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Tips for Storing Marijuana

It's always a good time to enjoy the qualities of marijuana. Earthy, citrus, or sweet flavors, the organoleptic nuances hidden in this plant are countless.

By Marshall WhitePublished 6 years ago 5 min read
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Few things are more pleasant than the feeling of a job well done after harvesting the fruits of our marijuana plant. The care we took when growing it and the care with which we have carried out the drying and curing processes have given rise to some spectacular buds that we can enjoy for... How long?

This is, without a doubt, one of the most frequently asked questions by growers. As if it were a good wine, the quality of our cannabis can improve over time. But be careful, even if it doesn't have an expiration date, the truth is that in order to enjoy marijuana months after the harvest, it is necessary that we store it correctly. Otherwise, we run the risk that it will lose its aromatic and gustatory qualities, as well as the potency of its effects. Here are a few tips to help you enjoy a long and successful friendship with our buds.

The first thing we need to be clear about is that a plastic bag is not the most appropriate place to store marijuana. In it, the buds will crush with any movement we make. In addition, the smell easily permeates, making our harvest lose its unique aroma and taste without us noticing it.

The best way to store our harvest is therefore in hermetically sealed containers, for example, made of glass. It is important that we choose one that fits the size of the buds. There can't be too much free space in the container (as it fills with air, drying up the marijuana), but we probably don't want to crush them either, making them lose their characteristic resin. The best thing we can do then: squeeze them without forcing them.

As for the boat, it is also important to use a "real screw cap". In other words, at least three turns to ensure maximum tightness. Last but not least, we must be extremely cautious if any of our buds have been touched by fungi. If not removed in time, they can spread and spread to the entire contents of the package.

Once the right container has been selected, it is time to move on to the next stage, where do I leave it? Here, we will have to address different factors that directly affect the quality of our marijuana. We should not neglect any of them, otherwise we may be in for a rather unpleasant surprise at the moment of opening the jar.

The first factor to keep in mind is temperature. The ideal way to keep cannabis in perfect condition is to find a cool place, with a temperature around 25ºC. Excessive heat would dry out the cannabinoids and terpenes, causing our buds to lose their properties. Temperatures that are too low can end up being a serious problem, as they slow down the decarboxylation process, which converts THCA into THC.

When it comes to temperature control, we must not forget that lamps and sunlight are not the only sources of heat. Microwave ovens, ovens, and all the other electronic devices we have at home can also play tricks on us if we place our marijuana too close to them.

Another key factor in achieving our purpose is to control humidity, which will help us to keep our cannabis away from contaminants. In this sense, there are opinions for all tastes, although it is true that most agree that the best thing is that the humidity in the air is between 59 percent and 63 percent. Thus, not only will we ensure that our harvest maintains its colour, consistency, aroma, and flavour, but we will also avoid a few problems with fungi, mold, and other contaminants.

It is well known that UVA rays can be very harmful to any organic material, and unfortunately marijuana does not escape this risk. A 1976 study warned that light is precisely the factor that most determines the degradation of cannabinoids.

The experts who did the work also pointed out that they could remain stable for up to two years, as long as the marijuana was stored properly. Therefore, if we want to keep our harvest safe, it is vitally important that we try to avoid direct contact with sunlight, since the UVA rays that it gives off cause chemical reactions in the cannabinoids of marijuana, which are not desirable.

Nor can we forget an issue as important as air control. While marijuana needs oxygen during its growth and healing process, once stored, it is vital that it receives just the right amount. For the first two weeks, we would do well to open the cans once a day to help speed up the oxidation process of the chlorophyll. However, once we let this time pass, oxygen can become one of our worst enemies.

The contact with the air and its oxidative load cause the degeneration of the aromatic and psychoactive agents of our buds. This contact also affects the color, which tends to turn brown because the chlorophyll loses its intensity.

Along with all these indications, there are some more elementary but equally important ones. Don't even think about, for example, storing marijuana in the fridge or freezer. We can also not forget to keep separate the different varieties of marijuana to keep their profiles intact. Let us not overlook the fact that fluctuating temperatures and humidity pose a risk to the quality of our product, as it can cause the trichomes to separate. What's more, it promotes the growth of mould.

Of course, when we decide how to store our marijuana we must take into account the consumption we are going to make. If we plan to eat it or prepare infusions with it, we must bear in mind that the process is different, since in these cases it is less advisable to keep cannabis for long periods of time. For example, for cannabis-based recipes, it is best to follow the directions on the packaging as if it were any other food.

The factors that come into play when it comes to keeping the qualities of our buds intact are diverse and, depending on the circumstances, it can be difficult to have them all under control. However, it is worth a try. Finding a cool, dark place and avoiding exposing marijuana to unnecessary dangers will be enough for us to enjoy it with the only concern that it doesn't end too soon.

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About the Creator

Marshall White

What’s up, I’m Marshall. I’m a social media manager living in San Francisco. I am a fan of entrepreneurship, baking, and web development. I’m also interested in technology and gardening.

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