How to Properly Store Your Cannabis: A Comprehensive Guide

As cannabis becomes increasingly popular for both medicinal and recreational use, understanding how to properly store your cannabis is essential for preserving its quality, potency, and flavor. Proper storage can prevent degradation, contamination, and loss of potency. In this blog, we’ll explore the best practices for storing your cannabis effectively.

1. Understand the Enemies of Cannabis

To store cannabis properly, it’s crucial to know what can negatively affect its quality. The main enemies of cannabis include:

  • Light: UV rays can degrade cannabinoids and terpenes, leading to diminished potency and flavor.
  • Heat: High temperatures can dry out your cannabis, affecting its texture and potency.
  • Humidity: Too much moisture can promote mold and mildew, while too little can dry out the buds.
  • Air: Exposure to oxygen can lead to the oxidation of cannabinoids and terpenes.

2. Choose the Right Container

The container you choose for storage plays a significant role in preserving your cannabis. Here are some options:

  • Glass Jars: Airtight glass jars are one of the best choices for cannabis storage. They prevent exposure to light and air while maintaining an ideal humidity level. 
  • Opaque Containers: If you prefer plastic, opt for opaque containers that block light. Make sure they are airtight.
  • Vacuum-Sealed Bags: These can be great for long-term storage but be cautious as they can crush the buds. Use them for bulk storage rather than daily use.

3. Control Humidity

Maintaining the right humidity level is crucial for cannabis storage. The ideal relative humidity (RH) for cannabis is between 59% and 63%. Here are some tips for controlling humidity:

  • Humidity Packs: Consider using humidity control packs (like Boveda) to maintain the optimal humidity level within your storage container.
  • Humidity Monitors: Invest in a hygrometer to monitor humidity levels inside your storage container.

4. Keep It Cool and Dark

Store your cannabis in a cool, dark place to protect it from light and heat. Ideal storage locations include:

  • Pantry or Closet: A cool, dry pantry or closet is usually a perfect spot.
  • Basement: If it’s cool and dark, a basement can be a good option.
  • Avoiding Kitchens and Bathrooms: These areas often have fluctuating temperatures and humidity levels that can harm your cannabis.

5. Avoid Frequent Opening

Minimize the number of times you open your storage container. Each time you open it, you expose your cannabis to air, light, and potential contaminants. If you’re using multiple strains, consider storing them in separate containers to reduce exposure.

6. Label and Organize

If you have multiple strains, label each container with the strain name, date of purchase, and any other relevant information (like THC/CBD levels). This will help you keep track of freshness and potency.

7. Check for Mold and Mildew

Regularly inspect your stored cannabis for any signs of mold or mildew. If you notice any, it’s best to discard the affected buds to prevent contamination of the rest of your stash.

8. Be Mindful of the Duration

Cannabis can degrade over time, even when stored properly. For the best quality, try to consume your cannabis within six months to a year.

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