Sorry to break it to you, but a Ziploc bag is not the best way to store weed.
Those precious trichomes and terpenes are sensitive to light, air, temperature, and humidity, so they need better protection than flimsy plastic. Proper cannabis storage will keep your flower fresh and potent, preserving all that THC goodness and making the most of your purchase.
Stick around to learn about the best airtight cannabis containers, storage tips, and the truth about freezing your weed.
The Four Horsemen of the Weed Storage Apocalypse
These four forces of freshness doom are trying to destroy your weed. But we’re not going to let them.
Light Exposure
While those fat green buds are still on the plant, they like a healthy daily dose of sunlight or grow light. But once harvested and dried, weed gets real light-shy.
The sun’s UV rays degrade cannabinoids and terpenes, reducing both potency and flavor. So for our purposes, cannabis is Dracula and you’re his trusty servant Renfield, keeping sunlight at bay.
Air & Oxygen
Ever notice how buds can brown over time? That’s because of oxidation, which comes from air exposure. Oxidation converts THC to cannabinol (CBN), which is only about 25% as potent as THC. So oxidized weed hasn’t gone “bad,” but it has lost freshness and a lot of its potency.
Hot/Cold Temperatures
Your weed is a delicate little daisy that doesn’t like to be too hot or too cold.
High temps dry out flower and degrade THC, breaking it down into CBN and causing terpene evaporation.
But what about refrigeration or freezing your weed? While cold temps can slow down the degradation of THC into CBN, they come with a host of different problems. The temperature fluctuations from opening and closing the fridge door—plus the irregular humidity—create a breeding ground for mold and mildew in your flower.
As for the freezer, super cold temps make trichomes brittle and fragile, so they’re likely to break off. And that’s not good. Weed can also get freezer burn if your packaging isn’t 100% airtight.
So keep it balmy. About 70°F is the sweet spot.
High or Low Humidity
Too much moisture in the air around your flower can lead to moldy weed, and no one likes that. But if the air is too dry, trichomes can wither and break and terpenes will degrade, losing flavor and aroma.
To prevent cannabis mold, keep the humidity in your weed jar between 55% and 63%. (We’ll get into how shortly.)
Pick an Airtight Cannabis Container: Glass vs. Metal vs. Silicone vs. Plastic
Your first line of defense is an airtight cannabis container. This will keep air under control and prevent potency loss. Here’s how some of the most common types stack up.
Amber-Tinted Glass Jars
Top pick right here, ideal for either flower or concentrate storage.
Glass jars are airtight, which means you’re not letting air in or smells out. Look for a jar with amber-tinted glass, which blocks most light wavelengths under 450 nanometers. (UV light ranges from 10 to 400 nanometers.)
Metal Containers
Metal containers are a popular choice, since they’re both durable and light-proof. Some people believe aluminum can affect the taste and aroma of your weed. But stainless steel is highly stable and less likely to leach any flavor.
Mason Jars
While mason jars are airtight (yay!), they are clear and allow too much light to filter in (boo). Still, it will do in a pinch if it’s all you have on hand. Just stash the jar in a dark cupboard when not in use.
Silicone
Small, nonstick silicone jars are a popular storage choice among the concentrate crowd, but they’re not our top recommendation.
To start, the seals on silicone jars are not airtight, so they allow for some oxidation. There is also some evidence that terpenes can interact with silicone, leeching plastic into your cannabis. Research on this is limited, but glass seems to be a safer option.
Plastic Bags & Containers
Plastic is way down the list of best ways to store weed. Plastic is porous, so your weed can dry out. Plus, weed stored in plastic is vulnerable to “sweating” as it loses moisture, which can lead to mold.
Plastic is also prone to static, which can damage your buds and knock off those precious trichomes.
So it’s ok if your plug is delivering the goods in a Ziploc. But get them into a better long-term storage container when you get home.
The Best Ways to Store Weed
The “rules” for keeping your cannabis fresh vary from flower to concentrate to edibles. Here’s a quick guide to make sure you’re protecting the goods, however you partake.
Storing Cannabis Flower
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Store your flower in an amber-tinted glass jar in a cool, dark place.
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Choose the smallest possible jar that will fit your bud and a humidity pack, if using. The more empty space in the container, the more air exposure.
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Aim for a temperature of about 70°F (a few degrees in either direction is fine).
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Use a two-way humidity control pack inside your storage container to keep the moisture level between 55% and 63%. These soak up moisture if the air is too wet, and release it if the air is too dry. Boveda makes great ones!
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Store flower whole, not ground, as grinding your weed speeds up its degradation. Grind right before packing a bowl or rolling a joint.
Storing Cannabis Concentrates
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Place your concentrate on a small square of parchment paper to prevent sticking, and tuck it inside a small amber-tinted glass jar.
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Keep your concentrate jar in a dark place, at around 70°F. You can also store your concentrate in the refrigerator. Consider a dedicated mini-fridge—you’ll open it less often than your normal fridge, which helps limit light exposure.
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When you’re ready to dab, leave your jar out on the counter and let it reach room temperature before opening. This helps keep moisture out, which can degrade your concentrate.
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For long-term storage: sandwich your concentrate between sheets of parchment paper and vacuum seal it to get as much air out as possible. Don’t freeze—the THC crystals in dabs can be destroyed in extreme cold.
Storing Cannabis Edibles
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Most edibles come in resealable pouches or jars. If the packaging is airtight, you can keep your gummies or treats in their original packaging in a cool, dry place.
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For edibles (like chocolate bars) that aren’t airtight after opening: wrap them in parchment paper and put them in a resealable bag in a dark place. A silica pack can help prevent excess humidity.
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For homemade goodies (like brownies): wrap them in parchment paper and place them in an airtight container like a pyrex dish with lid. They’ll usually keep in the refrigerator for about a week.
How Long Does Cannabis Stay Fresh?
The shelf-life of your buds depends entirely on whether you follow the excellent advice in this article.
Properly stored flower can last for six months to a year, or even longer with proper humidity control. I’m not sure why you’d keep weed around that long, but if you buy in bulk like you’re at Costco, it’s certainly possible.
Weed that is exposed to light and air will start to lose potency within weeks. It won’t be “bad” per se—it won’t make you sick. But you also won’t get as much bang for your buck.
For edibles, you can stick to the “best by” date on the packaging. But as long as you don’t see or smell anything funky, you can probably extend the life of your edibles longer by keeping them cool and dark.
Storing concentrates in an airtight container in the refrigerator should keep them fresh for up to six months. If you need to store them longer, use the vacuum-seal method described above and keep them refrigerated for up to a year. But you should also reference the manufacturer’s expiration date.
You’ve Got Mold
How do you know if your weed is on the turn? Look out for these common signs of mold in your flower:
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A thin white or grey webbing surrounding the bud
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Rotting or wilting plant matter, which may be mushy or slimy
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White powdery spots
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A basement or rotting vegetable smell
If you spot any of the above, throw it away. Smoking moldy weed can cause respiratory issues, lung infections, allergic reactions, and even mycotoxin poisoning. Not worth the risk. When in doubt, toss it out.
Treat Your Stash Right…
…and it will treat you right. With the right storage, your stash stays potent and fresh. And you don’t throw money away by losing those be-all-end-all terpenes and cannabinoids.
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