Did you know that when you care for your weed properly, it can last up to two years? Unfortunately, it’s easy to forget that because cannabis is organic matter, it does require a little TLC to ensure you maximize its “shelf life” for keeping weed fresh. So, we’re offering a handy guide with tips on how to keep your weed fresh for as long as possible.
The Drying and Curing Stage
Before we can get into proper storage techniques, it’s important to understand why California cannabis cultivators go through such painstaking methods to first dry and then cure their flower. Air drying the weed helps the marijuana flowers lose up to 75% of their moisture. The flowers are air dried for around 2-7days.
Once the plants have a moisture level of around 6-9%, they’re then stored in glass jars to start the curing process. This stops any further loss of moisture and starts to concentrate the terpenes, the compounds that control the weed’s flavor and aroma. Curing can take anywhere from 2 weeks to 6 months depending on the strain.
During this time, humidity and oxygen levels are closely monitored and the flower is stored away from direct sunlight. Drying and curing the flower properly yields high-quality cannabis with more potent bioavailability rates. Keeping weed fresh longer is one of the main reasons growers take such care during this stage.
Weed Has Many Enemies
Marijuanna is a delicate organism. Cannabinoid compounds like THC and CBD are extremely sensitive and have many enemies, so to speak. In order to learn how to keep weed fresh, you must know what you’re fighting against.
- UV or sunlight: direct exposure to UV light or sunlight is the principal cause of cannabinoid deterioration.
- Oxygen: too much oxygen will continue to dry your weed out, which results in the cannabinoids losing their potency.
- Heat: high temperatures break down the terpenes, leading to accelerated cannabinoid degradation
- Moisture: increased water levels encourage the growth of mold which can be dangerous to your health.
How To Keep Weed Fresh: Best Storage Methods
Now that we know the biggest threats to your precious flower, let’s explore the best options for keeping your weed fresh.
Air-Tight Glass Jars and Containers
Using air-tight containers such as flip-top jars or other transparent jars is one of the more affordable ways to protect your cannabis product. Mason jars work great, as does anything with a rubber seal at the top. This will prevent oxygen and moisture from seeping in.
Air-tight ceramic, brown or opaque glass jars and containers have the added benefit of stopping light exposure as well as keeping weed fresh. If you only have transparent glass containers, be sure to store them away from direct light. Store all containers in a room temperature space away from direct heat.
Make sure that you are using the right size container for the right amount of weed. If you have a small amount of flower stored in a large air-tight container, there will still be too much oxygen exposure and the weed may dry out.
Storage For The Connoisseur
For those connoisseurs who think their cannabis should be treated the same as a fine bottle of wine, we recommend a weed humidor. Designed along the same principles as a cedar cigar humidor, weed humidors are made from natural wood. Avoid cedar wood though, which is great for tobacco, but terrible for marijuana.
They maintain constant optimal moisture and oxygen levels, ensuring your flower stays potent and fresh for as long as possible. They don’t let in any light and have the added benefit of being pretty to look at. Providing the perfect conversation piece at your next smoking party.
More Tips For Keeping Your Weed Fresh
Avoid Plastic Bags
Plastic bags are bad for several reasons. Light, moisture and oxygen can easily get in. If they contain the chemical BPA, not only will your weed taste like plastic, but you may also be dealing with harmful toxins depending on how long you’ve been storing your weed in plastic. Plastic causes static electricity, which in turn causes the important trichomes to break and stick to the bag. Trichomes are those tiny little hairs that are crucial for your cannabis experience and a good high.
Buy Smaller Amounts
One of the amazing benefits of using a weed delivery service is that you can order weed and have it delivered conveniently to you. You don’t have to worry about stocking up in case you can’t make it to the dispensary. How to keep your weed fresh? Buy only what you need. It won’t have time to go bad.
Only Grind Enough For Immediate Use
There are many different ways to smoke marijuana. If using a grinder for rolling joints or packing bowls, only grind up as much as you need for that joint or bowl. Weed that is ground up will dry out and lose its potency much faster than weed that is left in whole buds.
Treat Your Pre-Rolls The Same As Flower
The good news is pre-rolls often come in resealable glass tubes or jars. If your pre-rolls don’t come in a resealable package, then take them out and store them in the same way you would your flower and keep them in a dark, dry and cool place.
Cannabis is finally getting the respect that it deserves. Since growers put so much time and effort into creating high-quality top shelf weed, it’d be a shame to not get the most out of it. By learning how to keep weed fresh, you’re ensuring that each hit delivers maximum benefits and results every time.
