Whether you use marijuana or hemp flower, you know that it is not cheap to buy. You want to make your weed last for as long as possible and you want it to stay as potent as possible. The more potent it is, the less you need.
Another thing that is important to many cannabis users is disguising or eliminating the smell that cannabis can produce. Some people may need to hide the smell of their cannabis, while others may not. It could be that a cannabis user needs to hide the fact that they have it, while others just prefer to keep their use private because they want to. Gone are the days when simply storing it in a plastic baggy will do and this is especially true if you’re using CBD flower in a state where recreational and medical cannabis usage is still illegal.
How Long Does CBD Flower Stay Good?
Because CBD flower (hemp) is still scientifically considered a variety of cannabis, the way it is stored and its longevity are almost exactly the same. A study that was in the Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmacology showed that cannabinoids in cannabis can stay stable for up to two years when it is cured and stored correctly. It is vital to create the perfect storage environment for your cannabis if you want it to remain the best it can be over time.
A simple plastic bag is not the answer. Leaving it out in an open on a tray is not the answer; whether your local climate is dry or humid, it won’t take long for it to spoil. Rolling it up into joints and storing it in a box is also not the answer. The correct method for storage method can be to purchase a special bag or another container that has been specifically designed for cannabis storage.
What Can Cause CBD Flower To Degrade?
Understanding what elements can adversely affect your weed is important to know so you can keep it protected from deterioration. How your cannabis is cured is the first most important step. If you grow cannabis in a state where it is legal, then you will need to learn the correct methods for curing so your cannabis will be as potent as possible and not damage valuable cannabinoids. If you live where it is legal to buy CBD flower or cannabis from a store or online, then chances are your cannabis will already be cured correctly.
Light
Keeping your cannabis from direct light or sunlight is essential. Light is one of the most harmful cannabis elements. If you have ever noticed how the summer sun can lighten your hair or dull the paint on your car, UV light can do a similar thing to the valuable compounds in your weed. To prevent light from destroying cannabinoids and terpenes in cannabis, it must be kept out of the light as much as possible.
Air
Keeping your cannabis from open-air is another way to help preserve it. Keeping the oxygen level correct is essential too. If your weed is exposed to too much oxygen, it can speed up the degradation process, while too little oxygen can alter humidity levels and can lead to mold or mildew. Many people choose to vacuum seal their flower. Others use a jar with an easy seal and open lid. You want to make sure you use the right size jar. Even though no added oxygen can in when it is sealed, if the jar is too large, there can be excess oxygen inside the jar which can cause degradation too. Even so, don’t pack your buds too tightly so that it won’t cause humidity.
Moisture
When speaking of humidity, it means moisture can lead to mold and that can be a bad thing. Moldy weed can even make you sick, so you must keep it dry enough to prevent mold. However, if you allow cannabis to become too dry, that can degrade the terpenes and cannabinoids too. It is a tricky balance to keep between too moist and too dry. Ideally, you want to keep your weed stored between 59 and 63 relative humidity (RH). Humidity packs can help with this; one popular brand is Boveda.
Temperature
If the temperature where your cannabis is stored is too high, it can cause terpenes to dry out and evaporate. This means your weed will be harsh and taste bad. Terpenes in cannabis deal with the weed’s aroma and flavor. The best temperature for storing weed is below 78°. Mold will grow between 78° and 86° and you want to avoid mold growth at all cost. It seems that storing weed in a cool and dry place that is also dark, is the best solution along with the container you store it in.
Some people like to store their weed in the refrigerator because it is cool and dark, but it can be exposed to moisture. Some people choose to freeze their weed, but freezing can cause trichomes to burst and this can decrease potency. Choosing a dark, cool basement or closet might be two of the best choices to use for storage.
CBD Flower Storage Don’ts
Don’t use plastic jars – they can hold too much moisture
Don’t use fruit rinds to enhance flavor – it can cause mold
Don’t store weed with pipes or other paraphernalia – weed can absorb stale flavors or smells
Don’t store in a tobacco humidor – if it is made from cedar, weed can absorb the cedar oil
With all of the do’s and don’ts associated with storing your cannabis, the easiest solution is to invest in bags that will keep your cannabis in top form. Using a smell proof storage bag also makes it easier to travel with your cannabis if you need to. Check out these popular storage options below to find the perfect solution for you:
Ozchin Smell Proof Bag/ Combination Lock
This bag seems like a great value at only $23.59! Since this bag is odor-free, it will always be discreet at home or when traveling. It has 8 activated carbon fiber linings that will keep your cannabis fresh and flavorful. It is water-resistant. It measures 8.5 x 5.5 x 4.5 inch. It has a large inner capacity that comes with 3 strong, thick, and removable Velcro dividers with heavy-duty zippers. It has a strong combination lock
TUS Smell Proof Bag
This bag is very affordable, but still serves its purpose well. The bag is smell proof so no odors will escape. The bag is small at 11 x 6 so it will fit into any backpack or use as a clutch in your hand. It has an inside carbon lining, wrist strap, and Velcro to create a bag that does what is expected. Perfect for home use or travel. Makes a great, inexpensive gift too!
E EGOOZ Smell Proof Bag/Combination Lock
The activated carbon fiber lining locks in smells to trap any scent. No worries when you use it for travel or just to keep your cannabis stored at home. It will keep your stash fresh.
It comes with a security lock with a combination to safeguard privacy and safety. It has two removable dividers that allow you to organize according to your choice. It’s big enough to store your necessities, yet small and light for easy concealment and travel.
H5 Smell Proof Bag Set
This bag is pretty versatile. Not only is it smell-proof, but it also has a space for all your cannabis storage needs. You won’t be rummaging around for your necessities because it has a detachable middle compartment with 3 slots and 2 detachable dividers. It has a mesh pocket inside the lid as well.
Break proof zippers mean there will be so escaping smell. This is why the Hybrid 5 is the only smell proof case with pipe storage with the toughest YKK zipper that is watertight. The case is 8 x 5 x 4 and comes with an extra smell proof container for even better peace of mind. You will also receive 4x reusable travel bags, plus a free extra combination lock that is stronger than what you can find on any other bag
Formline Smell Proof Bag
If all you need is a simple storage bag that is smell-proof, then this could be perfect for you. This simple bag is great for scent-free storage at home, in your car, or traveling some other way. K Formline has an exclusive double wall 3 seal system that gives two times the smell suppressing lining compared to other containers. Not only can this bag provide great storage for your cannabis it also works well for spices, herbs, hops, and even dog treats!
Helmet Head Smell Proof Case/Combination Lock
This bag may cost a little more than others, but it could be well worth it! It is 100% smell proof to help avoid unwanted attention anywhere, at home, or on the go! You can keep your valuables safe and secure with the combination lockable storage bag that can help prevent child or pet access as well as others.
The outer shell is water repellent. It is designed to stand over time with heavy-duty constructed materials. This modular case will keep your herb supplies organized as you choose. Helmet Head is well known for it’s smell-proof storage!