Storing Cannabis the Right Way
When storing cannabis, it is important to make sure the environment is dark, cool, and dry. A refrigerator is generally not a good idea, for moisture can form inside the container, and ruin the weed. However, a cabinet in a cool, dark place is ideal. Make sure that the container you use is air-tight, as oxygen can cause the cannabis to dry out. Also, avoid direct contact with sunlight as this can damage the cannabinoids and terpenes. To maximize freshness, store cannabis in an airtight container and keep it in a cool, dark place. It is also important to store different types of cannabis separately, as odors can transfer between them.
Cannabis quality and potency undergo changes over time. In its living form, the precursors of THC and CBD, known as THCa and CBDa, are present in the plant. These compounds are non-psychotropic. However, they become active as THC and CBD only after losing certain molecules. This natural process occurs gradually over time and is accelerated by heat, light, especially ultraviolet light.
After the buds are dried and cured, their potency reaches its peak. As time goes by, THC gradually degrades into CBN, a cannabinoid with significantly lower psychoactive effects than THC.
A study conducted at the University of Mississippi examined low-quality cannabis stored for four years at room temperature (20-22°C or 68-72°F). The research revealed that the percentage loss of THC was directly proportional to the storage time, with the greatest decline observed in the first year. As THC levels decrease, the concentration of CBN increases.
Below; Vacuum Sealed Mason Jars from Cannabis
According to the current general consensus, the best way to store cannabis in Mason jars is as follows:
- Choose a clean and airtight Mason jar: Opt for glass Mason jars with rubber-sealed lids. Ensure that the jars are clean and completely dry before use.
- Use appropriate jar sizes: Select a jar size that accommodates the amount of cannabis you intend to store. It’s best to avoid storing a large quantity in a small jar, as excess air in the container can lead to degradation.
- Store in a cool and dark location: Find a cool and dark place to store the Mason jars. Heat, light, and UV radiation can degrade the cannabinoids and affect the overall quality of the cannabis. A dark cupboard or drawer away from direct sunlight is an ideal choice.
- Maintain consistent temperature and humidity: Aim to store cannabis in an environment with stable temperature and humidity levels. Ideally, temperatures between 18-24°C (64-75°F) and humidity levels around 59-63% are recommended for preserving the freshness and potency of the cannabis.
- Avoid excessive handling: Limit unnecessary exposure to air and physical handling, as these factors can contribute to the degradation of cannabinoids. Only open the jar when necessary, and handle the buds gently to minimize trichome damage.
- Monitor and control moisture levels: Excess moisture can promote mold growth and reduce the quality of stored cannabis. Use humidity control packs, such as Boveda or Integra Boost, to maintain optimal moisture levels inside the Mason jars. These packs help regulate humidity and preserve the cannabis’ flavor, aroma, and potency.
- Regularly check for signs of degradation: Periodically inspect the stored cannabis for any signs of mold, mildew, or loss of potency. If you notice any issues, remove the affected portion and ensure the remaining cannabis is properly stored.
By following these guidelines, storing cannabis in Mason jars can help maintain its quality, potency, and flavor over an extended period.
Humidity Containers are also a preferred method of storage; Humidity-controlled storage containers: Consider investing in specialized humidity-controlled storage containers, such as CVaults or Herb Preserve jars. These containers feature built-in humidity regulators or packs that help maintain optimal moisture levels for cannabis storage. They provide a controlled environment that protects against excessive moisture or dryness, preserving the flavor, aroma, and potency of the cannabis over time.
Remember, whichever storage method you choose, always keep your cannabis away from light, heat, and moisture. Maintaining consistent environmental conditions and minimizing air exposure are key to extending the shelf life of your cannabis.
Can Cannabis be Vaccum Pack sealed Airtight for Long Term Preservation?
Yes, cannabis can be vaccuum packed, but there are mixed opinions as to whether it preserves the aroma of terpenes, thc and cbd. Hence, one should experiment oneself perhaps with small amounts to see the results, for nothing is better than personal experience to know the truth, especially in an age where mixed opinions are rife on the internet. Vacuum packed cannabis is a way of ensuring that the cannabis is not exposed to air or moisture, which can damage the plant and reduce its potency. In general, vacuum packing cannabis can help maintain its freshness and potency. The vacuum sealed bag also prevents cannabis from coming into contact with oxygen, which can degrade the cannabis’s THC content. Additionally, vacuum packing cannabis also helps to keep the smell of the product contained. This is especially important if you are trying to keep your cannabis consumption private. In addition to maintaining potency and freshness, vacuum packing cannabis also helps to keep the buds from drying out or becoming brittle. This helps to maximize the shelf life of the product
Cannabis must be harvested and transported in a balanced manner to end users. Due to the flower’s delicate nature, the time after harvest is a crucial one. Temperature variations, moisture content, and evaporation all have an impact on the special qualities of your cannabis harvest. Many of these problems are resolved with vacuum seal bags, which additionally provide the cannabis flower the protection it requires. There is a reason why marijuana users go to great lengths to keep their herb tightly sealed. In conjunction with maintaining it out of sight, it is widely accepted that less air exposure keeps it fresher and more effective. Terpenes won’t dry out, trichomes continue to remain amid the flower buds and your weed won’t burn as fiercely.
You may also lower humidity, which can encourage the growth of mold, by keeping your cannabis out of the air. Store the terpenes and cannabinoids in a cool location to prevent drying out.
Below 23.89 degrees Celsius (75 degrees Fahrenheit) is the ideal temperature. When you grind the flower, you’ll detect more of an aroma if the majority of the terpenes have been maintained. Vacuum seal bags, as stated by many producers, dispensary owners, and consumers, protect your harvest’s distinctive odor from dissipating. Some people however, believe that the terpenes’ aromas can, however, gradually deteriorate over time. Furthermore, they offer defense against mold, freezer burn, and other outside factors that could harm your produce.
What You ought to Know Regarding Health when Vacuum Sealing Weed
If the weed you acquired was not properly stored, it is like tossing your cash away, since it can make you feel unwell. Cannabis can be stored in an airtight vacuum-sealed container for up to two years, preserving it from humidity, heat, and sunlight. THC is transformed into CBN (cannabinol) in the presence of light or heat, which can make you feel sick and dizzy. Cannabinol can only be found in cannabis.
Vacuum sealing is one way of cannabis preservation, but it is not for everyone. It is an excellent approach for some users to keep the buds fresh for extended periods of time. Others contend that vacuum-sealed bags impair the fragrance of their cannabis. The debate over whether or not to vacuum seal is ultimately one of personal preference. There are however some specialized products to help preserve moisture and terpenes, which can be added to a vaccuum sealed bag of cannabis to preserve the aroma, and a variety of packaging alternatives that are assured not to affect the profile attributes of your marijuana.
