Cannabis Storage Tips From Rukli Distribution

Whether you’re an occasional cannabis user or an experienced cultivator, you may have wondered about the correct way to store your cannabis. Rukli Distribution is here to help you understand how to store cannabis in California. Proper storage is crucial for preserving the quality and potency of your cannabis, and there are several factors to consider. Learn more about the importance of storing medical marijuana correctly and explore the elements that can negatively impact your stash. Get in touch with us today for assistance.

Recognizing the Significance of Proper Cannabis Storage

It’s essential to store your cannabis flower correctly to prevent exposure to elements like high or low humidity, extreme temperatures, light, or air. These factors can cause the quality, potency, and flavor of your cannabis to degrade over time.

While marijuana flower doesn’t have an explicit expiration date, improper storage can lead to a decline in quality. However, when stored correctly, cannabis flower can remain stable for extended periods. Research from 1976 published in the Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmacology suggests that cannabinoids can remain stable for up to 2 years if the cannabis is adequately cured for at least four weeks and stored in an optimal environment. Inadequate storage conditions, such as excessively high or low temperatures and humidity, can result in issues like mold and mildew.

The Best Approach to Cannabis Storage

The golden rule for storing cannabis is to keep it in a cool, dark, and dry place. However, it’s crucial to understand the ideal levels of humidity, temperature, air exposure, and light that can significantly impact your marijuana buds and nugs.

Maintaining the Right Temperature for Freshness

Storing cannabis at high temperatures can cause terpenes to diminish and buds to dry out, leading to an unpleasant flavor and harsh consumption experience. On the other hand, extremely low temperatures can also result in terpene and cannabinoid degradation. It is recommended to store marijuana at temperatures below 74 degrees Fahrenheit, as temperatures above that threshold create an environment conducive to mold and mildew growth. The ideal temperature range is approximately 65 to 55 degrees Fahrenheit.

Minimizing Light Exposure

While cannabis plants require light during their growth stages, UV rays can degrade your flower quickly after harvesting. To avoid losing valuable terpene and cannabinoid content during storage, it is advisable to keep your stash away from direct light sources. If storing your container in a bright environment is unavoidable, consider using opaque containers or covering any areas where light may enter with stickers or tape.

Reducing Air Exposure

High levels of oxygen can accelerate the degradation of cannabinoids and terpenes in cannabis. One common question is whether cannabis loses potency if it dries out, and the answer is yes. When buds are exposed to air, they tend to dry out, and oxygen starts breaking down the terpenes, cannabinoids, and other phytonutrients present in the plant material. To protect your stash from excessive air exposure, store it in an airtight container. Air and light exposure can cause THCA to slowly convert into THC and then into CBN, which is known for its sleep-enhancing properties.

Managing Humidity

Maintaining appropriate humidity levels is vital for storing cannabis. High humidity can lead to mold and mildew growth, while low humidity can result in dried-out buds and cannabinoid and terpene degradation. It is recommended to maintain a relative humidity (RH) between 54 and 63%. Using products like Boveda humidity packs, specifically designed for cannabis storage, can help you easily achieve and maintain the desired humidity level inside your chosen storage container.

How Can You Determine if Cannabis Has Spoiled?

The concept of cannabis “going bad” can vary among individuals, with different opinions on when it reaches an undesirable state. Some consider it “spoiled” as soon as it begins to degrade in quality, losing its terpene and cannabinoid potency, while others only deem it spoiled when it becomes moldy. In general, it is relatively easy to identify if your cannabis has deteriorated. Signs of spoilage can be observed through its appearance, texture, smell, taste, and potency. If the buds appear dry, dusty, or exhibit mold or mildew growth, or if they have been stored for an extended period in a non-airtight container or plastic bag, it is likely that your cannabis has gone bad.

Optimal Containers for Storing Cannabis & Preserving Freshness

While there isn’t a single perfect storage container for cannabis, some options are more suitable than others. These containers can be used for both short-term and long-term storage, with certain ones providing the additional benefit of being smell-proof. Let’s explore some of the best containers for storing cannabis:

  • Glass Mason Jars: Glass jars, particularly Mason jars, are popular choices for storing dried flower due to their several advantages. These jars are made of glass, providing an airtight seal with their metal lids. However, as glass containers can expose the cannabis to light degradation, it’s essential to store them in a dark place. Glass containers also help maintain humidity and temperature levels during storage.
  • Tight-Sealing Plastic Bags (Temporary Storage): While not ideal, a tight-sealing plastic bag can serve as a temporary storage option when no other containers are available. Ensure the seal is tight and minimize agitation to prevent static electricity from damaging the buds. If using plastic bags, consider vacuum sealing them, ensuring the plastic used is safe and does not contain BPA. Store the bag in a dark and cool environment, avoiding pockets. As soon as possible, transfer the cannabis to a more suitable long-term storage medium.
  • Humidor: If you’re willing to invest in proper storage for your cannabis, a cannabis humidor could be an option. Humidors are humidity-controlled boxes commonly used to store cigars, cigarettes, pipe tobacco, and, in this case, dried marijuana. Ensure you use a humidor specifically designed for cannabis to avoid compromising the flower’s flavor. One example is the Cannador, a humidor designed to preserve and store small amounts of up to four different cannabis strains.
  • Titanium Jars: Although many consumers avoid metal containers for long-term storage due to potential taste alteration, titanium jars provide an alternative to glass containers. Titanium doesn’t affect the flavor of cannabis over time and offers light protection for your stash.

Avoid Using the Freezer & Refrigerator

It’s important to avoid storing dried flower in the freezer or refrigerator due to various reasons. The extremely low temperatures and increased humidity in these environments can cause the bud to freeze and become brittle. As this process occurs, the delicate trichomes covering the cannabis buds can freeze and break off, resulting in less potent, less flavorful, and less effective cannabis.

Proper Storage of Other Cannabis Products

In addition to dried flower, it’s crucial to store other cannabis products correctly to maintain their quality and potency. There are best practices for storing joints, cannabis-infused foods and beverages, tinctures and oils, and concentrates. Rukli Distribution is happy to help you better understand how to properly store cannabis, whether you own a small business in California or otherwise. We can answer any questions you have, including how to store cannabis long-term, how to store weed, and how to store cannabis flower. Contact us today for assistance with inventory planning, order fulfillment, warehouse services, and more.