25 Nov 2024

Keep It Fresh: The Best Ways to Store Your Cannabis from the Best Dispensary in Chicago

Whether you're new to cannabis or a long-time enthusiast, knowing how to store your cannabis properly - be it flower or other products- is essential for maintaining its potency, flavor, and freshness. Proper storage is especially important if you buy in larger quantities or like to stock up on hard-to-find strains. Maybe you want to savor your favorite strains or edibles for a longer time, microdose, or take a tolerance break? If not stored correctly, cannabis can dry out, lose potency, and even become less effective. Sociale Dispensary, the best dispensary in Chicago, is here to share expert storage tips to preserve your cannabis products and ensure a top-shelf experience each time.

Trichome Damage and Terpene Loss: Losing Your Buds’ Buzz

Have you ever found that your cannabis isn’t as flavorful or potent as it once was? That’s likely because your trichomes and terpenes—the very things that give your flower its flavor, potency, and overall magic—are getting compromised. Trichomes, those tiny, glittery, crystal-like structures you see coating the buds, contain the cannabinoids (like THC and CBD) and terpenes are responsible for the effects and flavors. However, these delicate structures are easily damaged by improper handling and storage, leading to a loss in potency and overall experience.

In this blog, we’ll dive into what damages these precious trichomes and what causes terpenes to vanish, along with how to avoid it so you can keep your cannabis fresher, more flavorful, and as potent as the day you got it. Let’s dive into the science of cannabis preservation and how you can protect your investment.

Temperature and Humidity: The Goldilocks Principle of Cannabis Storage

Cannabis is like Goldilocks—it prefers an environment that's not too hot, not too cold, but just right. Temperature and humidity control are two of the most significant factors in ensuring your cannabis remains fresh and potent over time.

• Keep It Cool: Cannabis is best stored at temperatures between 60°F and 70°F. If your cannabis is exposed to temperatures that are too high, the cannabinoids can degrade, causing the buds to lose potency. However, storing cannabis in the refrigerator is not recommended. The temperature fluctuations can cause condensation and introduce moisture, which promotes mold growth.
• Humidity Control: Like temperature, humidity plays a crucial role in maintaining cannabis quality. Excess moisture can lead to mold, while too little humidity can dry out the flower.
  
  Relative humidity (RH) is the amount of moisture in the air (water vapor) compared to the maximum amount of moisture the air can hold at a certain temperature. It’s shown as a percentage. For example, if the air has 50% relative humidity, it means the air is holding half of the moisture it’s capable of holding at that temperature. Some cannabis users regulate moisture inside their storage containers with humidity packs, which come in different moisture options depending on your environment. Aim for a relative humidity level of 55% to 62% to keep your buds fresh but not susceptible to mold.

The Impact of Light on Cannabis

Light exposure, particularly UV light, is one of the leading causes of cannabis degradation. UV rays have a damaging effect on cannabis by breaking down key compounds like cannabinoids and terpenes, which are essential for the plant’s potency, flavor, and aroma. When cannabis is exposed to UV light, the cannabinoids and cannabidiol, such as THC and CBD begin to degrade. In particular, UV light can convert THC into CBN (cannabinol), a compound that is far less psychoactive, leading to a less potent experience.

Terpenes, the aromatic compounds that give cannabis its distinct flavor, are also sensitive to UV light and heat. Prolonged exposure can cause these terpenes to evaporate or degrade, resulting in diminished flavor and aroma. UV light also accelerates the process of oxidation, which breaks down the plant’s overall quality, leading to a stale and less effective product. This makes proper storage in a dark, UV-protected environment essential for preserving the potency and freshness of your cannabis.

• Store in Darkness: Keep your cannabis in a dark environment, like a cupboard, drawer, or any storage area out of direct sunlight. This simple step will help maintain the product’s potency for a longer period.
• Opaque or Dark Containers: If you want to take it up a notch, choose opaque or amber-colored storage containers. Similar to dark beer or wine bottles, these specialized jars block harmful UV rays from breaking down the chemical compounds in your flower and are specifically designed for long-term storage. Sociale Dispensary, the best dispensary in Chicago, offers a range of high-quality, UV-resistant solutions to keep your stash safe.

Airtight Containers: Lock in Freshness

Exposure to oxygen causes cannabis to dry out, lose its aromatic terpenes, and become less potent. Air is one of the biggest threats to your stash’s longevity, making airtight storage a necessity.

• Choose Glass Over Plastic: Glass jars with airtight seals are the preferred choice for storing cannabis. They prevent air from reaching your buds, keeping them fresh. Plastic, on the other hand, including plastic bags you might get from a weed dispensary, can create static, which pulls trichomes—the potent crystals or kief—from the flower. This can diminish your cannabis's strength and overall quality. Mason jars or jars designed specifically for cannabis are ideal for long-term storage.
• Vacuum Sealing for Long-Term Storage: For those storing cannabis long-term, vacuum sealing is another option. Removing excess air helps preserve freshness for extended periods, making vacuum-sealed containers perfect for those who like to stock up.

Avoid Excess Handling: The Fewer Touches, The Better

While it might be tempting to handle your cannabis to admire its sparkling trichomes or take in the smell, overhandling can actually cause it to degrade. The trichomes, which contain the highest concentration of cannabinoids, can break off, reducing the potency of your flower. Trichomes are easily disturbed by skin oils when handled too much. Frequently touching or squeezing the buds can damage or remove the trichomes.

• Use Tweezers or a Scoop: Consider using tweezers, scoops, small spoons, or tools when handling your cannabis to avoid losing trichomes. This minimizes contact and helps preserve your flower’s potency.

The Importance of Childproof and Pet-Safe Storage

If you have children or pets at home, safe cannabis storage is absolutely necessary to prevent potentially dangerous accidents. Cannabis edibles, which often resemble everyday snacks or candies, can easily be mistaken for regular food by both children and pets. This makes edibles especially risky if not stored correctly, as they typically contain concentrated amounts of THC, leading to more severe effects if ingested accidentally. 

Pets, particularly dogs, are also highly sensitive to THC, and even small amounts of cannabis can pose serious health risks. Ingesting cannabis can result in symptoms like disorientation, vomiting, difficulty walking, or even more serious reactions in both children and animals. Properly storing your cannabis products in child-proof, airtight containers and keeping them out of reach is essential for maintaining a safe household and preventing accidental exposure.

Call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222 for guidance if your child has ingested a cannabis edible. They can help assess the situation and advise on whether medical intervention is necessary. 

Likewise, for pets, there is a Pet Poison Helpline at 1-855-764-7661 that can advise on the best course of action should your pet ingest cannabis products. 

• Invest in Childproof Containers: Many cannabis products come in childproof containers, but if they don’t, it’s wise to invest in them. Be sure to re-secure these containers after each use to prevent accidental ingestion. 
• Store Cannabis Out of Reach: A simple way to ensure safety is to keep your cannabis products in high-up locations, locked drawers, or cabinets that are out of reach of both children and pets.

Shelf Life of Cannabis Products

While properly stored cannabis can remain potent and fresh for up to six months or longer, it's important to remember that cannabinoids and terpenes will naturally degrade over time. However, by maintaining a stable environment—cool, dry, dark, and with limited air exposure—you’ll maximize the shelf life of your cannabis.

If you’re unsure whether your cannabis is still good, trust your senses: dry, brittle buds, a lack of aroma, or discoloration may be signs that it’s past its prime. But if it still smells fragrant and feels sticky to the touch, you’re good to go.

The shelf life of cannabis products can vary depending on how they are stored and the type of product.

The Role of Technology in Cannabis Storage

In recent years, technology has introduced new ways to enhance cannabis storage. From humidity-controlled containers to odor-proof bags and vacuum sealing kits, there are plenty of gadgets to help you extend the life of your cannabis.

• Humidity-Controlled Jars: Companies are now offering jars equipped with built-in humidity control packs, ensuring your cannabis stays at the optimal moisture level without additional monitoring.
• Smart Containers: For the tech-savvy cannabis user, some companies have introduced "smart" containers that monitor the temperature, humidity, and air levels in real time, alerting you via an app if conditions are less than ideal.

Final Thoughts: Keep Your Cannabis Fresh with Sociale Dispensary

At Sociale Dispensary, the best dispensary in Chicago, we’re passionate about helping our customers get the most out of their cannabis products. Proper storage not only preserves the flavor and potency of your cannabis but also ensures a consistently enjoyable experience. Whether you need advice on storage techniques or high-quality storage containers, we’re here to assist you.

Visit Sociale Dispensary, a dispensary near Park Ridge, IL, today to learn more about cannabis storage solutions and to explore our wide range of premium cannabis products. Your next fresh experience awaits!