Inevitably if one consumes cannabis long enough, they’ll find themselves asking, “How long is my cannabis good for?”
While there is no steadfast expiration date for cannabis, there are a few key elements to consider and a few things you may do when storing cannabis for an extended period of time.
Ideal temperatures for storing Cannabis
Mildew and other molds on cannabis thrive in temperatures between 77 and 86 degrees Fahrenheit, basic precautions to keep your cannabis in a cool, dark place will go a long way. Excessive temperatures and heat can dry up your cannabinoids and terpenes. Once these essential oils get too dry the resulting smoke will be both harsh and hot.
Lower temperatures also slow the process of decarboxylation of cannabinoids, the process that transfers THC-A into the psychoactive THC and eventually degrades into the less desired CBN.
Light settings for storing Cannabis
UV rays are harmful and help to break down many organic and synthetic materials. Similar to the way your grass burns brown at the end of a long sunny summer, or how a car’s paint begins to fade when it is not stored in a garage. UV rays will degrade your cannabis over time.
Air control for Cannabis
While the Cannabis plant requires oxygen during the growing and curing phases, storing your cannabis in a container with just the right amount of air is crucial to keeping it fresh and true to its original form.
Too little air can greatly affect the relative humidity. While too much air will speed up the degradation process as the cannabinoids and other organic matter are exposed to oxygen.
How TO store Cannabis:
DO– separate your strains to maintain their individual flavor profiles
DO– store in containers with a neutral charge, like glass jars
DO– store out of direct sunlight in a cool, dry place
DO– vacuum seal jars, containers or bud to minimize oxygen exposure
How NOT to store Cannabis
DONT– store in the refrigerator. The fluctuations in humidity and temperature can actually increase your chance of mold and mildew.
DONT– store in plastic bags or containers. Plastic often has a static charge that can attract precious trichomes.
DONT– store paraphernalia with your cannabis. The ash and resin from burnt cannabis tend to linger and will stink up any storage container.
DONT– store in the freezer. Freezing temperatures cause the fragile trichomes to become brittle and break off like little icicles when handled.
DONT– store around electronics or appliances that give off heat. Heat rises, instead store your cannabis in a low cupboard, shelf, or in the basement of your house.