Good Weed Gone Bad? You Might Be Storing It Wrong

Cannabis flower is a living, breathing thing, and once it’s harvested, it becomes a race against time to keep buds fresh. And while it isn’t rocket science, knowing how to store weed is a bit of an art.

You may also wonder: does weed expire? Yes—kind of. Without proper storage, cannabis flower will dry out and will slowly lose the THC components that make it potent and unique.

Lucky for you, storing cannabis is nothing new, and there are some simple, tried-and-true methods available. If you want to know how to keep the weed you get at embarc fresher, longer - this is your guide.

How to store weed properly

Weed storage comes down to four key factors: Airtight containers, blocking light and ultraviolet (UV) rays, controlling your storage temperature, and managing relative humidity (RH)

Improper storage can cause bud to dry out or lose terpenes, the aromatic compounds that drive the weed’s flavor, aroma, and effects. It may also put cannabis at risk for mold, which is unsafe to smoke.

The big trick to cannabis storage is managing the factors you can control to offset the real wild cards. But when you know how to keep weed fresh, you can find ways around all that.

Step One: Keep your buds whole

Keeping your flower whole, in large nugs, is the best practice for cannabis long-term storage. Large chunks reduce surface area, which helps prevent oxidation, and it’s generally recommended to avoid grinding your flower until you’re ready to use it.

Step Two: Use an airtight container

Oxygen causes THC to degrade, so the more exposure cannabis has to the air, the faster it will lose its effectiveness. Airtight containers can reduce air exposure while also providing a smell-proof storage option to keep that stanky dank at peak potency.

Step Three: Block light and UV rays

Keeping cannabis away from light and UV rays is a great step to keeping cannabis fresh. Sunlight can quickly deteriorate the cannabinoids and terpenes, and we recommend keeping cannabis flower in a dark cabinet, in an ultraviolet-filtering glass jar, or both.

Step Four: Humidity control

Keeping your cannabis from drying out is a huge element in peak performance for your herb. Dried-out, stale weed isn’t fun for anyone, and humidity packs keep the environment just right to prevent overdrying or mold.

Step Five: Avoid heat

Whether you live in a desert or a downtown metropolis, it can get hot, and there’s not much you can do about it. Temperature and the weather are the biggest wild cards when keeping cannabis fresh.

The coolest place in your house is usually a dark cupboard. Try to avoid cupboards above or next to a stove or oven, but otherwise a dark place away from light should be enough.

What’s the best container for storing weed?

Airtight glass jars

Airtight glass jars prevent air from oxidizing cannabis, preventing the damage that would occur in open air. Many people like mason jars, but dark, opaque black weed jars, like an Infinity Jar Classic Jar, block UV light while it’s stored. Keeping the airtight jars in a dark place, like a kitchen cupboard, helps prevent drying out.

Metal containers

Metal containers can be great, but they do require a bit of vigilance to make sure you buy the right one. Cheap metal containers are prone to rust; they conduct heat, they aren’t always airtight, and the metal itself can transfer smells or tastes into your flower.

However, if you track down a high-quality, food-safe metal container, like a CVault, you’ll have a solution that can completely block UV rays and offer a highly durable way to keep your flower fresh.

Sealed bags

For long-term storage, vacuum-sealed or sealed storage bags are a top option because they save space and may help reduce odor. Grove Bags are a popular option since they’re designed specifically for cannabis. If you vacuum-seal, be careful not to pack too tightly, or the buds may get crushed

Best humidity for storing weed

According to ASTM International, the best humidity level for storing weed is an RH between 55% and 65% (or a water activity range of 0.55 to 0.65). When a cannabis flower’s relative humidity dips below 55%, it dries out and results in terpene loss. When the RH rises above 65%, it increases the risk of mold growth.

To control the RH levels in your stash, you can get a two-way humidity control pack. Vivi two-way humidity control packs help keep cannabis at a healthy humidity level. Although humidity packs come in multiple levels, it’s recommended to use packs rated for 62% RH if you live in dry environments, or 58% RH packs for areas with normal humidity.

How long does weed stay fresh?

This can depend on the flower and how it's stored, but most cannabis stays at its peak freshness for six months to a year.

Within the first 12 months, you may notice reduced strength and flavor. Exposure to air and light can cause THC to convert to CBN, a less intoxicating cannabinoid often used in sleep products.

This is why proper storage is critical to help make your flower last.

How to tell if weed has gone bad

If your cannabis has a harsh smoke, muted flavor, or appears discolored, it may no longer be good to smoke. However, stale bud can still be consumed—it’s just less pleasant. Moldy weed, on the other hand, could be dangerous and should be discarded.

Signs flower is stale

• Smell: If your weed doesn’t smell as strong as it once did, that is a sign of terpene loss.

• Sight: If the color is more brown than green, that could be a sign of oxidation.

• Taste: If your weed tastes muted, the terpenes may have off-gassed.

• Touch: If your weed is ultra-dry, crumbly, or has lost its “snap” when you break it apart, it could be stale.

Signs flower has mold

• White, grey, or brown color could indicate mold.

• A damp feel to your weed.

• A musty smell could mean mold is growing.

• Dark spots on your flower.

• If you find mold on your cannabis, throw it away.

Common Weed Storage Mistakes

Leaving weed in your car

It’s easy to take weed to a friend's house and forget about it when you’re back home. This could spell trouble, especially if it’s hot outside.

Direct sunlight

Leaving cannabis out in the open sunlight is a surefire way to lose terpenes and cannabinoids in a flash. Always store bud in a cool, dry place away from light exposure.

An oversized container

When you use a vessel that’s too big, oxygen can get trapped when you shut the lid. Finding a size that matches your stash also helps prevent oxidation of cannabis.

Proper Weed Storage: The Key to Quality Cannabis

Keeping cannabis fresh all comes down to how it's stored. Excessive moisture could lead to mold, while too much light or air could make bud brittle and harsh to smoke.

Next time you grab your favorite weed at embarc, be sure to check out the accessories area to find a top-shelf weed storage solution.