How to Properly Store Cannabis – Environment, Childproofing, and More Solutions

Things have changed since the first medical marijuana laws were passed, and cannabis no longer comes in a plastic bag (or a rolled-up paper towel, tiny paper cup, or any number of odd receptacles). Most of the time, these days, you’ll be getting your cannabis from a licensed dispensary, and the packaging varies from one brand and product to the next, often making the container it came in the best (and simplest) short-term cannabis storage solution.

Best Practices for General Cannabis Storage

Depending on the source you visit, you’ll find drastically different styles of information regarding cannabis storage. For short-term storage, you may prefer to store things in the packaging they were sold in rather than transferring your flower to separate jars or containers designed to maintain your bud’s potency over time.

While it comes down to personal preference, here are a few things you should keep in mind when thinking about the best cannabis storage solutions for your needs.

Government-Approved Cannabis Storage Suggestions

Advice from the Canadian government, as well as the states of Connecticut and Montana all include keeping your cannabis products in the containers they came in, ensuring the labels remain intact. One reason for this is to be able to provide accurate information regarding potency in the case of accidental ingestion.

They also recommend finding a secure and out-of-reach or locked space like a safe or lockbox, as well as properly labeling any homemade edibles to prevent accidental consumption. They also suggest that you keep a list of all the cannabis products currently within your home.

Best Alternatives for Proper Cannabis Storage

While the government may prefer that we keep our bud in the containers it was sold in, that’s just not always feasible. Some containers may be difficult to open for medical patients (or anyone) with chronic pain or weak joints. The containers that dispensaries sell their products in are also not meant for long-term storage, so if you’ve stocked up on a favorite strain, then you’ll probably need to store it for longer than a couple of weeks without losing potency.

Home Growers

For home growers, the most commonly used solution is a simple mason jar. These glass containers are affordable, airtight, and durable and allow quick external assessment for internal mold. While these bring various benefits, mason jars do not protect against UVB light, meaning they should be stored in a dark room to stave off any unnecessary drop in potency.

Environmental

Essential components of proper cannabis storage are the same whether you’re planning to store your buds for a few weeks or a few months at a time. Things like light exposure, temperature, oxygen exposure, and humidity will all play their part in extending the shelf life of your favorite buds.

Light

Knowing UV rays are harmful to us, it should be no surprise they are harmful to cannabis plants as well, even after being harvested and cured. THC loses potency when exposed to UBV light, so keeping your flower in a UV-protected jar or a shady or dark place with limited light exposure is optimal.

Temperature

You often hear to treat cannabis like you would any other herb by storing it in a cool and dark place. We’ve just explained why a dark space and limiting light exposure is important – but “cool” can mean different things to different people. When it comes to cannabis storage, this means to try to keep your flower stored between 60-70° F (15-21°C) whenever possible.

Oxygen Exposure

If you’ve ever left a container or baggie of weed open for an extended period and wondered why it felt like it was hitting differently before, you’re not crazy. Exposure to oxygen can lead to rapid deterioration of cannabinoids, having similar effects as adding heat to make inactive THCa become psychoactive THC. In this case, too much oxygen exposure will turn THC into CBN, which is known to have sedating effects.

Humidity

Moisture levels are possibly the most critical part of proper cannabis storage. Too much moisture will lead to mold and bacteria growth, while too little will cause your flower to become brittle, causing the loss of terpene and cannabinoid-filled trichomes. There are many ways to combat this, but one of the most common is to use freshness packs, which cigar enthusiasts have been using for years.

The Best Childproof (or Pet-Proof) Cannabis Storage Solutions

Now that you know the different ways that your storage option can impact the longevity of your flower, you may be wondering if there’s an option that “ticks all the boxes” while still offering the childproof component that dispensary packaging has.

A quick Amazon (AMZN ) or Google search will likely provide tons of results for pre-made cannabis storage containers, including ones that are “childproof” or have a “safety lock” feature. These types of cannabis storage solutions provide the necessary components for long-term storage we talked about above, without giving up the peace of mind that child resistant packaging provides.

Common Cannabis Storage FAQ

What is the best long-term cannabis storage solution?

Any storage solution that limits light and oxygen exposure while maintaining temperature and moisture levels will keep your cannabis fresher, longer.

Can (and should) you store your cannabis in the freezer?

The only time you should put cannabis in the freezer is if you plan to make bubble hash – otherwise, you’ll just end up losing potency and flavor as the trichomes become brittle and fall or break off.

How long can cannabis be stored (and does it expire)?

Technically, cannabis can be stored for as long as you want to store it. However, even with the best storage available you’ll see a slow decline in potency after 6-12 months.

Is it better to store cannabis in plastic, or do you need glass jars?

Static electricity will have your trichomes magnetizing to plastics, which won’t happen with glass. Ideally, you should store your cannabis in glass jars over plastic containers.

Proper Cannabis Storage is a Benefit for Everyone

The best cannabis storage solution is one that promotes a balance of temperature and humidity and limits light and oxygen exposure, all while preventing or at least significantly reducing the risk of accidental consumption by utilizing child-resistant locks and proper labeling.

If you move your cannabis to a container other than the one the dispensary sold it to you in, then you should always keep the labels, ensure all edibles are properly marked, and make sure your stash is out of reach of children. In the end, we, as adults, as parents, and as responsible consumers, must do our part to prevent accidental cannabis consumption.

To discover a few products that will make your harvesting and storing process a bit easier, make sure to visit our guide to helpful gadgets HERE!