Medical marijuana has grown by leaps and bounds since it was first legalized, not only by state legalization but by popularity. The total amount of U.S. adult-use and medical cannabis sales, according to MJBiz, is expected to reach $32.1 billion in 2024 and $58 billion by 2030. With all that growth, questions arise from patients. One of those questions is how to store medical marijuana products to keep them as fresh as possible. In this article, we’ll recommend methods for storing your medical marijuana gummies, tinctures, flower, and other forms.
Edibles can include various products including gummies, chocolates, cookies, and candies. Edibles may be made with perishable ingredients like dairy, eggs, fresh fruit or nonperishable ingredients like sugar, flour, or dried fruit. The ingredients can play a big part in what kind of storage will be required. Also playing a large role is how the edibles are stored, where they’re stored, and how they were made.
Perishables – These ingredients introduce moisture and organic matter into the product, creating an environment conducive to microbial growth and spoilage. Edibles containing perishable ingredients should be placed in a sealed, waterproof, air-tight container and refrigerated away from moisture and light. They should be consumed according to the expiration dates of the ingredients. For example, you wouldn’t leave eggs in your refrigerator for three months so you shouldn’t store edibles containing eggs that long either.
Non-perishables – These products have a much longer shelf life. If stored properly, gummies with non-perishable ingredients can last anywhere from six months to a year. If the ingredients are limited to sugar, gelatin, and water, (and cannabis of course) the shelf life is indefinite. Individually wrapped candies will also last longer since they’re made with non-perishable ingredients.
Whether your edibles contain perishable or non-perishable ingredients, it’s best to store them in a cool, dry place in a waterproof and air-tight container. Also, if stored for extended periods, even gummies can get moldy. Watch out for gummies that are grainy or dry and, of course, signs of mold. This could include irregular spots, discoloration, or visible fuzzy growth. If you see any of these signs, your edibles are now inedibles.
But even the most carefully stored medical marijuana can lose potency over time, losing some of its medicinal properties. Gummies and candies that contain THC can convert into a completely different cannabinoid called cannabinol (CBN) if left in heat and light for long enough. At that point, the edibles may still be edible but they will most likely make you very tired rather than the expected psychoactive result. Studies show that there’s a 12 percent degradation of THC just within the first 100 days, so the sooner you consume these products the more consistent result you can expect.
If cannabis flower is properly cured for at least four weeks, it can last for long periods, even up to two years according to one study in the Journey of Pharmacy and Pharmacology.
Like edibles, store your marijuana flower in a cool, dark, and dry place. The potency, terpenes, and medicinal effects can be impacted by the four enemies of cannabis: humidity, temperature, air, and light. Not only that, improperly cured and stored marijuana can make for quite an unpleasant flavor and harsh consumption.
Recommended temperature to store marijuana flower at temperatures below 74 degrees Fahrenheit to help prevent mold and mildew. But, ideally, the temperature should be around 65 degrees Fahrenheit and no less than 55 degrees. It’s also important to store flower in a dark environment. If you can’t provide that, it’s recommended to store it in an opaque container. Also important is exposure to air. If flower dries out, it loses much of its medicinal qualities. That’s why an airtight container is a must.
If you do keep your flower in the original packaging, please remember that opening the container and touching the product can speed up spoilage by introducing moisture and bacteria.
Medical marijuana tinctures have an almost indefinite shelf-life. But, it’s still important to store it in the recommended conditions including all those listed above. Store in a cool, dry, moisture-free place for best results. It’s not necessary to refrigerate them but it also won’t cause them any damage. Storing in an airtight container is also important because tincture can evaporate.
Temperature is perhaps the most important consideration when storing vape cartridges. Make sure to store in moderate temperatures. Too hot can cause leaks while too cold can make the liquid too difficult to vaporize.
Like most cannabis products, the cannabinoids within vape cartridges are sensitive to light. When storing your vape cartridges, always take care that their exposure to the sun and other sources of harmful UV rays has been minimized to the best of your ability. And, one thing that’s not important in other products but pivotal in storing vapes, be sure to store in an upright position rather than on the side. The oil should always flow to the bottom of the vape where the wick is located.
Overall, the best way to store cannabis products is in a dark, moderately cool, dry place in an opaque or airtight container. This will help extend the shelf life of your products and produce a more consistent experience from the first use to the last.
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