In pop culture, cannabis is often depicted as sealed in plastic baggies or hidden away in a dresser drawer. Yet proper cannabis storage is important for health and safety reasons.

And, let’s face it, cannabis can be expensive, so you want to make sure you are storing it in the best way possible to make it last as long as possible.

For storing cannabis flower

Store it in a jar (or otherwise airtight, waterproof container) in a dark, dry place. If removing flower from its original packaging, we prefer a glass jar as it is environmentally friendly, reusable, and free of any after-taste.

Reason 1:

If you are buying your cannabis flower from a dispensary, you will notice that it either comes sealed in an airtight jar or a re-closable bag. This is because you want to avoid humidity, which causes mold.

How do you recognize mold? Check to make sure there’s no grey or white fuzz accumulating on your plant matter. If you store your cannabis flower in an airtight container such as a jar this will help. If you are not storing your cannabis flower in a jar, make sure it is in a cool container, far away from water.

Do not touch your cannabis with wet hands and replace it in the container as dampness may cause mold. Consuming moldy cannabis is not good for anyone, but it is especially bad for patients who are immunocompromised or suffering from respiratory problems like asthma.

Reason 2:

You want to keep that fruity (or fresh grass) smell. The more cannabis is handled, the more that the crystals that coat the cannabis bud, called trichomes, fall off. Keeping it in a single location will prevent movement. Additionally, keeping it in an airtight vessel will help cannabis flower maintain its natural terpene smell.

Reason 3:

You want it to keep its potency. Leaving cannabis in a plastic baggie or out in the open will cause it to dry and it may lose some potency as terpenes evaporate and the buds go stale. Some companies sell humidity stones or packs that prevent dehydration and increase the storage life of bud.

For storing edibles:

Edibles will usually tell you what type of conditions it should be stored in. Edibles made with butter should be refrigerated. Not frozen. Putting cannabis in food will not magically extend the shelf life of your carrot cake or hummus although it may taste delicious. Keep edibles wrapped, preferably in their original packaging, prior to consumption. Break out the plastic wrap if you have to.

For storing oils, tinctures and topicals:

Store in a cool, dry place. While oils, tinctures, and topicals do not typically attract mold, high temperatures may change the consistency of the dosage because of evaporation. Many tinctures are made with oils, like coconut, that might solidify when cool. Use heat from your hands, not an external heat source to warm your oil. Heating might destroy part of the cannabinoids.

For all cannabis:

STORE IT IN A SAFE, CHILDPROOF (or pet-proof) LOCATION
Whether using cannabis for relaxation or for medical treatment, it is your cannabis. That means you are responsible for its consumption.
If you live in a household with children or pets, store your cannabis in a location that is not easily accessible to either, such as on a high shelf or in a locked cabinet. There are several companies that even sell locked purses where you can place your jar of flower or bottle of tincture. 

Stay safe and stay fresh.  And don’t forget to Try Tikun!