Did you know how you store your medical marijuana can affect your consumption experience? Proper storage helps preserve freshness, maintain aroma and flavor, and guarantee a more potent product. Leaving your medical marijuana out in the open can diminish these qualities, chipping away at its potency and expediting its expiration date.
Don’t waste a quality product by storing it improperly! This guide gives you tips on how to properly store your medical marijuana products once you bring them home from the dispensary.
What impacts medical marijuana freshness?
There are four major factors that impact medical marijuana freshness, and they begin to affect the plant as soon as it is harvested. These factors include light, oxygen, heat, and humidity.
- Light: Exposure to UV light can cause the degradation of certain cannabinoids and terpenes, including delta-9 Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). This means the more UV light medical marijuana is exposed to after harvest, the less potent it becomes. Medical marijuana should be stored in a dark environment for this reason.
- Oxygen: Exposure to air, too, will result in the degradation of cannabinoids and terpenes. Much of the THC found in medical marijuana, for example, degrades to the far less potent Cannabinol (CBN) over time. This process is expedited at higher temperatures. Airtight containers are a must for medical marijuana products.
- Temperature: For medical marijuana, warmer temperatures are the enemy. If kept in warm temperatures for a long time, terpenes and some cannabinoids will begin to degrade. Medical marijuana should be stored at temperatures below 70°F.
- Humidity: High levels of humidity could allow molds and mildews to flourish, so it’s critical that medical marijuana be kept at relatively low humidity. However, not enough humidity could degrade the cannabinoids and terpenes, prompting loss of potency. Store your medical marijuana between 59% and 63% humidity for optimal results.
Storing your medical marijuana properly
Most medical marijuana products will have dates listed on the package. Depending on the product, you might see when the product was harvested, and a “best buy” date. Whether the product expires next month or in one year, proper storage methods are key to ensuring the product stays potent and fresh. Here’s a look at how to store medical marijuana products at home.
How to store flower
Medical marijuana flower is one of the most sensitive types of medical marijuana products. As unrefined, harvested flower, it’s important to store it properly to preserve its longevity. Under the right conditions, medical marijuana flower can last for up to one year after it’s been purchased.
Store flower in an opaque, airtight container. You could purchase containers made specifically for medical marijuana or use a tinted glass jar. Once your flower is in its container, store it in a cool, dry place that won’t exceed 70°F or 63% humidity. To help control moisture levels, it’s a good idea to place a “freshness pack” inside the jar, such as those available from Boveda.
How to store concentrates
Concentrates should also be stored in an airtight, dark container. Like flower, concentrates begin to degrade if exposed to UV light and oxygen for extended time periods. Concentrates can stay fresh for several months when stored properly.
Concentrates also tend to be extremely sticky, so it’s best to use glass or silicone containers to store them. Otherwise, it might be difficult to remove all the concentrate from its container, wasting the product stuck inside.
Finally, you should store your concentrates on a flat surface, especially the more viscous concentrates. This will prevent them from pooling or leaking out of their containers.
How to store vape cartridges
When storing vaporizer cartridges, the most important rule is to store them upright. Allowing cartridges to rest on their side when not in use can clog the mouthpiece and potentially waste the concentrate inside. Like other concentrates, vape cartridges can stay potent for a few months when stored properly.
When you are not using a vape cartridge, remove it from the battery and replace the protective cap that covers the connectors. This ensures your cartridge’s delicate connecting parts will not be dented or damaged when not in use.
Finally, avoid tossing your cartridges into a bag or alongside items that could crush or damage them. If a cartridge shatters, the sticky and viscous extract inside will leak out, which can create a difficult mess to clean. Not to mention, it wastes your medical marijuana.
How to store ingestibles
Medical marijuana-infused ingestible should always be wrapped, covered, or sealed. Keep them in the original container whenever possible. Be sure that the expiration date has not yet passed before trying the product. The expiration date on an ingestible may vary, so consult the package when determining the freshness of your product.
How to store topicals
Although medical marijuana topicals aren’t ingested or inhaled, they still should be carefully stored to protect the phytocannabinoid and terpene content inside. Store topicals in a cool, dry place, and always replace the lid when not in use. Keep medical marijuana topicals in their original container. When kept in proper storage, topicals can stay fresh for up to one year.
Tips for storing medical marijuana
Regardless of the product type you take home, these rules apply universally to all medical marijuana products:
- Keep out of reach of children.
- Take note when you bought the product.
- Opt for medical marijuana specific containers when possible. If in a pinch, any dark airtight container will do.
- Keep products in dispensary packaging whenever possible.
- Consider smell-proof cases or containers for discretion.
Proper medical marijuana storage means longer lasting products
Treat your medical marijuana with care. By following the best practices above when storing your products, you will be able to preserve the freshness and potency of your medical marijuana for much longer. Proper storage is rewarded with a more flavorful and effective experience, so don’t leave your medical marijuana out in the open.
