Maybe you’re stocking up different strains to enjoy or buying weed in bulk to save money. Whatever the reason, maintaining the freshness of your weed until your next smoke sesh should probably be on the top of your list of priorities. But simply putting your buds in plastic baggies isn't going to cut it. The most obvious downside is that these bags are transparent and allow light and air to permeate, which will soon dry out your buds. So, if you’re looking to learn how to keep weed from drying out and enjoy your stash to its fullest potential, you should read the following proven tips and tricks.
Why Does Weed Dry Out
While the cannabis plant is still growing, it uses water. When the plant’s buds are cut off from their roots, they remain wet, so the producers need to dry them in order to prepare them for smoking in a process known as curing. However, that does not mean they are taking all moisture out — there is a vast difference between dry cannabis and completely dried-out cannabis.
While each cannabis producer has their preference regarding the percentage of water content in the buds, the goal is the same — to ensure that the moisture trapped inside the buds dissipates without changing the cannabinoids or losing terpenes. The universally accepted moisture levels that allow for the best weed smoke are between 10-12%. If the product is intended to be used in a vaporizer, the water content should range between 12% and 15%.
The weed producer’s job is to get the bud to an ideal moisture amount, but it’s your job as a user to maintain that balance.
You’ll need to store it properly at an ideal humidity level to prevent the weed from drying out. If the RH level is too low, the buds start tasting harsher and can even become unsmokable. Cannabis also dries out when exposed to direct light – the UV rays are very damaging and can burn up the weed. In addition, light breaks down the terpenes and cannabinoids in the buds, rendering them useless. Temperature is another essential factor that impacts the weed’s dryness, as terpenes evaporate as temperatures rise. The THC also turns to CBN so you will become tired rather than experiencing a fun and exciting high.
What Happens If Your Weed Dries Out
Dryness can do many things to cannabis molecules, but it almost always leads to reduced potency. Dry weed is also harsh and burns up quickly, losing all those wonderfully aromatic compounds that impart delicious flavors and give us olfactory pleasure. Last but not least, since the THC properties are modified, the weed could give you a headache instead of the desired relaxing effect.
How to Keep Weed From Drying Out: Dos And Don'ts
If you’re a cannabis aficionado, you’ll want your stash to remain fresh for as long as possible. So let’s look at a few proven tips and tricks you can employ to keep weed moist, as well as a few that you should avoid.
Do Store the Weed in a Container With an Airtight Seal
The choice of container is crucial for keeping your weed fresh. Since not all storage containers are the same, you should be aware that disposable ones have drawbacks. It’s better to choose an airtight container which prevents changes in the cannabis chemical profile due to oxidation. Glass is the preferred material as it seals moisture in and doesn’t affect the smell or taste of the buds.
Don’t Use a Container That’s Too Large
If the container you’re using is too large, the air will take up the space not occupied by your weed and cause oxidation over time. You should have containers of different sizes to store your buds and have each about two-thirds full to ensure any headspace is limited.
Do Keep Your Stash in a Dark Place
For dried and cured cannabis plants, light accelerates the chemical breakdown. So, when thinking about how to keep weed from drying out, consider investing in an opaque container or simply storing it in a drawer or cabinet.
Don’t Keep Your Weed in the Fridge
When thinking about how to keep weed moist, the first spot that probably comes to mind is the fridge. Yet, this is far from an ideal place to keep your weed. The extreme and repetitive fluctuations in temperature can lead to condensation, leading to excess moisture, which could result in growing mold. Instead, aim for a cool space that won’t cause mold. The ideal temperature is between 60 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit.
Do Use a Hygrometer
A hygrometer is an easy and effective way to get complete visibility of your weed stash box's temperature levels and relative humidity. While an analog hygrometer will do the job, a digital one uses Bluetooth and can be synced with your smartphone to alert you whenever the conditions are less than perfect in real-time.
Don’t Use a Tobacco Humidor
Using a tobacco humidor to store your cannabis is one of the biggest mistakes you can make. These humidors are usually made out of cedar wood, and covered in various oils which enhance the cigars' taste. These oils, unfortunately, can alter the taste of your weed you plan to store inside a cigar humidor. Similarly, cigar humidors use propylene glycol or sponges to provide the perfect humidity level for tobacco. These levels, however, are too high for cannabis.
Long-Term Solutions For Weed Storage
One of the simplest ways to keep your weed from drying out is to stash it in an air-tight container with a sealable top. Metal can affect the flower's aroma and taste, whereas the plastic container's static charge causes the plant to lose its precious trichomes and break apart. That’s why glass is universally considered the best material to store cannabis. You can go the extra mile and get a UV-proof glass container. Besides that, make sure your stash fits snugly inside the container. Packing it loosely will leave ample space for oxygen to get trapped inside, affecting the quality and humidity.
Cannabis humidor boxes are a great option for those who store large amounts of weed and accessories. Made of the finest woods, the stash boxes are pricier but they are also extremely durable, so you can rest assured you’ll get the best value for your money. They are opaque, airtight, and come with humidity systems designed to maintain the weed’s freshness and the ideal RH. Lastly, they come in very elegant designs which will be a stylish addition to your home decor.
How to Keep Weed From Drying Out: The Bottom Line
It’s important to note that cannabis flowers should be consumed within six to eight months from their harvest date and pre-rolls within three months. That being said, when the conditions are right, cannabis can be stored for up to two years without losing its potency.
Proper storage is the ultimate way to keep your weed from drying out and prolonging its shelf life. Keep your weed in an airtight glass jar or a wooden box to prevent exposure to environmental factors and invest in the right accessories to maintain the ideal humidity.
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