How to Store Your Cannabis and Keep It Fresh
Cannabis is a living plant. The moment the buds are cut from the rooted stalk, those precious trichomes and leaves begin to die as they enter the drying phase. This initial drying out is imperative to the curing process and helps to bring out the plant’s natural aromas and flavors. However, after the buds are perfectly cured, that freshness can disappear like smoke from a bong hit if it isn’t stored correctly.
Every time the buds are exposed to light and air, they degrade. If you’ve ever left a tasty bud on your coffee table overnight, you’ve probably been disappointed to find a crunchy, dried nug waiting for you the next day.
So what’s the best way to store weed? If stored the right way, does weed go bad? We’ve got all the answers you need to keep your buds fresh as long as possible.
How Long Does Weed Stay Good?
Does weed go bad if stored incorrectly? Yes, absolutely. If exposed to too much light and oxygen, you will end up with brown, stale weed that crumbles to dust. If exposed to too much moisture, you risk moldy weed. Under no circumstances should you ever smoke moldy weed!
Weed can either dry out or become moldy within a matter of days, depending on its environment. Natural humidity levels and climate play a significant role.
So, how long does weed stay good? If stored properly, cannabis can last six months to a year. That means when it’s not in use, your herb should be kept in a sealed container, out of natural light, and not overly crowded within its container.
Best Practices to Store Your Weed
Don’t worry, there are plenty of fool-proof ways to protect your nugs from harm. Knowing what containers to invest in and where to stash them will help preserve your weed for as long as possible.
Best Container to Store Your Weed
The best way to store weed is in a sealed container that does not allow any oxygen to enter. The best container to store weed is a glass jar. Consider using glass as a general rule of thumb, as it's readily available and will not affect the herb over time.
Metal and plastic containers can eventually alter the taste of the weed when used for long-term storage. Be sure to wash and dry the glass jar before use thoroughly. Even a bit of moisture can encourage mold growth, and residue from prior content can contaminate your weed.
Best Place to Store Your Weed
Your precious cannabis is secured in a tightly sealed glass jar. Now, what is the best place to store weed?
Ideally, the jar should be in a cool, dark environment. Not on a windowsill or left outdoors in the heat of a summer day. A nice stash shelf in a pantry, cabinet, or drawer is a great option. The ideal temperature is below 60 degrees Fahrenheit. In addition to drying out your weed, heat can break down terpenes and cannabinoids. Not only does this affect the herb's flavor, but when these natural compounds degrade, there is a disruption to the entourage effect. This can result in a shorter high with a less potent effect.
Best Way to Store Your Weed Without It Smelling
For many smokers, discretion is a must. In this case, you might need something a little more reliable than a mason jar. Even a tightly sealed glass jar can emit some aroma. However, for long-term storage, double up! Vacuum seal the glass jar or duct tape around the edges of the jar lid. You could also invest in a few skunk bags to conceal any lingering aroma.
Best Way to Store Your Weed Long Term
If you have more weed than you can reasonably smoke, there are long-term storage options to consider.
Freezing and refrigeration can work, but there are some disadvantages. Freezing weed can cause significant damage to the fragile trichomes, and when you defrost the herb, it becomes susceptible to mold and mildew. But if you intend to use some of your stash to make hash, freezing is a good option. Refrigeration is less reliable simply because the door opens and closes constantly, and there is plenty of light and temperature fluctuation.
If you intend to smoke your herb but need to store it for a while, stick to the above advice. Use a clean, tightly sealed glass jar, and keep it in a cool, dark place. Putting your jars into an opaque tote or bag can ensure that no light gets in.
Start With the Best
When it comes to keeping weed fresh, the first thing to do is start with a high-quality bud that is already correctly dried, cured, and packaged. Then, learn how to taste weed like a connoisseur. At Cream of the Crop, we take great care in packaging our perfectly cured buds so they can last as long as you want them to. Although, our herb is so delectable that we guess it won’t be long before it’s time to re-up.
We exclusively use opaque glass and double-thick air-tight seals for our flower jars. We use opaque, resealable containers for all of our pre-rolls, and we use glass, heavy-seal jars for our concentrates because we know how important it is to preserve that loud flavor. Every experience with COTC products is designed for the connoisseur.
To find our products, shop online and choose delivery.