How to Store Weed, According to Experts

In The Green Scene, there's no such thing as a silly question about cannabis. What's the difference between THC and CBD? How the heck do I make edibles at home? What home design advice can dispensaries teach me? Kick back—we have the answers.

So maybe you want to make some cannabutter, or some double chocolate weed brownies. But the weed you have, well, possibly past its prime. It's unclear how good it is because it’s hard to know the best way to keep it fresh. Is a plastic bag really the best way to store cannabis flower? What about a mason jar? Just like it’s important to clip a bag of pretzels or reseal an airtight bag of granola to prevent it from going stale, storing your cannabis products properly is the best way to maintain their potency and quality. Cannabis buds don’t expire, per se, but they may become less effective and less flavorful if not stored properly. While it’s not unsafe to consume degraded or expired cannabis, you probably won’t feel significant psychoactive effects after consuming it. Here’s how to store it the right way:

How to Store Cannabis

You’ve probably heard these same keywords before about where to store olive oil, wine, and even vinegar: in a cool, dark, and dry place. The same can be said for cannabis buds and other cannabis products. Keep them away from light, warm spots, and humidity, all of which will decrease their shelf life. Make sure that wherever you store these products, the temperature and humidity remain stable; too much fluctuation can negatively impact the quality of the buds. “The same way UV light can fade the color of your favorite shirt or give you a sunburn, it can also break down the cannabinoids and terpenes in your bud,” according to Cannavine, a California-based dispensary. If it’s too humid, cannabis will begin to grow mold (it is a plant after all!). Don’t store cannabis in the refrigerator or freezer and instead, tuck it away in a drawer or cabinet away from other food.

So now that we’ve talked location, let’s go over types of storage. Any form of airtight jars or bags are preferable; bonus points if they also have a vacuum seal. “A glass jar is one of the best things you can use. One of the most common mistakes people make [when storing weed] is leaving too much headspace in the jar. Ideally, you want there to be very little space between the lid and the product,” explains Khalid Al-Naser, head of product at Raw Garden.

A tight-sealing Ball mason jar, particularly an amber-hued one, is ideal because it will keep moisture and light out. According to Veriheal, a healthcare technology company aimed at making medicinal cannabis more accessible, certain types of metal such as aluminum may affect the flavor of the cannabis if it’s kept in long-term storage; something like titanium or food-safe stainless steel is more neutral and shouldn’t change or degrade the flavor of weed. “Over time, some types of low-grade aluminum can leave a less desirable taste,” adds Al-Naser. Similarly, ditch the Altoids tin, since it’s a weak metal that doesn’t have a super tight seal.

Al-Naser adds that by using a Ball mason jar, you can store the cannabis near other food products without worrying about your morning cereal tasting like weed. A plastic Ziploc bag, on the other hand, won’t lock in the aroma as well and can spoil the taste of, say, a loaf of bread. Thus, your brunch guests may wonder if you’re actually serving THC-infused French toast for breakfast.

And this goes without saying, but we’re going to say it anyway: keep cannabis products out of reach from children or pets.