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No matter if you are an avid weed user or just entering the cannabis world, chances are you have wondered if you were storing your buds correctly. It is essential to know this because storing cannabis properly will help preserve its quality and freshness for a long time.

In general, there are several factors that affect the potency and flavor of cannabis. From the type of weed storage you choose to the temperature and humidity levels under which your stash is being stored, it is crucial that you are aware of all the things that can help keep the buds fresher for a longer period of time.  

So, in this article, we will review the elements that preserve the quality, effectiveness and flavor of weed strains as well as the proper storing methods.

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Start with proper curing

The first step to storing cannabis correctly is proper curing. It is the weeks-long process of slowly removing moisture from buds under controlled environmental conditions. This helps eliminate the byproducts from the strains, protecting the plant from bacteria and producing smoother smoke.

Besides this, low and slow proper cannabis curing also enhances the flavor of the weed by preserving its terpenes that are responsible for the cannabis’ delicious smell and palate.

All in all, proper curing increases the shelf life of your buds which can even last for nearly two years with minimal changes in flavor and potency.  

Use glass containers

A mistake weed consumers often make is they keep their buds in a plastic baggie. However, this is completely wrong because plastic doesn’t store herbs well. Besides affecting the taste of the cannabis, you also risk crushing your buds, removing their potent trichomes and rendering your plant less potent.

That’s why you should go for glass mason jars instead as they offer a complete seal and maintain the optimal humidity and temperature levels necessary for keeping the cannabis fresh. That’s why you should go for glass jars for cannabis instead as they offer a complete seal and maintain the optimal humidity and temperature levels necessary for keeping the cannabis fresh. Plus, they are inexpensive, and you can find them at any hardware, container or grocery store.

Keep in a cool and dark place

Another important factor that can affect the quality of your cannabis is light. In fact, harsh UV rays can burn up the most valuable compounds present in the plant such as its cannabinoids and terpenes.

So, in order to avoid this from happening, it is strongly advised that you keep your buds in a cool place away from direct light sources. For example, you can look for a drawer or a location in your home that remains dark throughout the day. If you want, you can opt for a blacked-out jar too so you will increase the darkness.

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Temperature and humidity

High temperatures can also cause the terpenes in the plant to diminish and your buds to dry out. This will certainly create an unpleasant flavor and a harsh consumption experience. That’s why it is important to store your stash at low temperatures such as below 74 degrees to minimize the occurrence of mold and mildew.

Doing so will also help maintain proper humidity levels which are vital in keeping the cannabis always fresh. If you want, you can consider purchasing a cannabis humidor which is a humidity-controlled box that will undoubtedly preserve the quality of your buds.

Storing cannabis-infused products

Besides knowing how to properly store dried flowers, it is also important to be aware of the storing methods of other cannabis products such as edibles and tinctures.

For example, when it comes to cannabis-infused foods and beverages, if they came refrigerated, then you should store them the same way. But for edible gummies, you should keep them in an air-tight container to preserve their quality and flavor.

As for tinctures, they should also be kept in a cool, dark environment in their original packaging in order to reduce the risk of degradation.

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Final thoughts

The golden rule is to store cannabis in an air-tight container tucked away in a cool, dark and dry place. This way you will drastically reduce the risks of degrading the plant’s most valuable compounds as you will be avoiding exposure to high temperatures, air, light and humidity. In fact, following the steps will then help protect your stash and keep it fresh at all times.

So, next time you get ready to store your cannabis, remember these tips and enhance its shelf life the right way.