Whether you are a novice grower or a regular consumer, you’ve likely wondered how long your weed can last. The good news is weed doesn’t really go bad the way some food products do, but it can definitely become “off” over time.
One of the main reasons for that is improper storage. Properly storing your weed is essential if you want to preserve the quality of your cannabis buds. Otherwise, if your stash is exposed to the environmental elements it can easily cause your cannabis to lose its potency and be less fresh.
To help you, we have decided to write the ultimate guide about the main reasons why your weed is going stale and how you can avoid it.
Photo by Avery Meeker from Unsplash
Use improper storage
Contents
Many consumers make the common error of using plastic bags when storing weed. The reality is plastic bags have a static charge which causes the trichomes to stick to the sides of the plastic bags. This further causes your weed to lose its potency, smell bad, and even become dry and brittle.
The good news is you have two options for properly storing your cannabis including a wooden weed storage box or a glass jar. They are both very effective and will maintain your cannabis’ quality for a longer period of time.
For example, some wooden containers even have a rechargeable bead system which can also help preserve the potency of your weed.
Pay attention to air and humidity
Moisture is one of the greatest enemies of cannabis. Too much can make your buds susceptible to mold, while too little will cause them to dry out and become weaker. So, the ideal humidity level for storing your stash is between 59%-63% RH.
You should also make sure that you do not expose the flower to air as this will encourage more light and moisture. The buds will more likely retain their potency, freshness, and quality if they are kept in an airtight container. The right storage will also be able to contain smells and protect the buds from being crushed during handling.
Keep your weed away from sunlight
Although most plants need bright light to grow, this isn’t really the case with cannabis. In fact, one environmental factor which can cause the death of a cannabis flower is extreme light. Such light can easily damage the cannabinoids and terpenes in your buds, greatly reducing their potency and quality.
So, it is important that you keep your weed away from direct sunlight to prevent any damage from the UV rays. Choose places like a drawer or a pantry as they are dark and cool and will preserve your flower’s freshness.
Don’t store your buds in a freezer
Another common error many cannabis consumers make when storing their cannabis is they keep it in the refrigerator or freezer. This is a huge mistake as the cold temperatures will more likely cause damage to your weed. Condensation in the fridge can cause mold and mildew to grow, while the freezer can damage the structure of your cannabis and turn it into mush.
In addition, frosty temperatures and higher humidity can make your flower less attractive and flavorful. This is because the precious trichomes will freeze and then break off. So, if you want to keep your weed fresh, remember to avoid storing it in the freezer or refrigerator.
Maintain ideal temperature
Extreme temperatures can have a significant impact on the quality of your buds, whether they are hot or cold. High temperatures can dry your cannabis and evaporate sensitive terpenes. On the other hand, low temperatures are more likely to cause mold and mildew which are both bad for your cannabis.
So, the ideal temperature for storing your weed should be around 70 degrees Fahrenheit (21° Celsius). This temperature will provide you with safe and healthy cannabis to use, so make sure you keep your stash in cool places like your kitchen pantry or closet.
Photo by Jeff W from Unsplash
Final thoughts
Although weed doesn’t go bad like some food products, it can still become stale over time if not stored properly. Proper storage of cannabis is actually essential for preserving the potency and quality of the buds as well as for prolonging its lifespan and freshness.
For more information on this, be sure to refer to our post to learn what mistakes you should avoid doing to maintain the quality of your weed.
