GET YOUR MEDICAL CARD
“I usually keep the weed I buy from medical dispensaries just in their packages in my kitchen cupboard. Should I be doing something special to store it?”
Hoy P.
Asking how to store marijuana is a common question. If your supply is a dry flower, then how you store it could make a difference as far as its freshness and potency. If you have the wrong container or environmental conditions, it can go bad, which is a waste.
First, there is a matter of temperature. Cannabis, like other organic compounds, is best stored somewhere with temperatures between 40 and 72 degrees Fahrenheit.
If your storage space is too warm, that’ll dry out the plant and damage the terpenes and cannabinoids in it. This may harsh the mellow of your smoking experience. Too cold a place can slow the decarboxylation process of the plant, taking away its psychoactive oomph.
Also, if you want to store marijuana to protect the color, scent, flavor, and texture of the weed — all-important for enjoyable consumption, then you also require the right humidity. For the best conditions, the humidity levels should stay between 59 and 63%.
And then there’s the matter of sunlight. You should keep your weed out of direct sunlight. The UV light damages the organic compounds within marijuana, causing its chemical structure to break down. So it’s best to store it in a cool, dark place, not in the direct sunlight. This may keep it stable and smokable for a couple of years or more.
Finally, your cannabis needs to breathe. You should store it in a container that permits just enough air to reach the plant. Not enough air will cause it to dry out; too much may make it wet and maybe moldy. To make sure you have the right oxygen levels for your weed storage, you might want to buy a vacuum pump for storage.
Lyall A.
Yes, for sure, cannabis should be kept out of direct sunlight, and stored at the correct temperature and humidity, with enough oxygen. Other tips I’ve found useful include:
Glass containers are better than plastic. Store different strains of weed separately to keep their flavors and scents unique.
Don’t use a tobacco humidor because this may change the smell and taste of cannabis. And also, store it separately from your cannabis paraphernalia because the resin from pipes may affect the cannabis; Also, storing them together can get your grinders and other implements dirty.
And finally, don’t store your marijuana in your fridge or freezer because their temps are inconsistent, which may damage your supply.
If you are looking for a good container to store your weed, there are a lot of choices on the market. Just fire up your good friend Google. For my part, I like the Infinity Jars UV Glass Wide Mouth Screw Top Jars, which come in 100, 250, 500, and 100ml sizes. They are airtight, shield the contents from light, contain the odors, and are leak-proof. They also boast a European class design and eco-friendly attributes.
Lang M.
For storage, I’m partial to the Medtainer. It combines a modest price tag with airtight, leak-proof storage and a built-in spike grinder. Love this two for one.
And this is kind of a novelty item, but for weed storage on the go, check out this really neat brushed brass Sackville & Co. Carry Case Keychain. The sleek tube opens up so you can carry a few rolled joints.
Lorraine H.