Ever find a quality strain that you wish to save for the future? You find that perfect strain for energy or relaxation, and you want to store some away for a ‘rainy day’? Lucky for you there are several tips and tricks to ensure that your cannabis remains fresh and potent for as long as possible!
Here are a few factors to take into account when storing away your fresh cannabis:
- Room Temperature
- Humidity Levels
- Light Settings
- Air-tight Storage Containers
Room Temperature
Mildew and other molds on cannabis and other organic matter thrive in temperatures between 77° and 86° F, so basic precautions of keeping your cannabis in a cool, dark place will go a long way.
Excessive heat can dry out the cannabinoids and terpenes that have taken months to develop. When these essential oils get too dry along with plant material, it can result in a hot, harsh smoke.
Humidity Levels
Humidity control is paramount to keeping mildew and other mold contaminants away from your cannabis.
Keeping your cannabis stored in a controlled environment with the proper relative humidity (RH) ranges can be a bit of a balancing act, but the general consensus is to keep cannabis between 59% and 63% RH when stored to maintain and enhance color, consistency, aroma, and flavor.
Keeping your RH below 65% reduces the chances for mold to occur. However, if your RH drops too low, you risk your trichomes becoming brittle and drying out the essential oils.
(Go to your local smoke shop and see if they carry any humidity packs that you can throw in your jar to control the RH.)
Light Settings
Harmful UV rays break down many organic and synthetic materials.
Similar to the way your grass turns brown at the end of a long sunny summer, or how a car’s paint begins to fade when it is not garaged, UV rays will degrade your cannabis over time.
A study conducted at the University of London in the 1970s concluded that light was the single biggest factor in the degradation of cannabinoids. The same study concluded that cannabinoids maintain stability for up to two years when stored under the proper conditions, though it can remain effective and safe to consume for much longer as the essential oils slowly break down over time.
Air-tight Storage Containers
While cannabis needs oxygen during growing and curing, storing your cannabis in a container with just the right amount of air is crucial to keeping it fresh and true to its original form.
Having too little air can greatly affect the relative humidity, especially if the buds are not completely dried before storage.
Too much air, on the other hand, will speed up the degradation process as the cannabinoids and other organic matter are exposed to oxygen.
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Do – Store out of direct sunlight in a cool, dry place.
Do – Store in containers with a neutral charge, like glass jars.
Do – Use hygrometers or products like Boveda to monitor and control RH levels.
Do – Vacuum seal jars and containers to minimize oxygen exposure.
Do – Separate your strains to maintain their individual flavor profiles.
Do – Look for the many exciting new ways to store your cannabis. The cannabis industry is growing every day, with new products and companies like Cannador and The Bureau designing solutions for all of your cannabis storage needs.
Don’t – store in the refrigerator. The fluctuations in humidity and temperature can actually increase your chance of mold and mildew.
Don’t – store in the freezer. Freezing temperatures cause the fragile trichomes to become brittle and break off like little icicles when handled.
Don’t – store in plastic bags or containers. Plastic often has a static charge that can attract precious trichomes. If you must use a plastic bag, only use it for short-term storage of small quantities of cannabis.
Don’t – store above or around electronics or appliances that give off heat. Heat rises — instead, store your cannabis in a low cupboard, shelf, or in the basement of your house, much like a wine cellar.
Don’t – use a tobacco humidor. Most use cedar wood, which has oils that transfer and can influence the flavors of your cannabis. They also tend to employ sponges that use propylene glycol to regulate humidity and can oversaturate your cannabis.
Don’t – store grinders, pipes, or other paraphernalia with your cannabis. The ash and resin from burnt cannabis tends to linger and will stink up any storage container. Also, it is simply good etiquette to keep your supplies separate and clean.
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