Long-term Storage of Cannabis After Curing: How to Keep It Fresh and Potent

Reading time: 5-6 minutes

After successfully harvesting and curing your cannabis, the next important question is how to store the buds long-term without losing quality, potency, or flavor. This final crucial step ensures your cannabis stays fresh for months, even years, if stored properly. In this guide, we'll explain how to store cannabis after curing and avoid common mistakes.

Table of Contents

• Why Proper Cannabis Storage is Important
• The Best Containers for Storing Cannabis
• Optimal Conditions for Storing Cannabis
• Using Humidity Control Packs
• Common Mistakes in Cannabis Storage and How to Avoid Them
• Conclusion: How to Store Cannabis Long-Term

Why Proper Cannabis Storage is Important

Once your cannabis has been cured, it has reached its full potential in terms of aroma and potency. However, this state is fragile. If stored improperly, buds can dry out, degrade their terpenes and cannabinoids, or even become moldy. Even after perfect curing, poor storage can undo all your hard work. Light, air, heat, and humidity are the biggest threats to cannabis quality. Proper storage preserves the fresh aromas and full potency for an extended period.

The Impact of Light and Oxygen

Light, especially UV light, breaks down the valuable cannabinoids and terpenes in your cannabis, leading to rapid loss of potency and flavor. Oxygen also plays a big role: too much exposure to air oxidizes the active compounds, reducing their effectiveness. Therefore, it’s essential to protect your cannabis from these elements.

Humidity and Temperature

Too much humidity encourages mold growth, while too little causes buds to dry out and become brittle. Additionally, high temperatures can degrade cannabinoids, reducing the potency of the cannabis. Striking the right balance is key to successful long-term storage.

The Best Containers for Storing Cannabis

Choosing the right container is a critical step in the long-term storage of cannabis. Here are the best options:

1. Glass Jars

Glass jars, particularly airtight mason jars, are the best choice for storing cannabis. They prevent air from entering and drying out the buds. Additionally, glass is inert, meaning it won’t react with the terpenes and cannabinoids in cannabis, preserving the flavor and potency.

2. Specialty Cannabis Storage Containers

There are specific cannabis storage containers with built-in humidity control packs. These containers ensure stable relative humidity inside, preventing buds from drying out or becoming moldy. These are an excellent choice if you’re looking for a convenient and long-term solution.

3. Vacuum-Sealed Bags

Vacuum sealing is another method to keep your cannabis fresh for a long time. By removing air, you minimize the oxidation of cannabinoids and terpenes. However, make sure the buds aren’t crushed, as this can happen easily with vacuum-sealed bags.

Optimal Conditions for Storing Cannabis

1. Temperature

For optimal storage, the temperature should be between 15-21°C (59-70°F). High temperatures can break down cannabinoids and terpenes, resulting in a loss of potency and aroma. Avoid storing in areas exposed to direct sunlight or heat sources.

2. Humidity

The ideal humidity level is between 55-62%. Too much humidity encourages mold growth, while too little makes buds brittle and allows terpenes to evaporate faster. A hygrometer helps monitor the humidity in jars or containers to maintain an optimal level.

3. Light Conditions

Light is the biggest enemy of cannabis. UV rays destroy active compounds and cause cannabis to lose potency over time. Always store jars in a dark room or cupboard to minimize light exposure.

4. Air Circulation

While it’s important to keep containers airtight to minimize oxygen exposure, it’s equally important to "burp" the containers regularly in the first few weeks after curing. This allows excess moisture to escape and prevents mold growth.

Using Humidity Control Packs

Humidity control packs, like the popular Boveda packs, are a great way to keep the relative humidity in your cannabis storage containers stable. These two-way humidity control packs work both in conditions of low or high humidity, ensuring that your buds stay in perfect condition.

How Do Humidity Control Packs Work? These small packs contain a saturated solution that either releases or absorbs moisture as needed. This keeps humidity constant and reduces the risk of mold or bud dryness. Humidity control packs are especially useful for long-term storage as they maintain consistent conditions.

Advantages: The main advantage is convenience. You no longer need to worry about daily burping or constantly monitoring humidity – the packs handle that for you. They also come in various humidity levels, so you can create the perfect environment for your cannabis.

Common Mistakes in Cannabis Storage and How to Avoid Them

1. Using Plastic Containers

Many people opt for plastic containers for convenience, but plastic can create static electricity, which pulls the trichomes from the buds. Plastic can also emit odors over time, negatively impacting the aroma of your cannabis.

2. Storing in the Refrigerator or Freezer

While it might seem tempting to store cannabis in the fridge or freezer, this can damage the buds. The fridge often causes condensation, leading to mold. In the freezer, the delicate trichomes can break, causing a loss of potency.

3. Opening the Containers Too Often

Constantly opening the containers allows air in, disrupting the curing process and drying out the buds. Only open the containers when necessary to maintain long-term quality.