Whether you purchase a single gram of medical marijuana flower or a whole ounce, proper storage is important to preserve the longevity of your medicine. Proper storage of marijuana prevents unnecessary degradation of potency, aroma, and flavor.
Just like fine wine, marijuana is best stored in a cool, dark place, and while there is no definite expiration date, there are a few key factors to keep in mind when storing your medical marijuana flower for any extended period of time.
Proper environmental conditions while storing your marijuana preserve the resinous trichomes that contain the cannabinoids and terpenes. By following some simple steps for storing cannabis, it can remain fresh, fragrant, and potent while protecting you from exposure to mold and bacteria that can develop if cannabis is not stored properly.
What Degrades the Quality of Cannabis Flowers?
Humidity, light, temperature, and air all have the ability to affect the quality of flower; therefore, simply storing the buds in a plastic bag is not good enough to preserve it for an extended period of time.
Because of the lifecycle of marijuana, it is perishable. As soon as it is harvested, it begins to degrade. Once harvested, dried, and cured, keeping it in the ideal environment will extend its shelf life.
Health Hazards Related to Humidity Levels
High humidity introduces moisture back into the flowers, which can result in mold growth and affected flavors due to the restricted air circulation. Low humidity, on the other hand, can dry the flowers out, causing them to become brittle and fragile. Optimally, the relative humidity to store medical marijuana is between 59% and 63%.
Mold is toxic to human health, and it is not always visible to the naked eye. You should examine your cannabis flower and smell it to see if you detect signs of mold before consuming it. If you have some flower that has developed mold, throw it out (don’t just trim off the moldy area). Mold spreads quickly through plant material even when you cannot see it.
One of the most effective ways to protect cannabis buds is by choosing the right methods to store marijuana. Storing cannabis products in tinted glass jars is the best way to protect the cannabis stored inside, and lengthen shelf life.
Exposure to Light Reduces Potency
Exposure to UV light has a high rate of degradation in the shortest time frame. In the same way that harsh UV rays dull the paint on your car, it can affect the valuable components of the marijuana flower. Basically, the moment your flower is exposed to sunlight, you start losing potency.
The UV lights break down organic matter at a rapid rate and can only be slowed by limiting the amount of light the flower is exposed to. Once you have dehydrated cannabis by exposing it to sunlight, you can rehydrate it, but the process will not restore lost terpenes or cannabinoids.
High-Temperature Storage Causes Evaporation
High temperatures can cause buds to dry out and the terpenes to evaporate, while extremely low temperatures can cause trichomes to burst and lose potency. Additionally, elevated exposure to oxygen can speed up the degradation process as well, and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) can convert to Cannabinol (CBN) in highly oxidized environments.
Cannabis Storage Do’s
You pay a lot for your quality medical cannabis, so when you get it home, you want to make sure that you are storing it properly. This is even more important if you are purchasing your maximum monthly amount at one time or if you use a variety of different strains for unique purposes.
When storing your medical marijuana products, these tips can help the longevity of your cannabis flowers and ensure that valuable terpenes, flavonoids, and THC content are preserved until you are ready to use them.
Use a Glass Container
To protect your buds from degrading due to environmental factors, it is recommended that you store them in airtight glass containers. Glass has a neutral charge, which won’t pull the delicate trichomes from the flower, which is one advantage.
An air tight glass container will also protect your cannabis flower from too much moisture. Mildew, mold, and even fungi can grow on plant material, and cannabis is no different. Choose a container that is tinted or amber in color to help filter and protect your cannabis flower from light exposure. Mason jars may not be tinted, but they work well in a pinch to store your medical marijuana.
Try Humidifier Packages
Prior to state legalization, finding humidifier packages was difficult, but now they are available everywhere. Cannabis flower should be stored at the ideal range of 55% to 65% relative humidity levels. If your bud dries out, it loses terpenes, flavonoids, and some THC content. Too much moisture can result in bacterial growth and mold.
Humidifier packages are designed to balance the optimal moisture level of your fresh cannabis. They are inexpensive and an easy way to preserve your cannabis for long term storage. One of the industry-leading humidifier package brands is Boveda, and their storage packs are also biodegradable.
Store in a Cool, Dark Place
Take your cue from the dispensary. In most cases, medical marijuana dispensaries provide raw flower in containers that are not clear. There is a really good reason for that, too. Light has a detrimental effect on cannabis buds.
Not only should you be picky about the type of container that you store cannabis in, but also where you keep it. Keep it in a cool, dark place, such as a closet or drawer, where it is not exposed to natural sunlight or heat. Remember, heat decarboxylates cannabis flower and activates THC. You don’t want that happening before you are ready to consume it.
Store Different Products Separately
You may have a bag or container that you like to store all your cannabis products in. But if you are mixing edibles with flower, some of that moisture from the gummies can transfer to the cannabis bud, increasing the risk of developing bacteria and mold.
Most people who smoke cannabis flower pack their bowls and then consume it right away. If you leave cannabis inside a pipe with water for a day or two, be aware that the moisture can cause unhealthy pathogens to develop. This is also why cleaning your bong or water pipe several times a week is a good idea.
Cannabis Storage Don’ts
Sometimes, things that seem like a good idea really are not. What works for storing other things may not be the safest or best way to store cannabis. Here are a few common mistakes people make when storing their raw flower.
Avoid Using a Tobacco Humidor
They may look cool, but humidors are the perfect way to store tobacco cigars, but not the best way to store cannabis. Many humidors are made from natural cedar wood, and the wood oils can be absorbed by the cannabis flower. That can throw the flavor and terpenes off.
Some humidors are also built with sponges inside that are saturated with propylene glycol. That can quickly dry out cannabis as well. Keep your cigars in the humidor and your cannabis flower in an airtight container.
Do Not Store Cannabis in the Refrigerator or Freezer
How many times have you watched a movie or a television show where someone has hidden their stash of flower inside the fridge or freezer? It is probably a great hiding place and one that many people wouldn’t think of looking at, but storing your cannabis flower in the refrigerator or freezer is actually a bad idea.
The reason is that the humidity levels in your freezer or fridge vary. Sure, you can store it in a container with an airtight seal, but some moisture can still get inside. If the environment is too moist, your bud can develop mold or mildew. And freezing flower can cause trichomes to break off.
Avoid Using Plastic Bags to Store Cannabis Flower
Have you ever noticed that the cannabis flower you purchase from a dispensary is stored in special containers? Even flower that is purchased in a resealable bag has a thicker texture than any normal plastic bag.
The reason is that standard plastic can conduct static electricity. Why is that an issue? Well, the static can actually attract the trichomes and remove them from your bud. Make sure whatever storage container you choose is anti-static. It’s always a good idea to remove your products from the package and store them in an airtight container at home.
Do Not Store Cannabis Where It Can Be Accessed By Minors
During the COVID-19 pandemic, the number of emergency room visits by minors for cannabis consumption began to steadily rise. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported that in the 2021 to 2022 school year, there were an average of 209.3 weekly visits for children and adolescents who had consumed cannabis.
Some cannabis products, such as edibles, can easily be mistaken for candy by children. Adolescents may also be curious about cannabis, particularly if they see adults in their homes using it. Because children have a lower tolerance to cannabis, consuming it can result in a health emergency.
Remember to always store your medical cannabis flower and products in a safe place that is not accessible to children. Having a locked box may be the best way to store cannabis if you live with children or adolescents.
Get Advice from an Experienced Cannabis Healthcare Professional
When patients get their medical cannabis card for the first time, they often have many questions about what products to choose, recommended potencies for specific symptoms, and important medical marijuana information they need to know.
Since 2016, our friendly practitioners at DocMJ have been trusted by the patients they serve to provide lifelong guidance and expert advice. Schedule an appointment and start your journey to relief and improved symptom management.
Aaron Bloom, an experienced healthcare attorney, serves as the CEO of DocMJ and Medwell Health and Wellness Centers, where he has overseen the organizations’ mission and growth since 2016. In addition to his leadership roles, Aaron serves on the Board of Directors for Waterfall Bank, bringing his expertise in healthcare, compliance, and strategic growth to the financial services sector.
Aaron’s passion for improving patients’ lives stems from more than 20 years of owning, operating, and representing traditional healthcare organizations. Throughout his career, he has remained committed to finding better ways to relieve suffering and expand access to innovative, patient-centered care. As CEO, Aaron works each day to help patients achieve better health and wellness through the therapeutic benefits of medical cannabis and other evidence-based alternative medicines.