How to Properly Store Cannabis

MASTERING CANNABIS STORAGE: Preserving Aroma, Colour, and Potency – Unlock the secrets to proper cannabis storage, ensuring your dried flower maintains its unique characteristics. Learn about humidity, temperature, airflow, and light, vital factors that influence the quality and potency of your cannabis. Additionally, discover safety measures for storing edibles and other cannabis products.

Factors to Keep in Mind for Proper Cannabis Storage – When preserving cannabis, vigilance over humidity, temperature, airflow, and light is essential. Unchecked, these factors can adversely affect the product. Consider the following when selecting a storage location.

Humidity:

• Ideal Range: 59% to 63%

• Too much moisture promotes mould and bacteria.

• Too little humidity causes trichomes to break down and essential oils to dry out.

• Use a hygrometer to measure humidity.

Temperature:

• Optimal Range for Dried Flower: 19ºC to 21ºC

• Warm air holds more moisture, making lower temperatures preferable.

• Avoid temperatures above 25°C to prevent mould growth.

Airflow:

• Oxygen regulation is crucial.

• Excessive oxygen accelerates degradation, while insufficient oxygen impacts humidity.

• Choose an airtight container of the appropriate size.

• Avoid overfilling the container.

Light:

• Limit exposure to preserve cannabis.

• Use opaque or UV-blocking containers.

• Store products away from direct sunlight.

How to Keep Cannabis Fresh:

Implement these five strategies to prevent degradation in the quality, potency, and moisture of your dried cannabis and other products.

1. Cool and Dry Storage:

   • Place cannabis in a cool, dry spot, such as a low shelf or basement.

   • Use secure, lockable containers.

   • Keep it out of reach of children and pets.

2. Avoid Refrigeration:

   • Fluctuating temperatures and moisture in fridges can promote mould.

   • Freezing makes trichomes brittle and prone to breakage.

3. Edibles Storage:

   • Follow manufacturer directions for edibles, oils, or capsules.

   • Store edibles in the fridge or at room temperature.

   • Clearly mark products stored in the refrigerator.

4. Select Quality Materials:

   • Use non-reactive materials like glass and stainless steel.

   • Avoid wood, which may absorb moisture, and plastic, which can have a static charge.

   • Do not use tobacco humidors made of cedar; opt for non-porous containers.

5. Utilize Proper Storage Accessories:

   Cannabis Storage Accessory	Purpose
   Hygrometer	Measures moisture in the air
   Humidity pack	Controls or adds moisture
   Electric or hand pump	Vacuum-seals containers to regulate oxygen
   Humidor	Controls moisture
   UV-blocking jar/container	Limits light exposure

Importance of Proper Cannabis Storage

Proper storage is crucial for several reasons, emphasising safety, maintaining potency, preventing mould growth, and preserving flavour. Key goals include:

• Safety: Keep cannabis away from children and pets.

• Maintaining Potency: Prevent degradation of terpenes and cannabinoids.

• Mould Prevention: A cool, dry place discourages mould and bacteria.

• Flavour Preservation: Proper storage enhances the flavour profile of cannabis.

Signs of Cannabis Deterioration

Identify degraded cannabis quality through visual, olfactory, and tactile cues.

1. Appearance:

   • Fresh: Vibrant green with visible trichomes.

   • Deteriorated: Brown, dry, brittle, or with powdery/fuzzy mould spots.

2. Smell:

   • Fresh: Rich aroma.

   • Deteriorated: Musty, mouldy, hay-like, or no aroma.

3. Potency:

   • Age and improper storage reduce THC and cannabinoid levels.

   • Consuming yields unexpected effects.

4. Moisture Content:

   • Too dry: Crumbly texture.

   • Too moist: Spongy texture.

   • Either way, freshness is compromised.

For effective cannabis storage, consider various factors and trust your senses. If the cannabis lacks aroma or exhibits any off-putting odours, it’s advisable to dispose of it.