If you spend more than $300 on an ounce of cannabis at a dispensary, keeping it is important. The best method to keep your cannabis is to store it in a cool, dark location. If properly stored, your marijuana may stay in excellent condition for up to a year. Buy Grinders – Various Designs for your weed.
The art of storing marijuana effectively is simple, but we’ll go through the theory in this post as well. We’ll look at five key elements and come to a conclusion about how to store cannabis properly.
1 – Temperature
Mold and mildew can cause damage to organic material when the temperature is between 77 and 86 degrees Fahrenheit. The terpenes and cannabinoids in your cannabis will desiccate if it is subjected to excessive heat. Attempting to smoke or vape marijuana that has lost its cannabinoids won’t be pleasant at all.
Extremely low temperatures, on the other hand, might limit the decarboxylation procedure (decarboxylation is the process of converting THCA to THC). THC degrades with time to CBN, which has various effects. Cannabis is best kept at a temperature range of 60-68 degrees Fahrenheit, although temperatures between 50 and 59 degrees are acceptable.
Refrigerators are commonly used to keep products, but there’s more to it than that. Apart from disrupting decarboxylation, there’s another issue. Moving cannabis back and forth between a fridge and normal temperature might cause condensation. Mold development is aided by the increased damp in this case.
2 – Light
When it comes to producing cannabis, it requires light (and/or grow lights) throughout the natural growth cycle. When cannabis is ready for harvest, things change dramatically. UV radiation breaks down organic materials, which can harm your marijuana.
After harvest and curing, cannabis plants should not be exposed to excessive sunshine due to UV damage.
According in The Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, light was the main reason for cannabis deterioration. They also found that cannabinoids are stable for up to two years if stored correctly.
Keeping your marijuana in a dark place makes sense. A cupboard or container is one option for this. You may also use a darker glass container to provide additional UV protection. For even more UV protection, consider using a locked cabinet or drawer. It’s possible to keep it in the basement as long as the room isn’t cold or damp.
3 – Humidity
Cannabis, like any other plant, requires a certain amount of moisture in order to grow and flourish. The same problem that cannabis growers face throughout the growth cycle (as well as during drying and curing processes) is over-watering. Mold and mildew will develop if you don’t maintain control of the humidity in your storage area.
If you’re not sure whether your cannabis is fully dried and cured, aim for a humidity level of 59 to 64 percent. The fragrance, flavor, strength, and color of the dried flower will be preserved in this range. When the humidity rises above 65%, mold growth becomes unavoidable. Mold development is unavoidable when the humidity levels rise above 75%.
Of course, you must also make sure that the humidity level does not drop too low. When the trichomes on marijuana become brittle as a result of being excessively dry, this occurs. The fragrant oils begin to degrade, and the marijuana’s taste and fragrance fade. The essential oils begin to evaporate at temperatures below 50 degrees Fahrenheit, making cannabis less desirable.
A hygrometer can assist you monitor the humidity in your storage area. A humidity pack is also a nice idea, but it must be replaced every few months.
4 – Oxygen
It’s critical to provide sufficient air to marijuana plants while they’re growing. Mold may grow if there isn’t enough ventilation in the room, reducing yield and causing damage to the buds.
When it comes to storage, oxygen is an adversary of marijuana. Keeping cannabis in an airtight Mason jar is the greatest method for preserving it. Open your marijuana periodically to allow it some air. If your bud is still drying, this becomes increasingly important.
Exposing cannabis to too much air might accelerate the deterioration process. As a result, some consumers seal their cannabis in vacuum bags for long-term storage. Marijuana may also be kept in specialized airtight containers that are designed specifically for this purpose.
Airtight containers preserve the chemical composition of your cannabis consistent. Even if it is sealed, using an excessively large container might be a disadvantage. Air takes up space in the container that isn’t occupied by your marijuana, and over time, this can cause oxidation problems. As a result, pick a container that will allow your marijuana to fit properly inside.
5 – Material & Storage Area
The material used in your storage container is the last thing on your mind. It’s worth paying a little extra for a glass container since it won’t harm the plants. Using a low-cost plastic bag or box is a mistake. Plastic has an electrical charge that draws trichomes to it.
If you have more than one plant and intend on growing them indoors, keep in mind that they will require a lot of light. Some strains are better suited to certain types of lighting. Keep your marijuana in an area where it’s not being exposed to too much heat, such as under a cabinet or inside a case. Heat rises, so keep cannabis away from heating devices (such as computers). Get a lock if you have children or pets.
Did you know that plastic has a natural static charge, which may attract trichomes from the plant and decrease the potency of your flower’s THC?
Finally, make every effort to limit the amount of time your cannabis is transported. Even minuscule changes in temperature and humidity might cause problems. Furthermore, frequent relocation may result in trichomes falling off, reducing the strength of the product.
Finally, keep your cannabis away from equipment like grinders and pipes. The resin and ash from marijuana consumed will cling to your crop for a long time, eventually harming its quality.
The Dos and Don’ts of Cannabis Storage
Do
- Keep cannabis at a temperature of 70 degrees Fahrenheit to ensure that it’s not too dry or hot. A temperature range of 60 to 68 degrees Fahrenheit is ideal, but 50 to 68 degrees Fahrenheit is acceptable.
- Keep your marijuana in a cool, dark place.
- The ideal humidity level is between 59 and 64 percent, but anything above 50% is acceptable.
- If you don’t have a hygrometer, purchase one to measure humidity or consider buying a humidity pack.
- Reduce oxygen exposure to a bare minimum. If desired, invest in a vacuum pump attachment or a storage jar.
- If possible, keep in a glass container (such as a Mason jar) on a low shelf in an secured cabinet.
- Keep your marijuana in the same position for as long as feasible. Movement causes friction, which may cause trichomes to fall off.
Don’t
- To keep your cannabis fresh, put it in the refrigerator or freezer. The temperature in a refrigerator is too low, preventing decarboxylation. Trichomes may break off when cannabis is frozen.
- Keep your cannabis stored near electronics.
- Set your marijuana plants in direct sunshine. The cannabinoids and terpenes will be destroyed by UV light, lowering the potency of your product.
- Allow the humidity to rise to 65%. Mold will almost certainly grow if the humidity level in your storage area rises above 75%.
- Expose your cannabis to too much air
- Use an unnecessarily large container.
- Use a plastic container (the static from the plastic will attract trichomes, lowering the flower’s strength).
- Store cannabis along with paraphernalia.
Final Thoughts on Proper Cannabis Storage
The conditions in which you store your flower, such as temperature, humidity, light, oxygen, and container material, all influence how long it lasts. Cannabis may be kept for at least a year if stored correctly.
Keep in mind that many of the restrictions for cannabis flower also apply to other types of marijuana. Concentrates, tinctures, and edibles all degrade with time, humidity, light, and heat. Because edibles are consumable goods, they’re more prone to spoiling.
When it comes to cannabis, there are a few things you should know. If you don’t have to gamble with cannabis, it’s better not to do so. Marijuana is long-lasting enough to endure weeks of inefficiency when stored properly. Invest in a Mason jar or another airtight glass container. Also, keep your cannabis concealed in an accessible location such as a drawer or cabinet on the floor.
Finally, keep an eye on the temperature and humidity to guarantee your marijuana is protected from the sun. If you follow these simple instructions, you’ll be able to enjoy high-quality cannabis for months, if not years.