In the current climate, buying in bulk is a popular trend across almost all industries, from grocery stores to weed shops. With outings discouraged, customers are now purchasing enough products to last them a few weeks, or even months, so they can minimize their time spent running errands outside of the home. If you’ve been trying to extend the lifespan of your marijuana to reduce the frequency of your trips to your local cannabis dispensary, you may be wondering what the best way to store weed is. Much like alcohol, cannabis is best stored in a cool, dark place. Achieving the right balance of temperature, humidity level, and light will help you ensure that your cannabis stays in peak condition for as long as possible.
The Best Temperature for Storing Cannabis
According to one study published in the Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, cannabinoids can remain stable for up to two years if they’re stored in the ideal environment. While reaching this lifespan may prove to be a challenge without a highly temperature-controlled room, it’s still possible to drastically extend the lifespan of your marijuana products by ensuring that they are kept in the right conditions inside your home. If you live in a warm climate, such as Los Angeles in the summer, you may find that your marijuana has an unpleasant flavor after a few weeks or months of storage. This is because high temperatures cause buds to dry out and terpenes to evaporate. Mold can also live on your cannabis if it’s kept at temperatures between 77° and 86° F, so it’s imperative that you store your products below this threshold. However, never store your cannabis in the refrigerator or freezer in an attempt to extend its lifespan. The ideal storage temperature is between 32° and 68° F, so aim for this range.
The Ideal Humidity Level for Marijuana
Just like temperature, achieving the perfect range of humidity is a major factor in extending the peak of your marijuana’s lifespan. If the environment is too dry, the essential oils may dry out and the terpenes could evaporate. However, if the environment is too moist, mold and mildew could take over your cannabis. The ideal range for relative humidity is between approximately 59% and 63%. If you want to measure the humidity levels around your stash, use a tool such as a hygrometer and avoid tobacco humidors.
The Perfect Light Settings for Storing Weed
It is widely understood that light is the factor that is most responsible for the degradation of marijuana. Storing your cannabis products in a dark, light-proof container is the best way to ensure its potency for as long as possible. Direct sunlight is the worst condition for your weed, as it can cause severe loss of potency fairly quickly. Indirect sunlight isn’t as harsh, but it can still affect the potency of your products and degrade them over time. Choose an opaque container for storage, or leave your container inside of a cabinet or drawer where it will not receive any exposure to sunlight.
All cannabis products will have varying instructions for storage, especially if they’re pre-packaged items such as edibles, topicals, or tinctures. Always use by the marked expiration date and follow whatever storage guidelines that the packaging recommends. When storing flower, however, it’s best to follow these guidelines to maximize your chances of having high-quality cannabis for as long as possible. If you have any questions about cannabis products or proper storage, call the experts at Cornerstone Wellness cannabis dispensary for more information. We would be happy to assist you in whatever way we can.