How to Keep Medical Cannabis Fresh with Proper Storage

Wed, 15 Nov 2023

As medical cannabis gains increasing recognition and acceptance for its therapeutic potential, it becomes necessary to grasp the significance of proper storage. Regardless of whether you are utilizing it to manage pain, find relief from anxiety, or address other medicinal needs, the potency and quality of your medical cannabis can have a profound impact on the effectiveness of your treatment. Correctly storing your cannabis goes beyond merely preserving its freshness; it's also about ensuring its safety and maximizing its efficacy.

In this article, we will dig into the art of preserving the freshness of your medical cannabis, exploring the various factors that can influence its shelf life and some practical tips to help you make the most of your medicinal cannabis. By the end of this guide, you'll be equipped with the knowledge needed to maintain the plants in their best condition throughout the treatment journey.

Factors Influencing the Freshness of Medical Cannabis:

1. Composition of Cannabis:

The specific chemical composition of a cannabis strain, including its cannabinoid and terpene profile, plays a significant role in freshness. Different strains have varying levels of compounds like THC, CBD, and terpenes, which can affect how they age.

2. Environmental Factors:

Light: Exposure to light, especially direct sunlight, can degrade cannabinoids and terpenes.
Temperature: Temperature fluctuations can accelerate the degradation of cannabinoids. Extremes of heat or cold can have adverse effects.
Humidity: Maintaining the correct humidity level is essential. Cannabis that is too dry can lose its potency, as excessive humidity can encourage mould growth and degradation.

3. Oxygen Exposure:

Excessive exposure to oxygen can lead to oxidation, which can cause a decrease in the potency and freshness of cannabis. Proper storage containers should minimize air contact.

4. Container Choice:

The type of storage container used plays a critical role in freshness. Airtight containers that are specifically designed for cannabis storage can help maintain freshness by preventing air exchange.

5. Cannabis Form:

Different forms of medical cannabis, such as flowers, concentrates, tinctures, oils, or edibles, may require specific storage considerations. For example, flowers should be kept in a sealed glass jar, while concentrates might be best stored in a cool, dark place.

6. Packing and Handling:

How cannabis is handled and packed can affect its freshness. Excessive handling or crushing can break down trichomes, which contain many essential compounds. That is why trusting the premium medical cannabis company for correctly packed products is a wise decision.

7. Mixing Strains:

Storing different strains of cannabis together in the same container can lead to cross-contamination of flavours and aromas. It can cause harm to the freshness and fail to maintain their distinct characteristics.

The Strict Don'ts If You Want to Keep the Cannabis Fresh

Never store your cannabis in clear containers. Exposure to light, especially direct sunlight, can degrade the cannabinoids and terpenes, reducing the freshness and potency of your cannabis.
Don't use refrigerators for saving, as they can be too cold for proper cannabis storage. The low temperatures can cause trichomes (the resin glands containing cannabinoids and terpenes) to become brittle and break off.
Plastic bags are not suitable for cannabis storage. They are porous and allow air to flow in and out, which can cause your cannabis to dry out quickly.
Avoid crushing or grinding your cannabis until you're ready to use it. This practice can break down the delicate trichomes, resulting in a loss of potency and quality.
If you want to preserve the unique characteristics of each strain, never load different strains of cannabis together in the same container.

Practical Tips for Effective Cannabis Storage

Let's look into specific recommendations and strategies to ensure that your medical cannabis remains fresh and potent for an extended period. Here are the practical tips for adequate cannabis storage:

Choosing the Right Storage Container:

Invest in airtight, opaque containers made of materials like glass or metal. These containers will keep air and light out, preserving the freshness of your cannabis.
Consider using UV-protected or tinted glass containers to shield your cannabis from harmful UV rays.

Monitoring and Maintaining Humidity Levels:

Maintain the proper humidity level for your cannabis. Ideally, this falls within the range of 55% to 62% relative humidity.
Utilize humidity control packs designed for cannabis storage. These packs help regulate humidity and prevent your cannabis from drying out or becoming overly moist.
To check the humidity levels of the container, you can use a hygrometer. This device will provide real-time information about the conditions inside your container.

Keeping Concentrates and Edibles:

Concentrates, such as oils and extracts, should be stored in a cool, dark place, just like a flower.
Use airtight containers to keep these as it can prevent air exposure.
Edibles should be kept in their original packaging or airtight containers. Pay attention to their expiration dates and storage recommendations provided by the manufacturer.

Vacuum Sealing for Long-Term Storage:

For long-term storage of cannabis, vacuum-sealing can be a highly effective method. Vacuum-sealed bags or containers remove air, preventing oxidation and preserving freshness.
Ensure that the vacuum-sealed bags or containers are made of materials safe for food or cannabis storage.

Storing Different Forms of Cannabis Separately:

Flowers (Buds): Place buds in glass jars with a secure seal. Mason jars are an excellent choice. Store these jars in a cool, dark place.
Tinctures and Oils: Keep these products in their original, airtight containers, stored away from direct light and heat sources.
Edibles: Store edibles in airtight, child-resistant containers as per your local regulations. Keep them in a cool, dry place.
Concentrates: These products should be kept in a cool, dark, and airtight container to preserve their freshness.

By following these easy-to-follow tips, you can ensure that your medical cannabis remains fresh and potent for an extended period, allowing you to maximize its therapeutic benefits and overall quality.

Experience the Intact Freshness of Cannabis with Zion Botanics

If you want your medicinal marijuana to stay in its best condition, it is a necessity that you buy medical cannabis from trusted cannabis manufacturers in Australia. Zion Botanics, the premium Australian cannabis company, sets itself apart in the realm of medical cannabis through its meticulous cultivation techniques, resulting in a dependable and unwavering chemical composition.This consistency assures that their products consistently deliver the therapeutic effects that patients and practitioners rely on.

The freshness and quality of cannabis products can significantly depend on the manufacturer's cultivation methods and their ability to produce high-quality yields. Reliable medical cannabis manufacturers like Zion Botanics -
Employs cutting-edge IoT systems and optimizes environmental conditions to ensure stability and consistency. This proactive approach helps prevent the development of mould, pests, and diseases, which can significantly harm plant health and crop quality.
Uses an advanced lighting system to deliver the ideal spectrum and light intensity for cultivating cannabis while ensuring that the plants receive the right amount of light and foster healthy growth.
Maintains a consistent and reproducible chemical composition through precise environmental control and the utilization of tissue culture.
Hires expert staff who thoroughly observe the development of plants while managing essential activities like planting and maintaining proper nutrient levels that guarantee the best possible plant health.

Conclusion

In conclusion, preserving the freshness of your medical cannabis is paramount to experiencing its full therapeutic potential. By understanding the factors that influence cannabis freshness and following the dos and don'ts of storage, patients can ensure that their medicinal marijuana remains in its best condition. Additionally, buying medical cannabis from trustworthy manufacturers, like Zion Botanics, provides the highest standards of cannabis, along with its purity and safety. So, choosing premium medical cannabis suppliers can be considered as another condition for getting fresh and effective medicinal cannabis.