you don’t just want to chuck your cannabis-infused products into the fridge or freezer without considering the containers. Glass isn’t crucial for cannabis-infused products – though it’s always a good choice.
If you plan to consume your edibles or concentrates quickly, you could use a silicone container for the short-run. Just be sure to use a size that’s close to what you want to store so as to avoid moisture buildup.
Whether you’re using silicone or glass, the refrigerator or the freezer, it’s important you use only airtight containers. Then, to keep your edibles or concentrates in more pristine condition, wrap them in parchment paper, seal them in a plastic bag, then place them in the container.
Store Cannabis Products Correctly
As a discerning consumer, insist on buying only top-shelf cannabis product from reputable production facilities. Click here to find out where you can get such high-end products.
Then take the time to store cannabis products properly so you can enjoy your investment for a long time to come.