After a long journey of cannabis cultivation, it’s finally time to harvest your buds. But the work isn’t over yet. To ensure your cannabis stash lasts as long as possible, you need to store your buds properly. Storing cannabis isn’t difficult, but there are a few key things to remember.
Cannabis buds can be stored in many different ways, but the most important factor will always be airtightness. Anytime cannabis is exposed to oxygen, it begins to degrade. This process is accelerated by heat and light, so you’ll also want to avoid those. With that in mind, here are a few of the best ways to store your cannabis buds;
1. Glass Jars
The simplest and most effective way to store cannabis is in an airtight glass jar. Any jar with a tight-fitting lid will work, but mason jars are a popular option. Glass is an inert material that won’t interact with your buds and does a great job of keeping out oxygen.
2. Vacuum-Sealed Bags
For long-term storage, vacuum-sealed bags are a good option. These bags remove all the air from around your buds, which will keep them fresh for months or even years. You can buy vacuum-sealer machines specifically for cannabis, but a food sealer will also work.
3. Mylar Bags
Mylar bags are another excellent option for long-term storage. These bags are made of a material that reflects light, which helps protect your buds from degradation. Mylar bags can be sealed with a food sealer or vacuum sealer, often used in combination with glass jars.
4. Storage Containers
There are many storage containers on the market, most of which will work for storing cannabis. Tupperware, zip-top bags, and even plastic buckets can be used as long as they’re airtight. Look for containers that are dark in color, as light can also degrade cannabis.
5. Freezer Storage
You can store your cannabis in the freezer for the longest possible storage time. This will prevent any degradation from oxygen or light, but it can make your buds dry out. To prevent this, you can store your cannabis in an airtight container with some moisture, like a damp paper towel.
Why Store Cannabis Buds Properly?
There are many reasons to store your cannabis buds properly. The most important is to keep them potent and fresh for as long as possible. Cannabis that’s been appropriately stored can last for months or even years, while poorly stored cannabis will degrade much faster.
Storing your buds also protects them from mold and other pests. If your buds are exposed to too much moisture, they can start to grow mold. And if they’re not stored in an airtight container, insects can get in and ruin your stash.
So whatever storage method you choose, make sure it’s airtight. With that in place, you can be sure your cannabis will stay fresh and potent for a long time to come.
How Do You Know if Cannabis Has Gone Bad?
Unfortunately, even the best storage methods can’t prevent all degradation. Over time, your cannabis will slowly lose potency and flavor. But there are a few ways to tell if your cannabis has gone bad;
1. The smell is weak or off
One of the easiest ways to tell if cannabis has degraded is by its smell. Fresh cannabis should have a strong, distinct aroma. If it’s weak or smells off, it’s probably not as potent as it used to be.
However, note that every strain has a distinct smell, so you may need to familiarize yourself with the scent of fresh cannabis before you can tell if it’s degraded. It is even better to familiarize yourself with the strain’s smell before it spoils.
2. The color has faded
Fresh cannabis buds are usually bright green and sticky with resin. If the color has faded or the buds are dry, they’ve probably lost some potency. Just like the smell, you need to familiarize yourself with what fresh cannabis looks like before you can tell if it’s gone bad. Some strains may not have a significant color change when they degrade. With such strains, you’ll need to rely on other indicators, like the smell.
3. The texture is different
Another way to tell if cannabis has gone bad is by its texture. If it’s crumbly or dry, the moisture content has changed, and it’s lost some potency. Unfortunately, you may not be able to tell if the texture has changed until you are not used to the strain. Try feeling a nugget before it degrades to get an idea of what to expect.
4. It doesn’t taste as good
Of course, trying it is best to tell if cannabis has gone bad. If it doesn’t taste as good as it used to, or if the effects are weaker, it’s probably not as fresh as it once was. This is only possible if you have tasted this strain before it degrades.
5. It’s been more than a year
Even if your cannabis looks, smells, and tastes the same as it did when you first got it, it’s probably not as potent as it once was. After about a year, most cannabis will lose some potency. So if it’s been a while since you’ve gotten your cannabis, it’s probably not as strong as it used to be.
6 Infested With Pests
Cannabis can attract various pests, like insects, rodents, and mold. If you see any of these in your stash, it’s probably not as fresh as it once was.
7. It’s been exposed to light or air
Light and air can degrade cannabis over time. If your stash has been sitting in a sunny window or exposed to air for a long time, it’s probably not as fresh as it once was.
When in doubt, it’s always better to err on caution and throw out any cannabis you’re unsure about. It may not be as potent as it once was, but it’s better than taking the risk of smoking moldy or pest-infested buds.
Final Thoughts on Storing Cannabis
Storing your cannabis properly is the best way to keep it fresh and potent for a long time. Make sure to store it in an airtight container in a cool, dark place. And if you’re unsure if it’s still good, it’s better to throw it out than risk smoking moldy or pest-infested buds.
