What Environmental Factors Can Ruin Cannabis Without Proper Storage?

There are some environmental factors we need to keep in mind when storing our cannabis products. From light exposure, air, humidity levels, and temperature control. Let’s go over them below:

‍Light Exposure: 

UV light has an impact on cannabis and can break down trichomes and also accelerates THC degradation faster than any other factor. Leaving your cannabis in direct sunlight can reduce potency in just a few weeks. Even artificial light from lamps and overhead fixtures causes gradual cannabinoid breakdown over time. It is best to store cannabis in a dark place like a drawer, cupboard, or opaque container. Clear glass jars work well if kept in darkness. 

‍Air and Oxygen: 

Oxygen exposure causes THC to oxidize into CBN through a process that continues as long as cannabis remains in contact with air. This reaction happens slowly but continues to happen, which means cannabis stored in loose bags or unsealed containers will lose potency every day. Airtight containers slow this process down by limiting the amount of oxygen available to react with cannabinoids. The main goal is not to eliminate all the air but to limit ongoing air exchange. Cannabis needs some breathing room!

‍Humidity Levels:

Cannabis performs best when stored at 60% to 70% humidity. Below 55%, cannabis trichomes become very brittle and break off easily during handling. Above 70%, you are risking bacteria and mold contamination that can make your cannabis dangerous to consume. If your cannabis seems to be drying out, humidity packs can help and are designed to help maintain consistent moisture levels without over-drying or over-moistening the buds. These little or big packs regulate humidity and prevent fluctuations that can cause quality problems. 

‍Temperature: 

Higher temperatures or heat accelerate all degradation processes that affect cannabis. Temperatures higher than 77 degrees will cause terpenes to evaporate very quickly and speed up the breakdown of THC compounds. Extreme heat, above 90 degrees, can degrade the cannabinoids within hours. Room temperature storage is typically between 60-70 degrees and should provide the best balance for home storage. Try to avoid storing near heat sources such as radiators or leaving your flower behind in a hot car.

Ways to Properly Store Cannabis 

Not all containers and cannabis products should be treated equally when storing your cannabis. Below is a list of ways to properly store cannabis.

‍Flower:

Flower should be stored in an airtight container in a cool, dark environment. Glass containers or containers that are made for flower storage can help protect the buds from excessive oxygen and environmental changes. A humidity control pack such as a Boveda Humidity Pack can help maintain a consistent moisture level when used accordingly. Avoid direct sunlight, excessive heat, and temperature changes. Light, temperature, oxygen, and humidity all contribute to changes in cannabinoids and terpenes over time.

‍Pre-Rolls:

Pre-rolls need many of the same protections as flower, as they are more delicate. Keep them in their original packaging or tubes whenever possible, and store them somewhere cool, dark, and dry. Try to avoid tossing them loose into a bag, pocket, or even a hot vehicle. Keeping pre-rolls protected from crushing and excessive moisture also helps preserve their structure and burn quality.

‍Concentrates:

Rosin, wax, shatter, live resin, and other concentrates should be kept in a cool, dark, and well-sealed environment. Heat can soften concentrates, alter the consistency, and accelerate degradation of cannabinoids and compounds. Keep concentrates in their original sealed containers. For products that specifically recommend refrigeration, try to allow the container to warm toward room temperature before opening to help prevent condensation.

‍Edibles:

Edibles are where things get a little tricky because the food shelf life matters just as much as the cannabis does. Always try to follow the “best by” or “expiration” date. Gummies, hard candies, baked goods, chocolates, beverages, and other infused cannabis goods can have very different storage requirements depending on their ingredients. Keep your edibles in a cool, dry, sealed place and away from light exposure when possible. Refrigeration may be appropriate for some products, like perishable foods, but it isn't necessary for all edibles. One important note to keep in mind is that cannabis edibles should be stored securely away from children and animals and clearly away from regular non cannabis food items. These types of products can be easily confused for non-infused foods and treats, so proper storage is extra important for this very reason. 

‍Tinctures and Oils:

Tinctures and cannabis oils should remain tightly closed and protected from elements like heat, light, and oxygen. Keeping them in their original containers is usually the easiest and safest way to store. Dark or amber colored containers provide extra protection from light. Some tinctures may benefit from refrigeration, but remember ingredients and formulation matter, so the product label will always win when deciding storage. 

‍Vape Cartridges and Disposable Vapes:

Vape products should be stored in a dark, cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures. Keep cartridges and devices upright when possible and avoid leaving them in a hot car, near a heater, or in direct sunlight. The same can be said for cold environments, as any extreme temperatures can affect the oils, battery, and hardware. 

‍Topicals:

Topical creams, lotions, balms, salves, and other cannabis products should generally be stored according to their product's label. Keep containers closed tightly and away from excessive heat, moisture, and, of course, direct sunlight exposure. Because topicals contain other ingredients besides cannabinoids, the stability of the entire formulation, not just the cannabis, determines how the product should be stored and how long it remains usable. 

‍Capsules and Pills:

Pills and other solid oral cannabis products are usually the easiest of cannabis products to store. Keep them sealed in their original containers, away from heat, moisture, and direct sunlight, and follow labeled storage instructions. Same as edibles (and any cannabis product, really), keep them securely away from children and pets. 

Complicated? Nope!

When it comes to cannabis storage, it really isn't that complicated; it just requires a little common sense and a little less “ I’ll just leave it here for now.”  Keep your cannabis products protected from excessive heat, moisture, and air, and follow the manufacturer's recommended storage instructions on the label. Flower, concentrates, edibles, tinctures, vapes, and topicals may all have different needs, so there isn't one magic storage box method that works for everything, although we can wish! Treat your cannabis like the delicate little plants they once were, and they'll have a much better chance of keeping their original potency, flavor, aromas, texture, and overall quality. After all, nobody wants to open their stash six months later and discover that their once fabulous flower has become a dry and flavorless science experiment. But who are we kidding? Most cannabis consumers are not waiting 6 months to smoke their weed after purchase!

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Connect with us on Instagram @North_Star_Manufacturing with any questions you may have about proper storage methods for your cannabis products.

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