Best Ways to Store Cannabis

While cannabis won’t expire, it still needs to be stored properly if you want to preserve its aroma and potency. Improper cannabis storage can lead to mold or mildew growth, which can completely ruin your stash. Even if your cannabis doesn’t get moldy, it can still dry out and lose its sheen. You can still smoke this dried-out bud, but it won’t have the same potency.

Why Proper Cannabis Storage is Important

When you first purchase some potent bud, you’ll probably notice that it is covered in sticky crystals called trichomes. It’s these trichomes that contain the THC and CBD that make cannabis such a popular recreational drug and a potent medicinal herb, so they need to be protected at all times.

Proper Storage Conditions

Cannabis is best stored in a dark place slightly below room temperature such as in a kitchen cupboard or a drawer. It should be kept out of direct sunlight since UV radiation can break down trichomes over time.

The amount of oxygen stored with your cannabis is also a big factor. Too little oxygen will cause the flowers to wilt and lose their potency, while too much oxygen can degrade your cannabis over time. Some people use electric air pumps to control the amount of air within a storage container, but you probably won’t need to go that far. Simply letting a modest amount of air into a container before sealing it should be enough for your stash.

The Best Cannabis Storage Containers

The most potent cannabis will have a strong smell that could permeate everything around it, especially if your bud isn’t stored properly. You can find airtight containers online that are specifically designed for storing cannabis without exuding odors. Those containers are often your best storage solution, but occasional cannabis users don’t need to make that much of an investment. You certainly can if you’re a regular user, but there are cheaper solutions if you only smoke occasionally.

For most casual users, a glass jar that can be tightly sealed with a lid is a great way to store cannabis. Mason jars work well for this, but you can also recycle old food jars and use them for storage if you wash them thoroughly enough. Glass jars with hinged lids also work well. These jars are airtight when they are closed, making them just as good for storing cannabis as they are for storing spices. You might have a few of these lying around your home, but they are pretty easy to come by if you don’t have any.

Storing cannabis properly isn’t all that difficult, but you still need to be careful if you don’t want your stash to lose its potency. Airtight glass jars are best if you don’t want to shell out the money for an expensive storage container. Keep your jars in a cool dry place out of direct light, and don’t store your bud near anything that could pick up any odors. A reliable glass container should prevent smells from permeating anything else, but it’s best to err on the side of caution anyway.