How to Keep Weed Fresh for Longer

The quality of your weed buds is not just about what you smoke, but also how you store it. Imagine savoring the rich aroma, potent flavors, and the perfect texture of your favorite strains, just as nature intended. To achieve this, you need more than just premium buds; you need to master the art of weed storing.

Whether you grow your own cannabis or buy it from a dispensary, it's important that you know how to keep weed fresh properly. It's a skill every enthusiast should master. So, let's dive into the world of weed storage and elevate your herb game to a whole new level.

Why Storing Weed Properly is Important?

Quality of cannabis buds degrades very easily. Properly storing weed will allow it to better maintain its flavor, color, and aroma, and thus elevate your smoking experience. It's especially important for cannabis growers: flowers should be properly stored and consumed within 6-8 months after harvest. (If you're considering investing in a weed growing kit but are unsure where to begin, explore Hey abby's grow box, thoughtfully designed for beginners.) Here are the basics on how to keep weed fresh longer:

1. Temperature

Weed buds should be stored at a temperature below 70°F (about 21°C).

2. Humidity

how to store weed with right humidity_humidity packs

Cannabis should not be stored in overly-humid or overly-dry conditions. Based on your specific situation, you can use humidity packs to better control humidity levels within your container (mason jars or storage bags). This will help the cannabis flower maintain its flavor, color, and aroma.

3. Air and Light

Cannabis buds can dry out when exposed to excessive light or heat. Dried-out buds will be harsher to smoke and can even give you a headache. Furthermore, the THC content of the buds will convert to CBN. So, instead of experiencing a fun and intriguing high, you'll likely just feel quite tired.

Choosing the Right Container: Glass, Plastic, or Baggie

A huge factor in how to keep weed fresh is which type of containers you choose. The general consensus is that an airtight glass container, like a mason jar, is the best option for storing weed. If you'd like to be extra safe, you can even consider getting a UV-proof glass jar. Most people do just fine with a normal glass container though. Just be sure to store the jar in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.

When placing cannabis inside the jar, you should also try to pack the jar tightly so the contents are snug. This will help avoid oxygen getting trapped inside, which could affect humidity and cannabis quality.

Compared to glass jars, plastic containers are lightweight and versatile but may not provide the same level of protection. If you prioritize extreme convenience and portability, plastic baggies are a viable option. Just keep in mind that baggies are best suited for short-term storage. Over an extended period, they may not maintain the airtight seal and light protection required to preserve your flowers' quality.

How to Store Your Weed? 4 Factors to Consider

To keep your weed fresh as long as possible, certain factors need your attention. To make sure your storage setup is flawless from every angle, here are the 4 key considerations:

Light

It's best to avoid storing any of your cannabis products in direct light. Be sure to store weed in a dark, cool place. If you're particularly invested in bud preservation, consider securing a UV-proof glass jar.

Moisture

Too much moisture can lead to mold growing on your weed buds. But you also don't want the buds to get too dry either, as this can lead to loss of quality. Storing your weed in an airtight container is a wise move, but it's equally vital to sustain optimal humidity levels between 59% and 63% RH (relative humidity). This sweet spot prevents unwanted issues from happening.

Heat

It's best to keep your buds in a cooler environment as higher temperatures can dry out cannabis and cause the terpenes to evaporate. Avoid placing your containers near a water system, heater, or outside. That said, you also don't want to freeze cannabis as it can burst the trichomes, leading to a loss of potency.

Your best bet is to store your containers in a drawer, closet, or dark corner.

Build-Up

Always keep those containers clean. Regularly wipe away any dirt or grime that could contain mold spores or bacteria.

How to Store Cannabis-Related Products?

So now you know how to store weed buds but what about other cannabis-related products? Let's take a look at some examples and best practices for each:

1. Edibles

Pre-Packaged Edibles

If you bought a commercial cannabis product, you should start by checking the "best before date". The label may also have details on the best storage options. In general, it's best to store the cannabis edibles in an airtight glass container and store it in either the pantry, fridge, or freezer.

The type of edibles will affect how long it will last in the fridge. Products that are usually refrigerated (like drinks, sauces, etc) will only last between 5-7 days. Baked goods like brownies, rice crispy treats, and cookies will last longer. Candies such as lollipops or gummies will last the longest. If you intend to store weed brownies or gummies for longer, it's best to store them in the freezer.

Homemade edibles

Your edibles' exact shelflife will depend on their ingredients. But if they're made of oil, sugar, and or flour, you'll want to store them in the fridge. When left at room temperature, edibles are prone to mold and can go back quickly since they don't use a lot of preservatives.

In general, edibles should be wrapped in aluminum foil or wax paper. Avoid directly placing it on plastic as this may affect the taste of the product. You should then place your wrapped edibles in an airtight container and keep them in the fridge.

Storing cannabutter? It's best to keep it in an airtight container and store it either in the fridge or the freezer. Cannabis-infused cooking oils are best stored in the fridge.

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2. Tinctures

Tinctures have a shelf life of 2-3 years when stored properly. Many tinctures already come in a protected container. When not in use, you'll want to store the tincture in a UV-protected bottle and place the container in a cool place.

3. Topicals

Topicals can last 1-2 years on the shelf. Similar to tinctures, topicals usually come in their own container. Just keep the container closed and store it in a cool, dark place when not being used.

FAQs

1. Can you freeze weed for longer shelf life?

Avoid freezing your weed. That could break the delicate trichomes, which would cause the buds to lose potency.

2. How to store weed without the smell?

To store weed odor-free, use airtight glass jars or vacuum seal bags, and keep different strains in separate containers. Activated carbon filters and double bagging can further contain odors.