Whether you’ve stocked up on a variety of cannabis products for long-term use or you have products that you want to stand the test of time, proper storage is essential. You don’t just want to leave your cannabis sitting on a shelf, out in the open air.
Freshness and safety are key to a quality experience. Storing your cannabis products properly can make a huge difference in your eventual experience and your ability to enjoy your products.
Wondering how to store cannabis to keep it fresh? Take a look at our convenient guide.
The Importance Of Storing Cannabis Properly
There are two key reasons to store your cannabis properly: for your safety and experience. First, it prevents mold and other damage to the products, preventing you from making yourself ill when you use them.
Second, storage is essential for preserving the potency of your cannabis. Over time, if not stored correctly, potency can decline substantially, which means that when you use your cannabis products, you will not get the experience you’re looking for.
If you live with children or pets, proper storage is vital for overall safety. Even adults can end up accidentally consuming cannabis products like edibles if they aren’t aware of them or if they aren’t properly labeled. Children and pets, on the other hand, are unaware of the hazards they may encounter. Proper storage prevents them from accessing your cannabis products and ending up with an inadvertent and dangerous high.
What Affects Cannabis Freshness?
Multiple factors can impact the overall freshness of your cannabis products:
- Light: When products are exposed to light, especially UV light from the sun, they may break down faster, which reduces their potency.
- Air: Exposure to open airflow can degrade cannabis products. Oxygen exposure causes an oxidation reaction that may lead to a change in the cannabinoid products that create the high from cannabis use.
- Humidity: High humidity levels mean moisture everywhere, including in your cannabis products. That means they have a greater risk of developing mold or that the container may mildew, which can compromise the quality of your products and lead to potential health issues. Low humidity, on the other hand, can cause your products to dry out, making them brittle.
- Temperature: Cannabis must be stored at the ideal temperature to minimize the risk of mold growth while maintaining a product free from bacteria. Keep your products, when possible, stored at room temperature.
If you’ve struggled with proper cannabis storage in the past, these factors could be to blame. Fortunately, some solutions can address those issues and keep your products fresh.
How To Tell If Your Cannabis Has Gone Bad
When you store cannabis at home, it’s important to be aware of possible signs that it may have gone bad. If you suspect that your product has gone bad, dispose of it properly.
- Smell: While cannabis has its own unique scent (and each strain has its own distinct aroma), if you notice that the product smells unusual, it may indicate that it is no longer fresh.
- Look: Color changes, noticeable mold and mildew growth, or differences in the overall look of the product often indicate that it is no longer safe to consume.
- Texture: If the texture of the cannabis product changes, such as a flower that no longer has its signature “snap,” it may be a sign that the product is no longer of the same quality it once was.
Examine your stored cannabis products before use to ensure a safe experience.
What Do You Need To Store Cannabis?
When choosing the best containers for storing cannabis, there are several factors to take into account. Glass jars are a popular choice, since they are easy to clean and can keep your products fresh and dry. Storing with humidity packs can ensure that your products do not get too wet or have mold introduced to the mix.
If you have children or pets in your home or share the house with an elderly individual, carefully consider child-proof lids and containers for your cannabis products. They make it harder for others to get into your stash and help keep everyone safe.
Tips For Storing Different Types Of Cannabis Products
How you store your cannabis may depend on the type of product.
Flower
Store flower in an airtight container in a location that is dark and remains at room temperature. Do not keep it in the car or fridge, where temperatures are generally not ideal for cannabis potency and protection.
Edibles
Cannabis edibles require careful consideration, since most look like common, everyday treats. Not to mention the greatest risk of accidental consumption by an adult. Keep them in a clearly labeled package (or even a locked container) that is out of reach. Make sure that they are tightly wrapped and stored individually to provide maximum protection.
For homemade edibles, follow food safety best practices. While cannabis is not usually best in the fridge, if you’ve baked up a product that would generally require refrigeration, make sure you’re following those procedures.
Concentrates
Cannabis concentrates are generally stored in an airtight container in a dark, temperature-controlled space. Generally, glass is one of the best types of containers for concentrates.
Pre-rolls
Pre-rolls can be stored like flower: in a glass or otherwise airtight container, kept in a temperature-controlled environment. Pre-rolls may be placed in a special container known as a doob tube, or you can use a container that you already have on hand.
Shop Cannabis Storage Accessories at Qube
If you’re stocking up on cannabis or know that your products will need to last long-term, make sure you have all the accessories you need for safe, secure storage. At Qube, we offer a variety of accessories that can help with your cannabis experience, including jars, grinders, and more.
Stop in to learn more about our range of products, how to safely store the cannabis products you use regularly, or what solution best fits your needs.