How To Store Your Medical Marijuana

Store Your Medical Marijuana

Have you ever wondered why some people can store their marijuana for several days and still have a fresh product? People can do this because of their method of storing their medical marijuana. When it comes to marijuana storage, there are many things to keep in mind, such as keeping it away from heat, light, and moisture. It's also a good idea to keep it in a sealed container. Like any other plant, Cannabis can be, harvested, dried, and stored. But like any organic substance, things can go wrong if improperly stored. Now read on to find out some marijuana storage tips to keep your plant fresh and safe.

Tips For Storing Your Medical Marijuana

It is critical to remember that marijuana is a plant and, as such, will react differently depending on the area in which it is placed. The following are some general rules for storing your medical marijuana (MMJ) so that it stays fresh and ready to use:

  • MMJ should be stored in an airtight container. This will keep moisture out of the jar or bag and prevent mold. 

  • If you live in a cold climate, make sure the location where you keep your MMJ has adequate heating and cooling systems to avoid any of its contents from being harmed or spoilt. Store your MMJ at room temperature.

  • Keep marijuana away from bright light. They can lose their freshness much more quickly when under direct sunlight. Sunlight may make it oxidize more rapidly. Be aware of other sources of light as well.

  • Know the relative humidity of the space where your product is kept. Mold growth or other negative effects could result from not doing this.

What Type Of Marijuana Storage is Best?

Depending on the container, your cannabis may stay fresh for a few days or weeks. Make sure the plastic bags you use are strong enough to keep in the air, so there are no holes. Bags like these are sold at any pharmacy or medical marijuana dispensary. They are easy use and cheap, making them ideal for storing marijuana away. Avoid exposing them to direct sunlight, as this will cause deterioration in quality. Stems can easily puncture plastic bags, and the bags themselves offer no protection against crushing or other forms of damage. Products packaged in plastic won't be protected from the elements very well. 

The protection provided by small plastic containers with flip-top lids is much higher than plastic bags.. They protect the contents from direct exposure to light and humidity. Most flip-top containers are not airtight, which can cause issues, and only a subset can withstand the sun's rays.

Glass or canning jars provide superior protection and, in some cases, air tightness. A great and easy way to store your medical marijuana is in canning jars. To extend the life of your product, store it somewhere dark. One major drawback to using canning jars is the risk of the glass breaking and contaminating the food inside.

For the most reliable method of preserving your medical marijuana, you may want to try vacuum-sealed containers. Ideally, you'd use containers that wouldn't break if you accidentally dropped them. These containers have everything you need to confidently store your product your product confidently and have it 

Light and Temperature

First and foremost, keep in mind that cannabis can't take a lot of exposure to light. It will make your marijuana grow too quickly and degrade in quality. So make sure to keep your product away from sunlight or any type of light. Storing medical marijuana properly requires attention to temperature. Temperatures between 50 and 68 degrees Fahrenheit are ideal; heaters and air conditioners should be kept at least three feet away from the product at all times.

Humidity Control

For long-term storage, humidity levels should be kept between 55%-65%. Cannabis loses potency if it becomes too dry. Mold and mildew will grow on your Cannabis if it is kept too humid.

To measure the humidity of your area, use a hygrometer(which measures humidity levels). You can get one from Amazon or any hardware store for about $10-$20 USD.

Your marijuana should be stored in an airtight container with a humidity regulator or similar products that work well for storing medical marijuana in containers like jars or bags without damaging the buds until you are ready to use them again.

Lock It Up!

If you have a medical marijuana card, the first thing to do when you come home from buying some is to lock it up. This allows you to track where your marijuana is and prevent potential mistakes. If you don't have a lockable safe or secure area for storing your marijuana, consider one. Use common sense, and you should be okay. 

The Ideal Conditions

The ideal conditions for long-term storage of Cannabis are cool and dark rooms with a low humidity level. The temperature should be kept between 2°C to 20°C (35 – 68°F). Higher temperatures can degrade the quality of your Cannabis over time; lower temperatures may cause mold or mildew to grow.

Low humidity levels will help keep the plant from getting moldy, but too low can also cause problems: if it's too dry and air passes through your marijuana while you open the jar, then there's more chance that moisture will get in before you seal again. Good ventilation is essential here as keeping things closed tightly when not using them.

Follow These Rules, And Your Medical Marijuana Will Last Longer.

If you want to store your Cannabis for an extended period, it's best to keep it in a vacuum-sealed container. You can use a zip-lock bag if you don't have any containers. For more information regarding medical marijuana, visit our FAQ page. You can also visit our page on obtaining a medical marijuana card in Virginia.

Headshot of Steven Fiore, MD

This article has been reviewed by Steven Fiore, MD.

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