There’s a good chance that you don’t go to the dispensary every day. If you’re like most, you probably buy a bit more bud than you intend to use at a given time. Whether you like to buy in bulk or you don’t smoke all that often, the last thing you want is for your beautiful fresh buds to go bad. You might not be able to stop the aging process, but you can slow it down, keeping your stash fresher for longer. It all comes down to your cannabis storage.
Factors That Affect Cannabis Freshness
Several factors affect the freshness of your cannabis buds, including:
- Light. Exposure to light can cause degradation of cannabinoids and terpenes, affecting potency and flavor.
- Temperature. High temperatures degrade cannabinoids and other compounds more quickly and may promote mold and mildew growth.
- Moisture. Too little humidity can dry out your buds, while too much can lead to mold and mildew growth.
What Happens When Your Bud Gets Old?
A few things happen when your cannabis buds begin to age:
- THC and other beneficial cannabinoids and compounds begin to degrade, and your bud starts to lose its potency.
- THC begins to transform into CBN, which is much less potent than
- The degradation of terpenes causes your bud to lose its flavor and can lead to a harsher smoke.
How To Store Your Cannabis To Keep It Fresh
Now that you know what causes cannabis to age and what these factors do to your precious buds, let’s take a look at some of the best ways to store your stash:
Keep It Dark
As we already mentioned, exposure to light can degrade your bud more quickly. One study found it to be the single greatest factor in cannabinoid loss. Avoid keeping your bud out on the counter. Instead, store in a dark location, like a seldom-used cabinet.
Monitor the Temperature and Humidity
The ideal temperature for cannabis storage is between 32° and 68° Fahrenheit. You can store it at temperatures up to 77°, so room temperature is good in most cases. Avoid storing your buds near appliances or above the stove.
At the same time, you also need to keep an eye on the moisture in the storage area. To maintain your buds longer, keep the humidity between 59% and 63%. Mold begins to form at levels above 65%, while trichomes become brittle under 55%.
Use Air-Tight Glass Jars
Glass jars are one of the best storage vessels for cannabis. When closed, they create an artificial air-locked environment. Nothing gets in, and nothing gets out. You also don’t have to worry about any chemicals seeping into your stash. Before storing your cannabis, be sure the jars are cleaned and dried thoroughly.
Medicine Bottles Work, Too
Old medicine bottles work as storage containers, too. The bottles are designed to keep the contents safe from contaminants, and they’re a bit more portable than glass. Again, make sure they’re thoroughly cleaned and dried before stashing anything inside.
You can’t keep cannabis from aging entirely. You can, however, slow the process, keeping your stash fresher for longer. With proper cannabis storage, you can buy your favorite strain and enjoy it on your time.