Cannabis does not have a long shelf life. Over time it dries, which results in significant losses of potency. It is important to understand that drying begins long before you purchase the product.
Air circulation is maintained to prevent dampness, pests, and mildew as cannabis grows. The circulation helps to strengthen their growth. However, it can also dry out the cannabis plant on its surface.
Cannabis is usually cured by hanging it in the air. The cannabis is further dried to be used in typical ways. The consumer wants it to be slightly brittle and plump. It should also be dry enough for the breakage of flakes or broken material to fill splits, or to grind into smaller pieces. As cannabis is packed, transported and displayed in dispensaries, it will continue to dry. How can the consumer keep cannabis fresher longer?
What can you do?
For a good storage of cannabis, you’ll need equipment, some space and commonsense. It won’t cost much to store cannabis well.
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What is the best way to freeze the product? The herbaceous nature of cannabis will make it impossible to freeze in any container. Its freshness will be destroyed by the extreme cold and it may even ruin itself. The freezing process will cause the plants to lose their nutrition by re-hydrating them. Real problem is repeated opening and shutting of the freezer. Its lifecycle is affected by the change in temperature and there’s a greater risk of contamination.
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How to avoid the heat In contrast, avoid placing your cannabis in a space that is too warm, such as an open cabinet, a closed closet, or near a source of heat or sunlight. Heat will continue to make the cannabis brittle, and it is difficult to handle. It will also exhaust the benefits that cannabinoids and flavonoids as well as terpenes, which are mainly found in the trichomes, have.
- What about glass jars? Since decades, cannabis users have trusted airtight Mason Jars. There are many glass containers with this brand name, but it is important to be able to close them tightly. One of the benefits to a transparent class is the ability to inspect the contents. Veterans recommend that you choose one of many available dark-colored glass jars. Dark glass shields cannabis from UV rays and heat producing light. Label the dark-glass jars by adding the name of the strain and date stored. Canada’s HerbGuard offers black glass jars in various sizes at very reasonable prices.
- What is your opinion of plastic? There are many sizes and types of plastic containers. Plastics can taint food’s aroma or taste. Select containers with an airtight lid to avoid moisture or contaminants entering. You can store a little stash in the plastic amber containers with childproof lids that doctors use to deliver their prescription drugs.
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Vacuum seal the vacuum? A vacuum sealer can be purchased at large-box retailers or on the internet. They are advertised as being able to pack produce, meats and cooked products without affecting their flavor or nutritional value. The vacuum sealers use plastic bags that are sucked dry by the machine. The vacuum can remove any contaminants or toxins in the air. If you use plastic bags without bisphenol, it will also eliminate humidity. Others, however, do not want to expose cannabis at all to polymers, as the vacuum pressurized air can affect the quality and potency.
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Why not add a little fruit? The addition of a lemon rind (or other organic material) to complement the predominant flavors or aromas has been done for many years. The material should absorb excess moisture. However, adding organic materials can also introduce mold and mildew.
- Boveda Packs are an innovative way to pack.. These are the little absorbent packs that you often find with package deliveries. These absorb humidity without harming the cannabinoids and trichomes. Boveda’s packs are made up of salts, and small absorbent beads that control RH.
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Are you into humidors? A handsome, formal humidor is a favorite of some longtime cannabis consumers. A humidor of the right size can hold more than one variety, and opening it to reveal your stash will impress guests. The lids of humidors are snugly fitting and airtight, just like the ones available for cigars. RH Monitors can be installed in many homes to ensure that the humidity level is between 59% and 63 %.
- Humidors These boxes are available in a variety of woods, some with external finishes and filters or charcoals that absorb smells. They come in different woods, with different finishes and some even have inlaid designs or engravings. Many of these boxes have plenty of space for tools and other supplies. Apothecary Case provides a range of appealing options, including jars for storage, equipment to prepare your dose, and combination locks.
- Are titanium containers good? Ironically, titanium may be “gold-standard” for cannabis storage. Titanium can be expensive but is great for keeping out moisture while retaining flavor. You can find a small Lunamax Titanium jar for less than $25 from major retailers. Look for ones that include a grinder.
Keep it cool, calm, and collected –
Store cannabis in dark, cool conditions in tightly-sealed containers. This will prevent moisture from entering and contaminating the product. It should still be handled with caution and used according to a plan that preserves its potency, flavor and aroma. You will need to spend some time and money on research.