How to store CBD cannabis flower

Storing cannabis is about the point at which the drying and curing have already been done properly, and what you want now is to preserve the properties of the cannabis and its components: its colour, its aromas and its cannabinoids. A clear example of poor storage is when you find some forgotten buds in a drawer. They are dry and brittle, have turned a rusty colour and have lost almost all of their smell. Other times you can't see it, but you notice it in the less complex aroma of the flower: it still smells good, but only the heavier terpenes are left, while the more volatile ones have disappeared. And if you are looking for top-quality flower, take a look at our guide to the best CBD buds selected by Cannactiva.

Here is a practical guide to storing CBD flower properly and keeping it as fresh as the day it arrived.

How to store CBD cannabis flower

Step 1: Proper drying and curing

Drying and curing cannabis is essential to keep its quality. The buds need the right moisture level to avoid mould, without being too dry. Curing, for its part, is essential for a smooth smoke and, for many people, is similar to ageing wine.

Step 2: Store in a cool, dark place

Keep cannabis in a cool, dark place, such as a cupboard (out of direct light), at a temperature between 15 and 21°C and a relative humidity of 60% (you can measure both with a thermo-hygrometer). This will stop the buds from drying out too much or going mouldy.

Step 3: Choosing the right container

Glass, metal and ceramic are the best options for storing cannabis. Plastic containers can give off and absorb aromas, affecting the quality of the cannabis. A good option is to keep the buds in airtight glass jars, inside a closed cupboard, to protect them from direct light. If the glass is also opaque, even less light will get through. An airtight seal will prevent excessive oxidation. If you don't have one, use screw-top lids. The containers shouldn't be too big either, so you can control the humidity better. For storing flower, wooden containers are also a good option, as the cannabis can finish curing in them and lose any excess moisture. Wood absorbs and draws out moisture, and can help keep the flower in the best possible condition until you use it.

Step 4: Avoid exposure to light

It is crucial to protect cannabis from direct light, especially ultraviolet light, which can break down cannabinoids and terpenes. Use opaque jars or keep the containers somewhere completely dark, such as a cupboard, to make sure they are stored in the best conditions.

Step 5: Don't squash the buds

Put the buds in the container as whole as possible, without pressing them down to avoid damage and excess moisture. This will not only prevent them from deteriorating, it will also avoid excess moisture and allow air to circulate well between the buds. You will also stop the trichomes from breaking off, so the cannabis keeps its aromas better.

Step 6: Keep at the right temperature

Keep the containers in a cool place, between 15 and 21°C (ideally 15–16°C). High temperatures speed up the breakdown of cannabinoids and terpenes, while temperatures above 25°C can encourage mould to grow. Avoid places where the temperature can rise too much, such as the warmest, most humid rooms in the house. The kitchen or a cupboard that gets the sun, for example, are not the best places.

Step 7: Keep everything clean

Wash and dry your hands thoroughly before handling cannabis so you don't transfer dirt or moisture. Keep the storage area free of dust and contaminants, and make sure the containers are clean and completely dry before you use them.

Step 8: Ventilation

It is a good idea to air the container once a month. Leaving it open for a while will help prevent excess moisture.

How cannabis changes as it ages

Cannabis flower ages while it is stored, and it can go through various changes in the process. In general, both cannabinoids and terpenes are sensitive to light, humidity and heat, which speed up their breakdown.

At 20°C, cannabinoids break down slowly, so keeping the flower stored for a while, even a few months, will not cause any significant change in its CBD and THC content. However, although 25 or 30°C are not extremely high temperatures, they are enough to increase the rate of breakdown compared with lower temperatures, such as 20°C or below. One of these changes is the slow conversion of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) into cannabinol (CBN), which has milder psychoactive effects, through an oxidation process that heat speeds up.

Terpenes, on the other hand, which are the compounds responsible for aroma and flavour, are much more volatile than cannabinoids. The most volatile terpenes are the first to break down and evaporate during storage. If the conditions aren't right, they will gradually disappear, starting with the earthy, fruity, citrus, pine, floral and herbal aromas, because of the high volatility of terpenes such as myrcene, limonene, pinene, linalool and terpinolene. That's why, in the aroma of cannabis that hasn't been stored properly, you can notice marked changes: a loss of flavour, less intensity and aromatic complexity, and a harsher smoke.

Another concern is fungi and moulds, which, under favourable humidity and temperature conditions, can multiply and produce toxic mycotoxins. These microorganisms are not exclusive to cannabis: they are found in all kinds of food as well. In the cannabis industry, these contaminants are a major concern for product safety and quality, just like pesticides and heavy metals. If the storage conditions aren't right, these microorganisms multiply more and more over time. To prevent this, the first thing to do is check the material carefully before storing it (for specks or signs of infection inside the buds), then keep it at a low temperature, out of direct light, avoid excess humidity and handle it hygienically.

Conclusion

As you have seen, there isn't much of a secret to storing cannabis: these are just basic guidelines you can easily follow at home. With the right methods and a little patience, you can enjoy your buds at their best quality, fresh and for much longer. Happy storing!