Consumption Basics: Best Methods for Cannabis Product Storage

Storing your cannabis properly can help preserve the flavor, quality, and potency you paid for. Improper storage can lead to dried-out flower, flavorless concentrates, or even moldy products. Luckily, it’s easy to avoid these pitfalls with just a little know-how.

In this blog, we’ll walk you through the best ways to keep your cannabis fresh, effective, and safe, so you can enjoy it exactly as intended.

Why Proper Storage Matters

Proper storage of your cannabis is a must-have. Cannabinoids (like THC and CBD) and terpenes (the compounds that give cannabis its distinctive aroma and help boost effects) are surprisingly delicate. Exposure to heat, light, or air can break them down over time, leading to a less enjoyable experience and less effective product.

Improper storage can lead to other issues like your flower drying out and becoming harsh to smoke or, worse, developing mold. Mold ruins your product and poses serious health risks. Concentrates and edibles are also vulnerable to environmental factors, resulting in weaker effects or a less-than-delicious taste.

Cannabis is an investment in your well-being and enjoyment. By taking the time to store your products correctly, you’re protecting that investment and ensuring that every session is as fresh and satisfying as the first. Plus, proper storage helps your cannabis last longer, so you get the most value out of every bud, cartridge, or edible.

The Basics of Cannabis Storage

Proper cannabis storage starts with understanding the key factors that can impact its freshness and quality. Here’s what you need to know to keep your products in peak condition.

1. Light

Exposure to direct sunlight is one of the fastest ways to degrade cannabis. UV rays break down cannabinoids and terpenes, losing flavor and potency.

2. Temperature

Cannabis thrives in a cool, stable environment. Heat can dry out your flower and cause concentrates to separate or lose their consistency, while cold temperatures can damage trichomes and increase moisture issues.

3. Air

Too much oxygen exposure can oxidize cannabinoids, reducing their potency. On the flip side, completely sealing cannabis off from airflow can lead to excessive moisture retention and mold growth.

4. Humidity

Cannabis is sensitive to humidity levels. Too little humidity can dry it out, making it harsh and brittle, while too much can create the perfect environment for mold.

Best Practices for Different Cannabis Products

Cannabis comes in a variety of forms, and each type has its own storage needs to keep it fresh and effective. Here’s a breakdown of how to properly store different cannabis products:

Flower

• Airtight Containers: Store your flower in airtight glass jars to protect it from air and maintain freshness. Opaque jars are even better, as they shield the contents from damaging light. If you don’t have something opaque, just try to keep your jar out of sunlight.
• Humidity Control: Add humidity control packs to your jars to prevent your flower from drying out or becoming too moist, which can lead to mold growth.

Concentrates

• Containers Matter: Keep concentrates like wax, shatter, and rosin in silicone or glass containers to preserve their texture and prevent sticking.
• Cool and Dark Storage: Heat and light can alter the taste and consistency of your concentrates. Store them in a cool, dark place to keep them flavorful and effective.

Edibles

• Follow Instructions: Most edibles come with storage guidelines on the packaging. Follow these closely, as some may need refrigeration while others are shelf-stable.
• Safety First: Always store edibles in a secure location, out of reach of children and pets. Consider a lockable container for added safety.

Vape Carts

• Upright Storage: Keep your vape cartridges stored upright to prevent leaks and clogs in the airflow system.
• Temperature Control: Store carts in a cool, dark place to maintain oil consistency and prevent degradation of cannabinoids and terpenes.

Topicals & Tinctures

• Original Packaging: Leave these products in their original packaging to protect them from contamination and ensure accurate dosing.
• Cool and Stable Environment: Like other cannabis products, topicals and tinctures do best in a cool, stable environment away from light and heat.

Common Storage Mistakes to Avoid

Even with the best intentions, some common storage mistakes can negatively impact your cannabis products.

Here’s what to watch out for:

• Using Plastic Bags or Containers for Long-Term Flower Storage: Plastic bags don’t provide a proper seal to protect your flower from air or moisture, leading to dried-out buds that lose their potency and flavor. Plus, static electricity in plastic can pull precious trichomes off your flower, robbing it of its best qualities.

• Storing Cannabis in the Refrigerator or Freezer: While it might seem logical to refrigerate or freeze your cannabis to “keep it fresh,” this can actually cause more harm than good. Refrigerators often have fluctuating humidity levels that can lead to mold. Freezing can make trichomes brittle and cause them to break off. It’s best to avoid both!

• Leaving Products in Places with Fluctuating Temperatures: Cannabis and temperature swings don’t mix. Storing your products in places like cars, sunny windowsills, or near heat sources can leave you with less potent and less flavorful cannabis.

Keep it Fresh with BestBüds

Proper cannabis storage is essential to keeping your products fresh, flavorful, and effective. By paying attention to factors like light, temperature, air, and humidity, and by avoiding common storage mistakes, you can protect the investment you’ve made in high-quality cannabis.

Looking to level up your stash? Stop by BestBüds for expert advice and a wide selection of cannabis accessories. Our friendly team is here to help you find everything you need to keep your cannabis in perfect condition. Visit us, and we’ll help you put your best flower forward!

The contents of this blog are intended for informational purposes only. Always seek the advice of a physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.