HOW TO KEEP YOUR CANNABIS FRESH; THE ULTIMATE GUIDE TO STORING YOUR DRIED MARIJUANA BUDS

LET’S TALK CANNABIS STORAGE

You’ve scored some top-notch cannabis, and now you want to ensure it stays as fresh and flavourful as possible. But how do you store your cannabis or marijuana to maintain its quality? In this blog post, we’ll guide you through the ins and outs of cannabis storage. Think of this as your ultimate guide to keeping your precious stash in tip-top condition. Ready to join the ranks of cannabis storage pros? Let’s get started!

CANNABIS DEGRADATION: THE FOUR ENEMIES OF FRESHNESS

Before diving into the nitty-gritty of cannabis storage, we need to understand what causes our green friends to degrade. Four culprits are out to harm your cannabis:

1. Light
2. Air
3. Humidity
4. Temperature

Also, let’s not forget the importance of terpenes and cannabinoids, which give your cannabis its unique aroma, taste, and effects. Preserving them is key to a flavourful and potent experience.

LIGHT PROTECTION: DON’T LET THE SUN STEAL YOUR FUN

Sunlight, particularly its ultraviolet (UV) rays, is a sworn enemy of cannabis. These pesky rays can degrade cannabinoids like THC and terpenes, reducing potency and ruining your bud’s unique flavours and aromas. Remember that time your favourite poster faded after hanging in the sun for too long? Well, the same thing can happen to your cannabis.

So, how do you shield your stash from sunlight? The best way to protect your buds is by storing them in:

• Opaque containers: These bad boys block out light, keeping your cannabis safe and sound.

  
  

• Tinted glass jars: They’re like sunglasses for your weed, filtering out harmful UV rays.

  
  
• Store in a dark location: Cabinets, drawers, or any other dark spots will do the trick.

Opaque and airtight containers like these ceramic “Dia de los Muertos” and “Alien” stash jars are perfect for keeping your buds fresh and flavourful.

HUMIDITY REGULATION: THE GOLDILOCKS ZONE

Humidity is a fickle friend when it comes to cannabis storage. Too little, and your bud becomes dry and brittle. Too much, and you’re looking at a moldy mess. So, what’s the sweet spot? Aim for a relative humidity between 55% and 62%.

To maintain optimal moisture levels, consider using humidity packs. These little helpers prevent mold and mildew growth while keeping your cannabis fresh.

TEMPERATURE MANAGEMENT: KEEP YOUR COOL

Temperature plays a significant role in cannabis storage. The ideal range is between 60°F and 70°F. Watch out for extreme temperatures (hot attics or freezing basements), as they can cause damage to your cannabis. Also, avoid areas with fluctuating temperatures, which can lead to condensation and mold growth. It’s like storing ice cream – you don’t want it too hot or too cold, just perfectly chilled.

PROPER CANNABIS HANDLING: TREAT YOUR BUD WITH CARE

When handling your cannabis, think of it as a delicate flower (because, well, it is). Follow these tips for preserving its freshness:

• Clean hands: Always wash your hands before handling your cannabis. Oils and dirt can negatively affect its quality.

  
  

• Utilize tools: Use tweezers, tongs, or a small spoon to handle your cannabis, minimizing direct contact with your fingers.

  
  
• Avoid unnecessary contact: Limit touching your cannabis as much as possible to maintain its freshness and potency.

Properly storing your Cannabis will allow you to enjoy the full range of flavours and effects for many months.

SIGNS OF DEGRADING CANNABIS: KNOW WHEN TO SAY GOODBYE

It’s essential to recognize when your cannabis has seen better days. Being able to identify the warning signs of degrading cannabis can help you avoid consuming subpar products. Here are the 5 most important signs you should watch out for:

• Changes in aroma: Fresh cannabis should have a distinct and pungent smell, which is a result of its terpene profile. A loss of that unique smell or the presence of an unpleasant odour could signal degradation. For example, if your once fruity-smelling strain now smells like damp grass or hay, it’s a sign that it’s losing its freshness.

  
  

• Altered colour: Healthy cannabis flowers can range from light green to deep purple, depending on the strain. If you notice your buds have become discoloured, faded, or brownish, it might be past its prime. Healthy cannabis should not appear bleached or washed out, nor should it look uniformly brown like old, dried leaves.

  
  

• Dryness or crumbling: Fresh cannabis should have a slightly spongy texture when gently squeezed, bouncing back to its original shape. Overly dry and brittle buds can indicate a loss of potency and flavour. If your cannabis crumbles easily into a fine powder when pinched between your fingers, it’s likely lost its freshness.

  
  

• Mold or mildew presence: Mold and mildew can be detrimental to your health and are signs that your cannabis has been exposed to excess moisture. Mold can appear as fuzzy white, grey, green, or black patches on the surface of your buds. Mildew, on the other hand, often looks like a white, powdery residue. If you’re unsure whether your cannabis has mold or mildew, use a magnifying glass to inspect it closely. Look for irregularities in texture or colour, as well as any signs of a musty or moldy smell. If you spot mold or mildew, it’s time to toss your cannabis.

  
  
• Insects or pests: While less common, the presence of insects or pests can also indicate that your cannabis has been compromised. Keep an eye out for small bugs, such as spider mites or aphids, as well as any signs of their damage, like tiny bite marks or webbing on the buds. Insects can introduce harmful bacteria and fungi to your cannabis, so it’s best to discard any affected buds.

By familiarizing yourself with these warning signs, you’ll be able to identify when your cannabis is no longer at its peak freshness and potency, ensuring you only consume the best quality product.

STORING DIFFERENT CANNABIS PRODUCTS: ONE SIZE DOESN’T FIT ALL

While our focus has been on dried cannabis flowers, it’s worth noting that different cannabis products have unique storage requirements:

• Edibles: Keep them in a cool, dark place, preferably in airtight containers. Refrigeration can help extend their shelf life, but be aware of moisture buildup.

  
  

• Concentrates: Store them in a cool, dark location, using non-stick silicone containers to prevent degradation and sticking.

  
  
• Tinctures: Use tinted glass bottles to protect from light exposure and store them in a cool, dark place.

The Xhaal Humidor is a top-of-the-line storage solutions for your favourite herbs. It comes with a wide range of accessories to keep them in perfect condition all year long.

CONCLUSION:

You’ve made it to the end of our cannabis storage journey! By following these expert tips, you’re well-equipped to keep your cannabis fresh, flavourful, and potent. With these skills under your belt, you’ll be enjoying your cannabis stash to the fullest for a long time to come. Happy storing and happy smoking!

Don’t forget to check out our online store for some seriously good and super-cool storage solutions!

TL;DR:

To ensure you enjoy fresh and flavourful cannabis, take the necessary steps to protect it from degradation.

Shield your buds from harmful light by using opaque or tinted glass containers and storing them in dark locations.

Control air exposure by using vacuum-sealing technology or airtight containers, and avoid opening them too frequently.

Regulate humidity by maintaining a 55% to 62% range, using humidity packs if necessary to prevent mold and mildew growth.

Manage temperature by keeping your cannabis in a cool environment (60°F to 70°F) and avoiding temperature fluctuations.

Always handle your cannabis with care, using clean hands and tools to minimize direct contact.

Be mindful of unique storage requirements for different cannabis products, such as edibles, concentrates, and tinctures.

Lastly, stay vigilant for signs of degrading cannabis, like changes in aroma, altered colour, excessive dryness, the presence of mold, mildew, or pests, and discard any compromised buds.