Making Marijuana Last: How To Best Store Cannabis For Long Periods

If you grow a lot of cannabis at once, you may want to store it so that it lasts until your next harvest! Some growers only harvest once a year (especially outdoor growers) and may need their bud to last until the next fall harvest!

When it comes to storing your cannabis, the method you choose makes a huge difference in how long your buds maintain potency and freshness!

But what’s the best way to store weed for long periods? 

• Buds Have Been Cured for 4+ Weeks 

Buds should be cured at least 4 weeks before being put into long-term storage. The potency and smoothness of your buds is greatly improved during the curing process, and you want to make sure they’ve reached peak potency before you put them in storage. Additionally, the curing process is integral to setting a good moisture level for buds about to be stored long term.

• Buds Are Dry Enough (55-62% Humidity) 

Buds should never feel moist and jars should never “sweat” during the curing process. These are signs the buds still contain too much moisture and aren’t ready for storage. Why? Even in a sealed container you can still get mold, and wetness causes potency to deteriorate faster (and buds turn brown and crumbly)! This is really important, because buds being too wet is one of the biggest factors that cause buds to degrade early. If you have a humidity monitor, you are aiming for humidity around 55-62% RH before putting them into storage. This recommended humidity is a little lower than what’s generally recommended for curing, but helps prevent unwanted biological processes during long-term storage.

• Keep Buds in the Dark

Avoid letting buds be exposed to light because UV rays cause bud potency to diminish, weed containers may help you.

• No Heat, No Middling Temperatures

Avoid letting buds be exposed to heat or middling temperatures. The temperature should be 60-70°F (15-21°C) or under 32°F (0°C) for the best results. Don’t let buds get cold, then hot, then cold, etc. Don’t store them near electronics that may heat up. Try to maintain a steady temperature until you’re ready to use your buds.

• Glass is Best, Avoid Plastic or Metal

Although plastic and metal can be used to store buds in the short term, they can start to affect the smell/taste after a while. Therefore they are not recommended for long-term storage. Plastic also tends to be “static-y” which can cause trichomes to fall off the buds and stick to the sides or the bottom of the container. Your best bet is glass, which is completely airtight and nonporous. Quart-sized mason jars are a tried-and-true storage container, which is why they are so popular for cannabis growers.

• Avoid the Refrigerator

Although refrigerators might seem like a great idea, they don’t maintain a consistent humidity and temperature. These fluctuations increase the chance of mold and other unwanted biological processes. Keep your buds at a cool room temperature or in the freezer.

• Choose a Best Weed Container

avoid cigar humidors as they can impart a cedar taste. Cannabis-made humidors are usually made out of things like teak, bamboo, acacia, mahogany, cherry or walnut wood, as these won’t affect the smell/flavor of your buds. However, wood doesn’t seem to be as effective as glass when it comes to cannabis storage, and buds won’t last as long when compared to being stored in glass. A weed storage kit also help.

Herb Guard 1 oz/500ml UltraViolet Glass Jar

KEEPS CONTENTS FRESH - with it's UltraViolet protection against harmful UV rays

100% SMELL PROOF - Airtight seal locks in all scents and smells

SLEEK & STYLISH - The large jar measures at 6 inches height by 3 inches diameter with a sleek design while protecting your coffee, herbs, spices and teas

Do you tend to store cannabis for long periods of time, If you don’t want to smoke harsh-tasting weak weed that was once fire, take the steps to protect your weed for the long haul. 

Correct marijuana storage can help protect your stash. Improperly stored marijuana can quickly dry out, losing potency and flavor – or worse, mold can grow on your cannabis, rendering it dangerous to consume.