How To Properly Store Weed | Importance of Curing Weed | FAQs

When it comes to cannabis, whether it is for medical purposes or adult use, its consumption and depository are of utmost importance. For people who have stock at home, it is imperative to know how long it lasts and how to properly store weed.

Why Is It So Important To Store Weed Properly?

If you’re a regular consumer, you may have noticed that the cannabis which has been left unused for some time does not have the same effect when smoked as compared to the fresh one. The reason is attributed to moisture that decreases their shelf life. It has also reported to have health implications due to the prevalence of mold on the moist cannabis. Because of such risks, a specific range of 0.55 to 0.65 of water content has been approved for the cannabis flower. Any plant exceeding this moisture range is considered to be unfit for human consumption.

There is a need to maintain balance when it comes to water content, as too much or too little can both prove to be detrimental to the plant. If the moisture content is in excess, there are chances of it developing mold and if the plant is devoid of moisture, it can affect its nature of taste and efficacy.

The aim is to keep moisture under control. This is ideally done by the harvesters through a process called curing, but once it is packaged and dispatched, you need to maintain that range. How can you do that? Keep a close check on the light and temperature of the room where you store the cannabis.

  • Drying and Curing Cannabis

The reason why there is so much emphasis placed on drying and curing cannabis is because we have to preserve the integrity of the terpenes and cannabinoids in order to retain taste and potency. But the drying shouldn't be done in a rapid manner as it will deplete the outer portion but the insides will remain moist and therefore become a breeding ground for mold.

There's a difference between drying and curing. Drying is done prior to or after trimming, whereas curing takes place after the water has been removed.

  • Drying duration

In an ideal setting, drying takes around 3-7 days, but it can also take longer depending on the condition. It is also important to keep the buds connected to their branches for a slower, better drying. You have the option of either dry or wet trimming. If you're dry trimming, hang the plant on a line to make sure the buds don't change shape. Then keep the branches in that manner for at least 3 days before trimming and try to bend the branch alongside its bud - if it snaps, the buds are good to go for trimming. If they don't, then leave them hanging and revisit them the next morning.

When it comes to wet trimming, place the buds on a flat surface, preferably a rack. Check the drying progress after 2-3 days by pressing them gently. If they appear too moist, leave them as they are and revisit them the next morning.

  • Curing Procedure

Once the drying and trimming is completed, the next step is to remove the excess moisture via curing. You need to place your buds in airtight containers, preferably glass jars, to lock in the optimum moisture, potency and flavour. The total duration is between two to four weeks and the range of moisture needs to be kept between 55-65%. In short, the equipment you need for curing is an airtight jar and a hygrometer to monitor temperature and levels of humidity.

Why Is Curing So Important?

When it comes to cannabis, curing is most often neglected. And even if drying is taking place, it is normally done in a way that the outer portion is dried but the inside remains wet. Curing is a process that enables moisture control from the inside out.

Curing also determines the taste and overall efficacy of consumption. The terpenes can disintegrate at carrying temperatures, so make sure you don't opt for a rapid, hot drying method. Warmer conditions give rise to breeding grounds for certain enzymes and bacteria that crumble the minerals and sugars during the drying procedure. Because of this, the consumption is not as favourable because of the burning feeling the smoke elicits.

A good cure keeps your cannabis fresh and viable for as long as two years without loss of efficacy.

What Is The Best Way To Store Weed?

What is the best way to store weed

 

Once you are done with curing, the buds will be viable for a good amount of time. There are certain conditions that need to be regulated in order for the buds to remain intact.

  • Temperature

When it comes to storing cannabis, temperature plays a vital role in maintaining its integrity. The optimum temperature in this regard is 21 degrees celsius, because higher temperatures can promote the growth of mold that can ultimately destroy the plant. Warmer temperatures also tend to devoid the flower of moisture beyond its recommended range.

  • Humidity

In addition to temperature, humidity is also a contributing factor in determining the viability of weed. The recommended range is between 55-65% humidity to maintain taste and consistency and to prevent the development of mold.

  • Light

When it comes to light, there is certain UV radiation emitted that can break down cannabis. If you store your cannabis in a place where there is no direct light, it can also keep the temperature at bay.

  • Air

There needs to be a fine balance, especially when it comes to air. If the air is scarce, it can affect the humidity and if the air is in excess, it will promote degradation due to the presence of oxygen. 

What Equipment and Tools Can I Use To Store Cannabis?

What equipment and tools can I use to store cannabis

 

As discussed previously, maintaining a natural balance is important for Cannabis to remain viable and be of use to you in the long run. The factors that need to be regulated include light, temperature, air and humidity.

  • Air-tight jars

Once you are done curing the buds, they are ideally supposed to be placed in air-tight mason jars. The less oxygen present, the better your weed will be able to stay fresh. Also, it is plausible to use glass instead of plastic as Tupperware tends to deteriorate the buds faster. If you don't have access to air-tight glass jars, you can opt for a vacuum bag.

  • Stash Jars

One of the most important factors to control is light exposure. And so when it comes to storage, it is imperative to have some means of light blockade. One method is to use Stash Jars, which are opaque, air-tight containers that do not allow light to enter. They are outlined with a black silicone sleeve and have air-tight lids manufactured. Also, it takes the edge off when you have to turn the light on to examine the weed without being concerned about exposing the plant.

  • Clean storage containers

There are specialised marijuana storage containers that ensure clean packaging as well as keep the weed viable for a long time. It is also important to dust the shelves where these containers are kept.

  • Pill bottle

Pill bottles are handy and easy to use to store weed, but they are only a short-term solution and should not be regarded for longer storage.

  • Humidor

A wooden humidor is another great way to store weed. They keep humidity at bay and, because the box is made of wood, it is safe to keep the glass jars intact inside it.

Related Article: 13 Essential Cannabis Accessories For Every Stoner

 

FAQ About Storing Weed

What is the best temperature to store cannabis

The ideal temperature is 21 degrees celsius, as anything higher will disrupt the integrity of cannabis. And raised temperatures also promote humidity, which can in turn lead to the growth of mold.

Is refrigerating or freezing weed bad?

Actually, no. You can freeze or refrigerate weed when you’re in an area that is too warm or humid. But it is important to keep an eye on the temperature scale as too severe temperatures can cause the trichomes to fall off. In an ideal scenario, you would store your weed in an air-tight container and place it in a relatively cool place. This way, there are fewer chances of the weed losing its integrity or potency.

Do light and oxygen affect cannabis?

Yes! In fact, light has been attributed to disrupting the nature of cannabis the most. A study was conducted that showed exposure to light can lead to loss of cannabinoid concentrates. UV radiation can result in loss of potency and eventual disintegration. If you do not have a cool place to store it, you can store it in your drawer in order to limit light exposure.

Can I store weed in plastic bags?

Ideally, you should not. But in the worst case scenario, you can use plastic bags, but with some precautions. Try to evacuate the bag of any air that might be present inside it before you store the weed in it. Make sure the plastic you are using is bisphenol A (BPA) free as it is proven to be detrimental to human health. You should handle your weed in a gentle manner, as any tugging can pull the trichomes off.

Related Article: The Ultimate Guide to Healthy Cannabis Consumption

How to keep it smell-proof?

The best way to prevent weed from accumulating a strong smell is to store it in an air-tight container with a sealed lid. Some people resort to pill bottles to keep their cannabis smell-free. There are also some smell-proof containers to store cannabis.

Related Article: Here are 13 Essential Cannabis Accessories For Every Stoner

Conclusion

In summary, here is a round up of everything we have learned about storing marijuana:

  • Keep it away from direct sun exposure.
  • Place it in a cool, dry area.
  • It needs to be kept in an airtight glass jar or vacuum bag.
  • Humidifier packs need to be operated at 62% humidity.
  • Plastic bags should not be used for storage.

These methods will only add to the longevity of your weed, but they will not keep your weed forever. You need to follow these tips if you want the harvest to stay for a longer period of time. Any exposure to excess temperature, humidity, light or air will result in the alteration of its molecular composition and, as a result, the weed will not be safe for consumption. The rule of thumb is to leave the weed alone once all the conditions have been fulfilled and it has been kept in storage. The less you touch it, the better it will remain. The reason behind that is that when you fidget with the cannabis, there is a chance that the trichomes will fall out. They can also stick to your finger if you touch it often. And excess exposure to air will deplete the pleasant smell that you want to preserve. It is advised only to open the jar at the time of consumption.

The better you treat your buds, the longer they will remain viable.



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