So you’ve just gotten back from the dispensary with a sizable portion of your favorite cannabis. You’ve picked up so much that you assume your stash will be full for weeks. But buying marijuana from your local dispensary is just half the battle. You also need to store it properly. That’s why we’re going to look at cannabis storage in this post, including how to keep your products fresh in this guide to how to store marijuana.
Why Store Cannabis: Keeping It Fresh and Reducing Its Smell
Does storage really matter when it comes to cannabis? The answer is a resounding yes! It’s true that cannabis can’t “go bad” if left out as some food does. Old cannabis won’t typically make you sick (unless it gets moldy). But if you leave cannabis out in the open, it’ll quickly lose not only its flavor and freshness but also part of its potency. Exposure to light and air can cause your precious marijuana to degrade in a matter of days or weeks.
However, if you keep cannabis in the right kind of storage, it can last significantly longer. According to some research, cannabis can last between six months and a year when stored properly. After about a year, marijuana will lose about 16% of its potency. That increases to 26% after two years, and 34% after 3 years.
How to Store Marijuana: Our Top 4 Tips
Now that we’ve established why it’s important to keep cannabis in storage, let’s look at how to store cannabis. We’ll cover several techniques that make up the best way to store cannabis, including a smell-proof stash box, the pros of an airtight container, and maintaining atmospheric conditions.
Make Sure the Container is Airtight
If you do nothing else on this list, do this. By eliminating exposure to the air, you can significantly increase cannabis’ shelf life. Mason jars and other food storage containers can work well for keeping your cannabis fresh.
For extra protection, use a container that’s both airtight and lightproof. Ultraviolet light from the sun can also degrade THC (cannabis’ active ingredient) and other cannabinoids. To prevent THC from degrading, eliminate light exposure whenever possible.
Use a Smell Proof Stash Box
Here’s a tip that can help you keep your stash discreet. You can use a smell-proof stash box to keep prying noses at bay. Since smell is the biggest giveaway that someone has marijuana, using a smell-proof stash box can help you remain low-key and minimize interest from children and pets.
Best Temperature for Storing Marijuana
Did you know that mold can grow on cannabis during storage? It’s true. And that mold can make your flower hit harsher, taste worse, and even make you sick. Mold loves growing in dark places, just like the light and smell-proof storage box you should be keeping your flower in long-term.
That’s why storing THC at a proper temperature is critical. It’s imperative to store your marijuana below 74 degrees Fahrenheit. That’s because any temperature above this threshold can foster mold growth. Ideally, try to keep your flower between 55 and 65 degrees Fahrenheit.
Keep Cannabis Away From Pets and Kids
One often-overlooked aspect of safe marijuana storage is preventing accidental access. If you live in a house with curious children or rambunctious pets, this can be a challenge. But that doesn’t mean that properly pet- and child-proofing your stash is impossible.
In general, you want to make sure that you keep your cannabis somewhere that kids and pets both can’t see and can’t reach. You also may want to invest in a lockable container for your flower. Use both of these tips together to prevent accidental access to your cannabis.
How to Best Store Marijuana: Wrapping Up
Before you can store your cannabis properly though, you need to buy some! That’s where 3Fifteen Primo can help. Stop by any of our locations in Columbia, St. Louis, Valley Park, and Branson West to access the best medical marijuana in Missouri. We look forward to seeing you!