Cannabis Storage: How to Store Weed Properly

You've acquired some high-quality weed – now, of course, you want it to stay fresh, potent, and aromatic for as long as possible. Proper cannabis storage is crucial, as cannabis is sensitive to environmental influences. In this article, you'll learn why storage is important and how to package weed airtight , protect it from light, and store it at the optimal humidity and temperature . We'll also clarify whether you should store cannabis in the refrigerator , provide practical do's and don'ts , and introduce different types of containers (glass, plastic, metal, etc.). Finally, we answer frequently asked questions in an FAQ section.

Why is proper cannabis storage important?

Cannabis is sensitive to light, air, moisture, and heat . If your cannabis flowers are stored improperly, they will lose quality: The THC content decreases and, over time, converts into the far less potent CBN. This means your weed won't have the desired potency when consumed. Terpenes (aromatic and flavor compounds) also evaporate more quickly with improper storage. In the worst case, the buds can dry out, lose their aroma, or even develop mold – none of which you want in your storage jar! A WHO study confirms that improper storage can significantly impair the potency of the ingredients. In short: good cannabis storage preserves the quality, potency, and flavor of your weed for months.

Store airtight: Oxygen is the enemy of your buds

One of the most important factors for optimal cannabis storage is airtight packaging . Oxygen causes cannabinoids and terpenes to degrade more quickly. If you don't store your weed in an airtight container, the subtle aromas will easily escape, and foreign odors or moisture can penetrate. So, the motto is: pack weed airtight! Experts recommend storing cannabis in airtight containers to prevent mold growth and flavor loss. Ideal containers are those with a rubber seal or screw cap that prevents air exchange. This keeps the relative humidity in the container constant, preventing your weed from drying out. Additionally, airtight storage ensures that the smell of your stash stays in – which will also please roommates and neighbors. 😉

Tip: Open your storage container only when necessary and not more often than necessary. Each opening lets oxygen in and precious terpenes escape. So it's better to take out portions instead of constantly "sniffing" them. Your weed will thank you with a longer-lasting aroma.

Light protection: Why darkness protects your weed

Besides air, light is a major quality killer for cannabis. UV rays, in particular (such as those found in sunlight), promote the breakdown of THC and other cannabinoids . If weed is exposed to bright light for extended periods, it loses its potency and aroma. Therefore, always store your cannabis flowers in a dark place! Keep your supplies in a light-protected place —for example, in a wardrobe, a drawer, or simply in a container made of UV-blocking material . Amber glass or violet Miron glass are ideal, as they block harmful radiation. Metal containers also block light (more on this later). If you only have clear glass available, store the jar in a dark cupboard. The main thing is to avoid leaving your weed on the windowsill all day.

Remember: Light, and especially UV light, degrades the valuable active ingredients in your cannabis. Darkness, on the other hand, helps preserve THC content and flavor . So your buds feel most comfortable, like little vampires—safe from any sun.

Optimal humidity: 58–62% for the best storage climate

Maintaining the right humidity for cannabis storage is a balancing act: Too dry , and your buds will become crumbly, hard, and scratchy when smoked; too humid , and mold is a threat. The ideal humidity range for stored cannabis is around 58–62% relative humidity . In this range, the buds remain nice and sticky and aromatic without unwanted mold growth. A relative humidity of approximately 60% minimizes the buds from drying out while preventing them from becoming too humid.

Recommendation : Trumidity 62% Humidity Regulator / Trumidity 58% Humidity Regulator

To maintain this 58–62% consistently, you can use small humidity control packs . These dual-zone packs release or absorb moisture to maintain a constant temperature. They are available with either 58% or 62% regulation, depending on your herbs' needs. 58% packs are ideal for dry herbs, while 62% is better for fresh, resinous buds. Simply place one of these packs in your storage jar, and your weed will stay fresh for weeks . Remember to replace the pack every few months when it becomes dry. .

If you don't have a humidity pack, a piece of untreated orange peel or a tortilla in a jar will do in a pinch – but be careful: These home remedies release moisture uncontrollably. Risk of mold! Remove such pieces after a few hours at the latest to prevent them from tipping over. Professional humidity controllers are a safer choice for keeping your cannabis flowers stored at the optimal humidity level.

Temperature: Store cool, but not ice cold

In addition to humidity, temperature also plays an important role in cannabis storage . The basic rule: Store cool, but not too cold. A range between 15 and 21°C is ideal (room temperature on the lower end). Avoid temperatures above ~25°C at all costs, as heat accelerates the degradation of cannabinoids and terpenes. Mold spores also thrive in warm temperatures – mold thrives in environments between 25 and 30°C. So don't leave your weed in a hot car or in the blazing sun. A consistently cool place, slightly below room temperature, is perfect.

But be careful: Too cold isn't good either. Temperatures close to or below freezing can cause the trichomes (resin glands) on the buds to become brittle. These fine crystals contain most of the active ingredients. If they become brittle in severe frost, some of them will be lost the next time you handle or grind them. Therefore, don't store cannabis in the freezer unless you need to preserve it for a very long time—and then only in vacuum-sealed packaging. For everyday use, however, a freezer is overkill for weed.

Storing cannabis in the refrigerator – sensible or not?

A common question: Should you store cannabis in the refrigerator? The idea behind it: It's cool and dark in the refrigerator. In principle, you can store cannabis in the refrigerator, but only under certain conditions. It's important that no moisture gets to the buds and that the temperature remains relatively stable . This means your weed should be kept in a completely airtight container so that the humidity from the refrigerator doesn't affect it. In practice, however, normal refrigerators are quite humid environments with temperature fluctuations (e.g., when the door is opened). This can lead to condensation and mold—exactly the opposite of what we want. Furthermore, odors from food in the refrigerator can be absorbed by the cannabis flowers and impair their aroma.

Conclusion: If you don't have any other cool storage location, only store it with a very good seal (airtight jar with a seal) and ideally in a separate small refrigerator that's rarely opened. Otherwise, the refrigerator is n't really suitable . Better yet, store your weed in a cool basement or a darkened storage room at a constant temperature. That way, you'll be on the safe side.

Do's & Don'ts of Cannabis Storage

To conclude the storage basics, here are a few quick do's and don'ts – things you should or shouldn't do if you want to store your weed properly :

Do's – What you should do:

• Pack airtight: Use a tightly sealed jar or container to prevent oxygen from entering and moisture from escaping .

• Store in a dark place: Place your storage container in a dark, cool place (e.g., a cupboard, drawer). Turn off the lights, and turn on the quality!

• Maintain optimal humidity: Maintain a relative humidity of approximately 60% in the container. Use humidity packs (58% or 62%) to maintain a consistent climate.

• Moderate temperature: Keep the ambient temperature low and stable, ideally around 18°C. Avoid heat, but also avoid freezing.

• Keep it clean: Store your weed only in clean containers. Wash jars with warm water before first use and let them dry completely. Do not add any plant residue or tobacco.

Don'ts – What you should avoid:

• No plastic bags: Never store cannabis in thin plastic bags for long periods of time. They aren't airtight and can damage the resin glands (trichomes) due to static electricity. (Okay for short-term transport, but not for weeks.)

• No heat or sun: Don't leave your weed on a windowsill, near a heater, or in a hot car. It's hard to break down the active ingredients any faster.

• Don't leave them open: Avoid open containers or even just leaving the buds lying around. Exposure to too much air will dry them out and cause terpenes to evaporate.

• Not in the refrigerator (unplanned): As mentioned above, the refrigerator should only be used with caution. If in doubt, choose another location rather than risk mold.

• Don't grind before storage: Store whole buds if possible and grind them just before consumption. Ground weed has a larger surface area, dries out faster, and loses flavor.

The best containers: glass, plastic or metal?

You may be wondering which container is best for storing cannabis. Let's take a look at the common container types and their advantages and disadvantages:

Glass – the gold standard for cannabis storage

Glass containers (e.g., mason jars or special stash jars ) are a favorite among many connoisseurs. Why? Glass is airtight , doesn't react with cannabis ingredients, and doesn't absorb odors. Brown or violet glass, in particular, also protects against light. A good screw-top jar with a rubber seal keeps your weed fresh, protected, and odor-proof . It prevents moisture loss and blocks UV radiation—optimal conditions for long-term storage. Many manufacturers (e.g., Granny's Weed ) offer premium storage jars with UV protection , specifically designed for cannabis. In glass, you can safely store your weed for months without compromising on flavor or potency.

Tip: Fill the jar no more than 3/4 full to allow some air to circulate at the ideal humidity level. If necessary, label it with the variety and date so you can keep track of how long it's been stored.

Plastic – better not to use

Plastic containers or ziplock bags are widely available, but not recommended for long-term cannabis storage. Thin plastic bags are usually not completely airtight —air and moisture can get in and out. Furthermore, plastic can affect the smell and taste of the flowers over time (keyword: "plastic aroma"). Another problem: static electricity . Plastic can attract and rub off the trichomes from your buds, causing valuable crystals to stick to the bag instead of ending up in your joint. Even sturdy plastic containers (Tupperware, etc.) often do not seal 100%. If plastic is used, then only for short periods of time or for transport. For storage over several weeks or months, opt for glass or metal.

Metal – a solid alternative

Metal containers (aluminum or stainless steel cans) can be a good alternative to glass. Many smell-proof containers on the market are made of aluminum or stainless steel and have an airtight screw cap. The advantage: They are shatterproof , block out 100% light, and are often discreetly designed. Make sure the metal container is food-safe and won't impart a metallic odor to the buds. High-quality stainless steel containers are just as suitable as glass, as they are airtight and opaque and don't react with the trichomes. Some special cannabis storage containers (e.g., CVault ) even come with holders for humidity packs to perfectly regulate the climate.

The downside can be that you can't see how much is left from the outside (unlike with clear glass). And very cheap metal containers sometimes don't have a good seal. However, if you have a high-quality metal container , it's absolutely perfect for storage—especially for traveling, as it's robust and often odor-proof.

Other container types?

• Ceramic or porcelain: Also inert and opaque, but often without a special seal. However, with a tightly fitting lid, they are usable.

• Wooden boxes (humidors): Great for cigars, but rather difficult for cannabis. Wood breathes and can absorb or release moisture. There are cannabis humidors made of cedar wood, but these are more for enthusiasts and require regular maintenance.

• Silicone containers: More commonly used for concentrates like wax or hashish, as they are leak-proof and non-stick. Less common for flower, but could work in a pinch if they seal tightly.

The bottom line is that glass (and stainless steel) beats other materials when it comes to properly storing cannabis . Invest in a few good storage containers ; it's worth it for the quality of your stash.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about cannabis storage

Finally, we answer some typical questions about cannabis storage:

Can I store cannabis in the refrigerator?

It's possible in principle , but not ideal. As explained above, the weed must be packed in a completely airtight container to prevent moisture from the refrigerator from reaching the buds. A normal refrigerator is very humid and fluctuates in temperature, which promotes mold growth. If a cool, dark place isn't available, you can try it, but most experts advise against it. Storage at approximately 18°C ​​in a dark environment outside of the refrigerator is better.

How long does cannabis last when stored properly?

With optimal storage, cannabis can retain its quality for up to two years without significantly losing potency or aroma. It's important to maintain all of the above conditions (airtight, dark, ~60% humidity, cool). Naturally, the effect will diminish slightly over time—freshly harvested weed has the maximum terpenes. But if you do everything right, you can still have a great smoking experience even after 12–24 months. Always check the appearance and smell before consumption: As long as there are no signs of mold and the weed still smells aromatic, it's generally safe to consume.

How do I avoid mold when storing cannabis?

Mold is primarily caused by excessive humidity and a lack of air circulation. To avoid it, keep the relative humidity around 58–62% and the temperature below ~25°C. Use airtight containers – this prevents new spores or moisture from entering from the outside. Don't open the container frequently to maintain a stable interior climate. Very important: Don't store buds that are too moist! If your weed still has a moisture content of over 70% after drying, let it cure or dry out before storing it. Buds that are too wet will mold quickly. If in doubt, add a small humidity pack (62%) to the container to absorb excess moisture. And of course, keep everything clean – clean the container beforehand, don't store leaves with soil on them, etc. This way, mold shouldn't stand a chance.

Which container is best for storing cannabis?

Most recommend glass jars with a secure closure (e.g., screw-top jars with a seal) for storage. Glass is airtight, non-reactive, and, if tinted, light-blocking—you can't go wrong with either. Alternatively, stainless steel containers are also very suitable, as long as they have a tight-fitting lid. Both options keep odors in and bad things out. Plastic containers or bags are less suitable—they can release odors and are often not completely airtight. Wooden containers are also less than ideal, as they can absorb moisture. Our tip: An amber glass jar with a 62% Boveda pack inside—this will achieve almost perfect storage conditions.

Should you store cannabis in a plastic bag?

No, if possible. A simple plastic bag (ziplock or similar) never seals as tightly as a glass jar. Air, and therefore oxygen, penetrates and causes the weed to age faster. Furthermore, the plastic bag's aroma and static electricity cause terpenes and trichomes to be lost. A bag is fine for short-term transport from point A to point B, but for storage over weeks or months, use a small screw-top jar. Your weed will stay fresh and fragrant much longer.