How to Properly Store Cannabis in Hot Weather

The summer months can bring some insufferable temps. Even with the AC running, your house can get to temperatures that can damage your cannabis if it’s not stored properly. And, forget your garage or shed.

Cannabis is a heat-sensitive plant, meaning that it can degrade and lose potency when exposed to high temperatures over extended periods.

When it comes to storing your cannabis in hot weather, the key is to minimize exposure to heat, light, and air. By better understanding how heat affects your cannabis and how to store cannabis in hot weather, you can take the necessary steps to ensure that your product stays fresh and potent all summer long.

Cannabis is Like Wine and Whiskey

Like wine and whiskey, when cannabis is exposed to heat, the terpenes – which are responsible for the plant’s smell and flavor – begin to evaporate. Oxygen, UV exposure, and heat also degrade cannabinoids like THC, transforming them into non-psychoactive cannabinoids like CBN. In other words, heat, light, and oxygen can make your cannabis less potent.

The ideal temperature for storing cannabis is between 60-68 degrees Fahrenheit. In more general terms, store your cannabis at a temperature under 70 degrees as a rule of thumb. If the temperature is any higher than that, you run the risk of damaging your product.

Marijuana Flower Storage: Dos and Don’ts

When it comes to storing your flower, there are a few things you should and shouldn’t do to keep your product as fresh as possible.

Do:

• Store your flower in an airtight container like a mason jar. You’ll want to make sure that your jar isn’t too big, because excess space can allow more air to circulate and degrade your product. Too little space can also be an issue. For example, a quart-sized mason jar should only be 2/3 full to allow for proper airflow.
• Store cannabis in a dark place. Light degrades THC just like heat does, so you want to ensure that your product is stored in a dark place where it won’t be exposed to any light. While this might come off counterintuitive, considering plants need light to grow, cannabis is already a fully-grown plant that has been dried and doesn’t need any more light exposure.

Don’t:

• Don’t store your cannabis in the fridge or freezer. While this might seem like a good way to keep your product cool, the drastic temperature changes can damage your cannabis. Both fridge and freezer are typically too humid for cannabis storage, which can lead to mold and mildew growth.
• Don’t store your product in a plastic baggie. Many people make the mistake of thinking that a plastic baggie is an airtight container, but it’s quite the opposite. Not only do plastic baggies allow air and light exposure, but the plastic can leach chemicals into your cannabis over time.

Cannabis Concentrate Storage: Dos and Don’ts

Cannabis concentrates are a bit different from cannabis flower when it comes to storage because they don’t contain moisture. Because of this, cannabis concentrates are less susceptible to mold and mildew growth. However, they are still sensitive to heat, light, and air exposure.

Do:

• Store your concentrates in an airtight, opaque container like a silicone jar. These are the most versatile and user-friendly containers for cannabis concentrates because they are non-stick, easy to clean, and won’t absorb any smells.
• Parchment paper is your best friend when it comes to long-term cannabis concentrate storage. Parchment paper is non-stick, heat-resistant, and won’t absorb any smells. Simply wrap your concentrate in parchment paper and store it in an airtight container to protect it from long-term exposure.
• Store your cannabis concentrates in the refrigerator or freezer. This is a great way to keep cannabis concentrates fresh for a long period of time. Simply store your concentrate in an airtight container and place it in the freezer or fridge. This will help to preserve the terpenes and prevent degradation.

Don’t:

• Don’t store your concentrates in plastic containers. Plastic is porous, which means it will absorb smells over time. Additionally, plastic can leach chemicals into your concentrates, altering taste and potency.
• Don’t store your concentrates in direct sunlight or in a hot environment. Heat can degrade the quality of your concentrates and affect their potency.
• Don’t store your concentrates in an environment with high humidity, as this can lead to mold and mildew growth.

Cannabis Vape Storage: Dos and Don’ts

Vape pens or cartridges containing cannabis oil present special storage concerns. Because vapes contain liquid and have metal parts, they are more susceptible to degradation from both heat and humidity.

Do:

• Store your vape in a cool, dry place. A cool, dry environment will help to prevent the cannabis liquid in your vape from losing potency.
• Make sure your vape is turned off when you’re not using it. This will help to preserve the battery life and prevent accidental leakage.
• Clean your vape regularly. A clean vape is a happy vape that will help prevent any buildup of liquids or oils.

Don’t:

• Don’t store your vape in a hot environment. Heat can damage the battery and cause the compounds in the liquid to degrade, or even leak.
• Don’t store your vape in an environment with high humidity, which can damage the metal parts.
• Don’t store your vape in direct sunlight. The sun can damage the plastic parts of your vape and cause the cannabis compounds to degrade.

Cannabis Edibles Storage: Dos and Don’ts

Edibles are a bit different than other cannabis products when it comes to storage because they are a food substance. Because of this, edibles are more susceptible to mold and mildew growth.

Do:

• Store your edibles in an airtight, opaque container. This will help to prevent mold and mildew growth.
• Keep your edibles in a cool, dry place. A cool, dry environment will help to prevent the THC from degrading and inhibit mold growth.
• Make sure your edibles are out of reach of children and pets. Certain edibles can be tempting to little ones, so it’s important to keep them stored safely.

Don’t:

• Don’t store your edibles in a hot environment. This can drastically reduce the shelf life of your edibles.
• Don’t store your edibles in an environment with high humidity, as this can cause mold and mildew growth.
• Don’t store your edibles in direct sunlight. The sun can damage the food, turn it into mush, and degrade the cannabinoids.

Using these tips to safely store your edibles can help you to keep your cannabis products fresh and potent until you can enjoy them.

Best Ways to Enjoy Cannabis in Warm Weather

When it’s HOT no one wants to tolerate impossible temperatures just to dose, but if smoking is your method, what alternative do you have? We’ve put together some ideas you can try!

Skip Smoking and Try Edibles

Consuming edibles can be one of the best ways to enjoy cannabis in warm weather. No matter the time of year, edibles are a great way to enjoy the benefits of cannabis without inhaling smoke or vapor. Additionally, edibles can be easily transported and consumed discreetly. No need to go in the backyard (or hide in the hot shed or garage), edibles offer a way to stay indoor and still consume in the hotter months.

Find Relief with Tinctures Instead

Tinctures are a way to consume cannabis that most don’t consider. They are crafted by infusing a carrier oil, often MCT or coconut oil, with cannabis distillate and natural flavoring to create a delicious sublingual dosing method. Sublingual dosing is holding under your tongue for faster-acting effects, though you can swallow for a slow onset more like edibles!

Maintaining Cannabis Freshness in Hot Weather

To keep the ideal temperature, you’ll need to find a cool, dark place to store your cannabis—somewhere like a basement or closet. If you don’t have access to a cool, dark place, you can always store your cannabis in a temperature-regulated environment where you can ensure that the temperature stays consistent. It can also help to cover the storage container with a dark towel or blanket to help block out any light.

We hope these tips help you keep your cannabis fresh. Keep in mind that various brands and products will have different guidelines on how they should be stored, so make sure you follow instructions on the package. If you ever have a question about a product found at a Zen Leaf Dispensary, feel free to contact a Zen Leaf Budtender in your state.