To preserve the quality and flavor of your marijuana, it is necessary to store it properly. After careful drying and aging of the growing process, carefully processed buds require certain conditions to preserve their valuable properties.
The basic rule is a cool and dark place. This helps prevent unwanted oxidation processes, thereby maintaining the taste and quality of the product. Remember that marijuana inevitably loses its potency over time, but proper storage can significantly slow down this process.
There is no hard shelf life for marijuana, but in general, you can expect it to retain its potency for 6 months to a year. Keep track of your stock and check it regularly for freshness to ensure you enjoy a quality product for a long time.
Optimal conditions for storing marijuana
It is important to maintain control over the climate in which your marijuana is stored. If possible, choose a dry area with temperatures below 70 degrees Fahrenheit or 21 degrees Celsius.
When stored at elevated temperatures and high humidity, your buds may develop mold and fly agaric. Mold grows actively in the range of 32 to 120 degrees Fahrenheit or 0 to 49 degrees Celsius. Mold growth is especially active at temperatures between 70 and 90 degrees Fahrenheit, or 21 and 32 degrees Celsius.
Cannabinoids and terpenes are overly sensitive to heat. The oils in terpenes can dry out and lose their potency, resulting in a loss of flavor and a sharper haze.
High temperatures initiate the decarboxylation process, which converts the cannabinoid THCA into the psychoactive THC. Once converted to THC, cannabinoids can further be converted into CBN, which no longer has psychoactive properties.
Humidity level for marijuana
Moisture and humidity levels play an important role in maintaining the quality of marijuana. After harvesting the hemp, it is necessary to carry out the drying and aging process.
Aging marijuana is aimed at gradually evaporating moisture from the bud without changing its consistency and taste. The optimal humidity level for nougat is 6 to 9 percent.
Losing moisture from a bud too quickly can radically change its structure. Similar to excessive heat, drying out terpenes can result in a loss of flavor and a harsher smoke.
Determining and understanding the correct humidity levels for marijuana is a complex process. Research conducted by the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) provides some explanation. In 2018, standard specifications were published to maintain the optimal water activity (aw) range (0.55 to 0.65) for dried marijuana flower. Water activity is defined as “the quantitative ability of marijuana flower in a sealed container to affect the humidity of the air inside the container.” The head space is the air surrounding the flower. Water activity measures the vapor pressure compared to pure water. If the water activity is 0.55, it means the water is 55 percent.
The water activity level of marijuana during storage should be between 0.55 and 0.65. As temperature increases, water activity also increases. Thus, it can be concluded that storing marijuana at humidity levels greater than 65 percent makes it susceptible to mold and loss of potency.
Lighting conditions for marijuana storage
Ultraviolet radiation promotes the rapid decomposition of organic substances, both through photolysis and oxidation. Exposing your marijuana to light will definitely do this.
In the 1970s, the University of London conducted research that concluded that light plays a key role in the breakdown of cannabinoids. The study also found that when stored properly, cannabinoids remain stable for up to two years.
Keeping your buds out of direct light also helps control the temperature.
Air control during cannabis storage
For optimal preservation of your marijuana, you must use airtight jars. Ideal options are opaque jars, such as brown Mason jars, which effectively control both air levels and light.
These jars help maintain a stable level of moisture in the buds. When properly cured, the humidity level should be stable enough that the marijuana can be stored in a sealed jar without issue. However, if the marijuana has not been aged properly, you will have to open the jar occasionally to keep the humidity level below 65 percent.
Sealed storage is so important because oxygen can cause compounds to decompose. The process of decomposition of organic matter in the presence of oxygen is called “aerobic” and is common in nature.