No matter if you’re a casual consumer or an experienced enthusiast, one thing is sure: proper cannabis storage is key if you want to preserve the freshness, potency, and flavour of your buds. Cannabis is a fragile plant that suffers from degradation in an unwanted environment. If you’ve ever opened your stash jar only to see dry, harsh, or dumb flowers, you know proper storage is essential. 

Here, we’ll go through everything you need for the proper storage of your cannabis – we’ll look at the specific containers to use, the right environmental conditions, and the best methods for achieving to best overall storage in order to preserve the quality of your product and lengthen its shelf life.

Why Proper Cannabis Storage Matters

Cannabis has cannabinoids (THC, CBD) and terpenes that are sensitive to light, heat, air, and humidity. Your weed can: 

• Lose potency (THC can degrade to less psychoactive compounds).
• It loses its moisture, causing it to be harsh to smoke or vape.
• Mold is harmful to inhale.
• Lose its smell or taste. 

Storing your cannabis adequately protects your investment and ensures that every session is as enjoyable as the last.

• Avoid Plastic Bags and Clear Jars

We’ve all been guilty of using Ziploc bags or plastic containers in a pinch, but storing anything in plastic long-term is a huge no-no. Plastic can create static electricity and break down trichomes the tiny, crystal-like structures that hold THC and other cannabinoids. Plastic isn’t airtight, meaning your weed may be exposed to the worst enemy of all time.

Another common storage mistake is a clear jar. Glass is much more preferable for storage, but clear glass allows harmful UV rays to enter and degrade your cannabinoids and terpenes. If you opt for glass, choose a dark-colored or opaque jar.

• Use Airtight Glass Containers

The best way to store cannabis is with an airtight glass jar, like a mason jar or a specialized cannabis storage jar that has a rubber seal. These jars keep oxygen out and the moisture level stable, and the dark-tinted glass protects against light damage while the airtight seal prevents oxidation. 

Look for jars that are:

• Glass (non-reactive, and it won’t change the flavour)
• Airtight (prevents oxidation and moisture loss)
• Opaque or UV-resistant (blocks bad light)

Store your strains in separate containers to preserve their unique terpene profiles and to avoid cross-contamination.

• Control Temperature and Humidity

Temperature and humidity are the two most critical environmental factors for cannabis storage. Here’s why:

• Heat speeds up the reactions that degrade THC into CBN, which means less potent cannabis.
• High humidity can lead to mould growth.
• Low humidity can dry out your buds so they become brittle and harsh.

• Keep It in a Cool, Dark Place

Even if you have the greatest jar in the world, storing it can be important too. Light, specifically UV light, degrades cannabinoids and terpenes. Heat makes that degradation happen faster and can dry out your stash. This is why you should store your jars in a cool, dark place – drawer, cupboard, closet, etc. 

Never leave your cannabis: 

• In direct sunlight
• Near heaters, stoves, or electronics
• In your vehicle or garage

Also, don’t store your cannabis in the refrigerator or freezer. The temperature changes in fridges can help moisture build up and cause mold. Furthermore, freezing your cannabis can turn the trichomes brittle and can break off very easily.

• Avoid Frequent Opening

Every time you crack open your jar of cannabis, you are introducing new levels of oxygen and moisture. Over time, this will degrade your product. You should limit how often you open the jar, especially if you store a decent amount of product. 

Separating the relevant amount into smaller jars may be a good idea if you are buying larger quantities. You can have a jar for daily use and leave the other jars sealed until you’re ready for them. This will limit how much air exposure you have, which will ultimately keep your stash fresher longer.

Bonus Tip: Fresh Flower Starts with Fresh Delivery

While correct storage helps to preserve your cannabis, you also want to start with good, fresh flower. Old or poorly stored cannabis will degrade, no matter how well you store it at home. 

Suppose you live in southern Ontario for example. In that case, a well-rated service like Cannabis delivery Kitchener will allow you to pick up your product quickly and in great condition, often it will be fresher than what had been sitting on a shelf for a few weeks.

Final Thoughts

Proper storage of your cannabis is not only about keeping it safe and secure, but it’s also about preserving the whole experience. Proper storage means your buds will remain fragrant, flavorful, and potent for weeks and sometimes months. Use quality glass jars, control your environment, and avoid amateur mistakes like using plastic or exposing your stash to heat and light. 

Follow these few simple tricks and you will get the most out of every gram, whether enjoying a relaxing solo session or sharing with your buddies.