Over the years, cannabis has turned into a multi-billion dollar industry that has become part of different sectors such as healthcare, pharmaceuticals and consumer goods. One major reason is that it proves to provide many potential health benefits to consumers. That’s why companies are racing to be the most innovative and produce a wide range of cannabis-infused products to fulfill every individual’s needs and preferences.
In general, all products include either of the two most well-known cannabis compounds CBD and THC. They are usually rich in numerous amino acids, vitamins, flavonoids and terpenes which have the potential of promoting health. And in order to get the most out of their benefits, such products must be stored properly.
This simply means you must create the perfect environment so the potency of their nutritional value will stay strong and effective for a longer period of time. So, in order to help you, here are several things you must keep in mind to properly store CBD oil and cannabis buds in order to enjoy the best quality products for a longer period of time.
Storing cannabis buds
Use proper airtight containers
The most important rule for storing cannabis buds is to use proper airtight containers. This way you will be able to prevent dryness and other degradation which may reduce the potency level of the cannabis.
Glass containers such as mason jars are a very popular storing choice among consumers. They are able to seal out air and moisture as opposed to other materials such as plastic or metal.
If you want a fancier container, then the wooden cannabis stash box is the perfect option for you. It is usually made of high-quality wood material such as bamboo which won’t affect the aroma and flavor of your buds.
Store in a dark place
Although live plants need light to grow, cannabis buds are already dry so they don’t need much of it. In fact, one of the biggest factors that may contribute to the degradation of a cannabis flower is extreme light. That’s why it is recommended that the buds are stored in a darker place away from UV rays.
For example, think of this in terms of how the sun rays can affect the color of your shirt or give you a sunburn. This works similarly with the cannabis buds as the extreme light can break down the cannabinoids and terpenes that are present.
Keep it in a cool environment
In addition to storing the cannabis in a dark place, it must also be kept in a cool environment. High temperatures can lead to the evaporation of the terpenes and cause the buds to dry. This will most likely result in harsh smoke and an unpleasant flavor of the cannabis when used.
In general, mold and mildew which are the nemeses for fresh cannabis thrive between 78 and 86 degrees, so the ideal temperature for storing cannabis should be below this threshold. For example, cool places such as a closet or a pantry are the perfect options for keeping your weed at the best temperature.
Maintain a proper humidity level
Mold loves moisture, so in order to prevent it from thriving, your cannabis flower must be stored in a dry place. However, if you have high-quality buds, then you mustn’t allow them to get too dry. This will lead to degradation of the cannabinoids and terpenes in the flower which will reduce its potency.
The proper relative humidity (RH) level should be somewhere between 59% and 63%. At this range, the buds will be able to maintain and even enhance their color, consistency, aroma and flavor. For example, putting humidity control solutions in your airtight containers is a very effective way to prevent moisture.
Don’t refrigerate or freeze it
If you don’t have a cool or dry place for storing your cannabis buds, then refrigerating or freezing it isn’t an option. This is because extreme or repeated temperature changes can certainly affect the potency of the flower.
According to a researcher, the constant change of going back and forth from a cold to room temperature can lead to condensation of the buds which in most cases leads to the occurrence of mold.
The only things that can be stored in a freezer long-term are cannabis extractions and concentrates that have previously been vacuum-sealed and put in glass jars.
Storing CBD oil
Check the expiration date
Like most things, CBD oil can eventually expire. In fact, the shelf life of cannabidiol typically ranges between one to two years. The factors that can influence its longevity include its quality, the ingredients used, the extraction process, the packaging and most importantly – storage.
For example, high-quality CBD-derived products tend to last longer because of the presence of the ingredients. They all have an expiration date on their own which also affects the lasting power of the product. That’s why every buyer must look at the label to see what ingredients are included because each reputable CBD product should come with a certificate of analysis (COA).
Keep it in the original packaging
There is a reason why CBD-derived products are packed the way they are. In general, CBD will last longer when it is stored in a dark-colored, airtight glass container.
In fact, this is why tinctures are packed this way. The glass material keeps the product away from heat, air, light and moisture and contributes to maintaining the potency of the overall product. These tinctures also include a dropper that not only helps with the serving size, but it keeps the liquid inside as clean as possible.
Other products such as edibles and capsules should also be kept in their original packaging in order to be fresh and effective.
Keep the light away
Similar to the cannabis buds, CBD-derived products must also be kept out of light. If such products are placed near a window or on a counter, then their content will most likely degrade which will affect their potency level.
That’s why the best place to store your CBD products is in a dark place such as a pantry or a closet. Even when you are traveling and carrying your product with you, you should keep it in your purse or briefcase. In this case, make sure you place it in a resealable bag in order to prevent any mess or breakage of the packaging.
Prevent exposure to heat
Heat is another contributor to the degradation of CBD oil, so it must be stored in a cool place. This is because there are certain compounds such as minerals present in the oil that may act differently when they get in touch with high temperatures. If this happens, the properties of the CBD content will change and the product will not be as effective.
However, if you live in an environment with a hot climate, then your last resort is to keep it in a refrigerator. Just remember that there is a chance the oil may become too thick and will be difficult to dispense from the dropper.
Keep the content free of contaminants
Another thing you must keep in mind when storing CBD-derived products is to keep their content free of contaminants. This means not allowing air, moisture or other chemicals to get in touch with the compounds of the product.
For example, the dropper in CBD tinctures is designed in such a way that no other materials come in contact with the liquid inside.
Also, it is important that you close up any packaging properly in order to prevent an increase in the humidity level. If you fail to do this, the aroma, taste and overall potency of the product will be affected.
Final thoughts
As a result of the numerous health benefits cannabis provides consumers, it seems like its industry won’t slow down any time soon. In fact, a wide range of cannabis-infused products are hitting the market every day allowing people to choose the one that best suits their needs and preferences.
The most important thing you should keep in mind is how to properly store them in order to get the most out of their benefits. In case you aren’t sure how to do this, you can refer back to this guide and use it as an aid to always have a fresh and effective product.