Storing Cannabis: Essential Tips and Practices

While cannabis has become easier to access than ever before, there are still many ways in which the general public lacks information about proper practices in using and maintaining cannabis products. One major question many newer cannabis consumers face is the correct method of storing cannabis, as this seemingly simple consideration can have drastic consequences for the quality of your next smoke session. Here’s everything you need to know in order to keep your cannabis buds in the best shape possible.

Storing Cannabis: Temperature

When storing cannabis, consumers don’t tend to pay attention to the conditions in which their flower is kept. However, these conditions can affect the various qualities of your cannabis, such as its potency, scent, and flavor. To this end, the temperature of your cannabis storage is an exceedingly important aspect of preserving your cannabis. 

Typically, room temperature or below is considered the ideal temperature for storing marijuana. When cannabis is kept in a place that is too hot, it has the potential to dry out and lose some of the compounds that contribute to its many effects. Even conditions slightly above room temperature may allow for unwanted mildew to form on your cannabis, so cool storage is highly recommended. 

Storing Cannabis: Light

One unexpectedly vital aspect of cannabis storage is the amount of light that your flower is exposed to. Sunlight, which contains UV rays, can deteriorate the crystalline trichomes that coat cannabis and imbue powerful psychoactive properties in the plant with the chemicals they contain, such as THC. Therefore, it’s a good idea to store cannabis in a dark place where light does not impact its quality. 

There are many acceptable locations for cannabis storage that lend themselves well to minimizing light exposure. Closets, drawers, or cupboards will all assist in keeping cannabis in its top condition for when you’re ready to dig into your stash. Certain containers also have the ability to block out sunlight, making them vital for traveling for other situations where access to dark storage isn’t readily available.

Storing Cannabis: Containers

Beyond a cupboard or a closet, cannabis should be kept in a proper container in order to preserve its efficiency. While plastic bags are historically the go-to option for storing cannabis, investing in a quality jar or “stash box” may be better suited to a long-term storage strategy for frequent or experienced consumers. 

Online, there are a wide variety of specially made containers, some of which offer unique features like grinder attachments. Certain high-end cannabis containers also possess multiple compartments for organizing various products or strains. Taking the time to do research on an ideal stash box can go a long way towards improving one’s general experience with their cannabis purchases.

Storing Cannabis: Aroma

While preserving the potency of your cannabis is the major goal of proper cannabis storage, mitigating the odor of cannabis may also be a consideration to take in mind. Some individuals may enjoy the aroma of cannabis, but many containers will market themselves as “odorless” and specifically seek to address reducing the presence of a strong cannabis scent.

Furthermore, keeping your cannabis in a cupboard with other aromatic items may also assist with lessening the impact of cannabis odor. In this respect, herbs and incense work exceptionally well in helping to mask aromas.

Want to learn more? Check out this video. Once you've got your storage method down, consider writing about your buds in your cannabis journal.