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What is the Best Way to Store my Homegrown Cannabis? Leave a comment

When beginning to grow your own cannabis, you may be wondering how to store your fresh buds and if they ever do go mouldy. If using cannabis for medicinal reasons, you will want to make sure that it is at its best, to ensure you are getting the right amount of potency.

Here we will discuss how the store your cannabis and the right conditions to set up.

How long will my homegrown cannabis stay fresh?

Generally, when stored in the right conditions, cannabis can last anywhere from 6 months to up to one year. After this time, you will slowly see it lose its aroma, potency, and freshness.

Using homegrown cannabis that is well past its use by date, will not generally causes any serious medical harm, unless if it has grown mould, when it may cause sickness.

What changes will I notice in my weed?

You can tell if your homegrown cannabis has gone bad, firstly from the smell. This will be a sure tell-tale sign that there is something wrong. You may find that your cannabis smells extraordinarily strong and a little off, or it may have lost its aroma entirely.

The texture may also start to change. If your cannabis starts to crumble or feel squidgy, it maybe be too dry, too wet, or simply just past its freshness date.

Sometimes it may grow mould. This mould will look like tiny white dots or powder and will probably be hard to spot. It will also smell ‘off’. Using weed with mould may cause you to feel sick or vomit and could cause more serious problems for people with a low immune system.

What are the right conditions to store my homegrown weed?

Cannabis should always be stored in a dark, cool place. Airtight, glass jars are one of the best ways to store your cannabis.

Avoid using plastic bags or Tupperware as the plastic can create static which will affect the trichomes on the bud (these are the small hairs that make cannabinoids and terpenes, so you do not want to mess with that!).

weed in glass jar next to scales

Best temperature to store your cannabis

Avoid storing your cannabis in temperatures from 25 to 30 degrees centigrade as this is when mould and bacteria will thrive. Also, if your cannabis is exposed to too much heat, the smoke will not be high quality as the cannabinoids and terpenes will have dried out.

If your cannabis if left to be stored in too cold a temperature, it will slow the decarboxylation of cannabinoids, which will mean it may not develop enough THC, or convert it into another cannabinoid with different effects.

A temperature range of around 15 to 21 degrees Celsius is an optimal heat to store your cannabis.

A cool cupboard, basement, or wine cellar are good places to store your cannabis. Avoid storing in places where there is direct sunlight or close to things that generate heat, such as a television screen, or other electronic devices.

Airtight container

As well as needing to right temperature, your cannabis will also need to be stored in an airtight (preferably glass) jar or container. If exposed to too much oxygen, the degradation process will be sped up.

Dark place

UV rays from the sun can increase the degradation process in your stored homegrown cannabis. If it gets too hot, it can also hold moisture which can eventually lead to mould. Make sure to store your cannabis away from direct light, and in a cool and dark place.

Humidity factor

It can be a little challenging to store your homegrown cannabis within the correct relative humidity (RH) range, but it is important that you do. This is because if it gets too humid, mould and mildew will likely form, and ruin your stash.

The ideal relative humidity (RH) range is between 59% and 63% RH. This will help to keep it fresh, and retain its aroma, potency, and flavour.

You can also store your cannabis in a container built specifically for that need or buy yourself some humidity packs to put in your containers.

Can I store my cannabis in the fridge or freezer?

No, this is not a good idea. When storing in the fridge, you may even increase the chance for your cannabis to develop mould or mildew, as the temperature and humidity levels will vary. Some cannabis infused edibles may have other instructions for storing, so remember always check the guidelines.

If you have stored your cannabis in the fridge, do not open the container until it has come down to room temperature. This is because if opened, the cold cannabis will suck in moisture from the air, which will affect the flavour of your weed.

Storing in the freezer is just as bad, as the precious trichomes which add flavour to your buds will freeze and maybe crack off. I will also be exposed to moisture which could lead to mould or mildew. If storing in a fridge or freezer, then always do it in a completely airtight and vacuum sealed container and allow to cool to room temperature before opening.

hand holding small glass and cannabis bud

Conclusion

Storing your cannabis does not have to be too hard. As long as you have an airtight container (such as a glass jar, or mason jar), keep it in a cool, dark place, like a closed cupboard or wine cellar, then it should stay fresh for up to a year.

If you would like more tips about growing homemade cannabis from the luxury of your backyard, or indoor grow room, then take a look at our helpful guides on our site.

Cannabis Growing Australia have a wealth of information about how to get started growing cannabis at home, from learning how to set up a grow room, how to plant outdoors, the stages of growth, and even the history of the cannabis plant.

Growing your own cannabis does not have to be difficult, if you are willing to learn more about the plant, and invest some time, you could be saving money, growing your own fresh weed, without having to buy elsewhere!

For more cannabis tips head to our grow guide.  

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