Fresh, well-cured buds are the best buds. They have maximum flavor and aroma, a smooth smoke, and a potent high. But, the old ways of weed storage weren’t always the best ways. Those plastic baggies, cigar boxes, and stash spots didn’t cater to quality. These days, with weed from dispensaries and delivery legal, we have much more reason to focus on freshness than discretion. So, what is the best way to keep cannabis flower fresh? If you are serious about maintaining the quality of your premium flower, read on.
Where to Store Cannabis
The best rule to follow with cannabis storage is to keep it away from heat, oxygen, and light. We will touch on why to avoid these elements further on. The best place to store it is in a cool, dry place with a sealed lid. Keep it away from windows and natural light. A dark cupboard or drawer is a fantastic place to keep your weed. If that is not an option, you could choose to keep it in your basement or another area used for storage.
What Type of Containers Work Best for Weed Storage
Proper storage preserves trichome content, which means a better smoke.
When you order and receive weed through a dispensary’s delivery program, it arrives in airtight packaging. This isn’t an accident. To keep your cannabis fresh, a container that seals is crucial. Jars are great, but clear glass jars obviously let in light. Therefore, dark-colored jars are a better option. UV light can impact the freshness of your cannabis by decreasing its potency. An airtight metal container with a lid is another good storage option. Plastic bags are not ideal; however, if you have no other option, here are a few ways to help you maintain freshness with plastic. Use a plastic that won’t leach toxins into your cannabis. Make sure the bag can stay sealed, and keep it closed as much as possible. You can use humidity packages inside your container, or why not invest in a humidor. Be careful not to use a tobacco humidor, though, as these provide a much higher humidity level than is needed for cannabis, which can cause mold. American Chest company has a variety of cannabis humidors in a range of styles and prices. Cannador is another. All excellent options, perfectly suited for fresh buds and extracts.
How the Quality of Cannabis Flower Diminishes
When you receive bud from a weed dispensary delivery, you will notice it is sticky. This is due to the trichomes on the buds. These contain terpenes, which give each strain its unique aroma. Trichomes also contain cannabinoids, such as THC, that give cannabis its healing properties. If the trichomes become brittle from too much heat, dryness, UV or sunlight, or cold, they can break off the cannabis flower. The ideal humidity for cannabis is between 55 and 65 percent. Above 65 percent humidity leaves it vulnerable to mold and mildew. Below 55 percent humidity can cause it to dry out. The ideal temperature for storage is 70 degrees Fahrenheit. Heat can cause THC to evaporate, so it loses some of its freshness and potency. Some like to keep cannabis in the fridge or freezer. Be aware, however, that this can cause the trichomes to become brittle and break off the buds. It will also impact the cure and change the moisture levels, risking mold. Each time you open a container, you will expose the buds to oxygen. To minimize this, you can store your cannabis in multiple smaller containers, and remember to close the container as soon as possible.
To Review: What to Avoid When Storing Weed
This study references how the potency of cannabis decays “over the entire storage period from a very high initial content up to a relatively low final content,” and more notably when it is exposed to light and higher temperatures. Another study done in 1976 says the same thing research tells us today: that time and exposure to heat, light, and oxygen all degrade the freshness of cannabis. There are several things to avoid to keep your cannabis fresh:
- Clear plastic bags
- Sunlight and UV light
- Oxygen
- Heat
Guaranteed Fresh: Weed From a Dispensary For Delivery
If freshness matters to you, the next time you order your cannabis for delivery, think about your consumption habits. Do you want to take the time to set up good storage that protects from humidity, heat, oxygen, and light? If so, order a larger package that you can keep for some time. Or, do you prefer to keep things simple and store your bud in the airtight packaging in which it arrived? If so, order a smaller package. Choose what will help you maintain maximum freshness.
Keeping Flower Fresh for the Best Smoke
We have to start treating cannabis like any other perishable good. We can’t just leave it open to the elements. Instead, remember to keep an eye on humidity, heat, oxygen, and light to maintain the freshness of your buds. Why? Because we all love a smooth, coughless smoke over a harsh one. And for most of us these days, potency and flavor profile are also crucial. So whether you are an avid recreational smoker, or a medicinal one, following smart storage for your buds preserves the quality over the long term.
