Best Way to Store Marijuana Flower

It’s likely no surprise that marijuana flower, like any cannabis product, needs to be stored properly. But it might surprise you that that means using more than a simple, resealable bag. There’s a right way to store cannabis flower and a wrong way to store it, and in this guide, we’ll explain it all, including:

• Why Do You Need to Store Marijuana Flower Properly?
• What’s the Best Way to Store Flower?
• What are the Best Cannabis Storage Containers?
• How Do You Know if Flower Has Gone Bad? 
• Can You Store Your Cannabis in the Refrigerator or the Freezer? 

Want to learn about other marijuana products? Check out our popular guide “Edibles 101” today. 
 

Why Do You Need to Store Cannabis Flower Properly?

There are three important reasons to properly store your cannabis flower:

• Preserve the quality
• Extend the shelf life
• Prevent mold
   

Preserve the Quality

Imagine going to your licensed dispensary, picking out your favorite premium flower (which comes with a premium price, too), taking it home, and in a week, it’s dried out and tastes bad because you didn’t store it properly. Not only did you waste a lot of money, but you’ve possibly changed the experience of the flower.

Quality, when it comes to marijuana flower, is important. You want to be able to experience the rich terpenes in the bud that give it its flavor and aroma. You want to consume the cannabinoids and flavonoids that make the strain you picked so unique. It’s nearly impossible to do that if the quality of the marijuana has degraded because it wasn’t stored properly. 

Extend the Shelf-life

Just like most people don’t buy their groceries fresh everyday from the store, the typical cannabis consumer doesn’t visit the dispensary every day. When you buy your cannabis flower, you must store it properly to ensure that you can enjoy your purchase between dispensary visits.

Prevent Mold

Improperly stored marijuana flower can take in moisture, which causes both mold and bacteria to grow on the flower. This can lead to a dangerous series of events if you consume the tainted flower. In fact, in May of 2018, the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) published the Standard Specification for Maintaining Acceptable Water Activity (aw) Range (-.55 to -.65) for Dry Cannabis Flower. This means that humidity above 65% can cause cannabis to grow mold. By storing marijuana flower properly, you can keep the moisture levels of your cannabis within acceptable ranges and ensure you stay safe. 

Now that you know why you should store it, let’s cover how you should store it. 
 

What’s the Best Way To Store Flower?

Exposure to heat, light, or moisture can all quickly ruin your cannabis flower. Here are our tips for minimizing these elements: 

1. Keep it in a cool place. Most households keep their houses around 70 degrees to be the most comfortable. Cannabis flower prefers the same temperatures. This is because anything above 70 degrees can start to get too warm which may encourage moisture to develop within a container. Too much moisture means mold and bacteria will grow. Generally speaking, if you’re cold or warm, your cannabis likely is too, so tuck it away in a closet or pantry to keep it at the right temperature.
    
2. Minimize exposure to light. Light, for dried cannabis flower, is bad. In fact, it’s the fastest way to degrade your marijuana. Light can deteriorate the cannabinoids and turn the THCa into THC which then turns into CBN. If you’re looking for a psychoactive experience, you’re not going to find it with CBN. 
   
   Keep your marijuana in an opaque container. This will ensure it has extra protection, compared to a clear container. 
    
3. Seal it off from moisture and humidity. We’ve touched on this a little bit, but moisture and humidity create mold, mildew, and bacteria. You do not want to consume any of those three things with your marijuana flower and risk serious health complications. Ensure your container is sealed, and if you notice any funny colors or odd smells when you open the container, it is best to purchase new flower. 

What Are the Best Containers for Cannabis Storage?

The best container for cannabis storage is an opaque container (preferably glass) with an air-tight seal. While you can purchase jars that are specially made for cannabis product storage, you may also have some items around the house that you can use. The best storage containers for cannabis include: 

1. Mason jars: This is hands-down the most popular jar that cannabis consumers use to store their marijuana. They’re easily obtainable, come with a lid for an air-tight seal, and can help maintain optimal humidity better than plastic. The downside? They’re clear. Clear jars let light in more easily than opaque jars, so if you’re using a clear jar, make sure it’s placed in a closet or cabinet with minimal light. 
    
2. Titanium jars: Most metal jars can give marijuana flower a weird flavor, so cannabis consumers tend to avoid them. Titanium jars are an exception to this rule. While we prefer glass jars to titanium, this is a good second option for flower storage. 
    
3. Tight sealing bag: If you’re in a pinch and need a container, this will work, but only for the short term. Place your flower in the bag, press the air out of it, and seal it tight. Keep it in a cool, dark place and go get a better container as soon as possible. Plastic can promote moisture, so the longer you have your flower in that bag, the more likely you are to ruin your product. 
    
4. Humidor: For cannabis enthusiasts, this is a splurge that just might be worth it. Humidors have been used for years to keep tobacco products in a temperature-controlled environment. Now, cannabis humidors can do the same for your marijuana products. It’s important to note, however, that you must purchase a humidor made specifically for cannabis. If you don’t, you may end up ruining the flavor of your cannabis. 
    

How Do You Know If Flower Has Gone Bad?

Whenever you store cannabis or take cannabis out of storage, you want to do a detailed inspection of the marijuana. You don’t want to store compromised flower and risk tainting it further, and you don’t want to consume flower that was not stored properly. 

There are a few ways to know if your flower has gone bad, including:

• It smells musty or moldy.
• It’s dry in appearance and crumbles easily.
• There’s visible mold.
• It has a crackly feel when handled.
• It has a strange taste.

If you notice any of these warning signs, the safest option is to dispose of the marijuana and purchase fresh flower. 
 

Can You Store Your Cannabis in the Refrigerator or Freezer?

The short answer is: you really shouldn’t. Some cannabis producers flash freeze their cannabis to create products like cannabis concentrates. Most people don’t have this capability at home, so freezing your marijuana flower will turn your cannabis brittle, ruin the trichomes, and create less flavorful bud. 

The only caveat to this advice comes if you’re in a hot climate and the temperatures in your home are elevated. Then, you may want to cycle your cannabis in and out of the fridge to ensure it doesn’t get so hot that it’s ruined. 

If you have questions about storing marijuana flower, or you want to purchase high-quality marijuana flower for yourself, visit one of your local dispensaries. You can talk to cannabis experts who can help you find the perfect product for you.
 

Recreational Cannabis is not available in all states. Cannabis is for medical use only and may only be used by certified patients in Maryland, New York, and Pennsylvania. State laws impact what dispensaries can and can’t sell to recreational customers and medical marijuana patients. Not every type of product, consumption method, dosage form, or potency mentioned on this blog will be permitted in all locations.