The potent smell and anticipation of a new high can be very exciting when you restock your bud stash. But, keeping your bud fresh and potent can be tricky.
Have you ever noticed that your bud looks like it is coated with tiny white crystals? These little “crystals” are called trichomes, and they contain a vast amount of chemicals responsible for the smell and potency of cannabis. So, preserving the trichomes should be your primary goal when you choose how to store your bud.
Here are a few tips for keeping your bud fresh and potent.
1. Don’t Let it Breathe
Oxygen is needed while the cannabis plant is growing, but once the bud is cut, oxygen becomes the enemy.
Oxygen can rapidly break down the precious trichomes. However, an airtight or vacuum-sealed container will preserve your bud for a long time.
2. Not Too Hot or Too Cold
Temperature control is crucial for preserving your bud’s potency and freshness. The ideal temperature for storing cannabis is around 60 to 65 degrees Fahrenheit.
You can store your bud in the fridge as long as the temperature is more than 30 degrees Fahrenheit. Cannabis can be stored in the freezer, but you must be very careful when you handle it. Frozen trichomes can fall off the bud and make it less potent.
Warmer temperatures — ranging between 77 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit — can promote the growth of mold and mildew on your bud. Smoking moldy buds can cause health problems in people with mold allergies and/or weakened immune systems.
Also, trichomes can melt in warmer temperatures.
3. Burp Your Bud
Moisture and humidity will degrade your bud and promote mold growth. Therefore, cannabis storage should maintain a humidity level of about 60% to prevent mold growth and preserve your bud.
Burping your bud (yes, that’s a thing) can eliminate excess moisture through evaporation. Simply put, the container in a dry area and leave the lid cracked to allow the moisture to evaporate.
4. Stay Away From the Light
Similar to vampires, cannabis can’t handle ultraviolet — or UV — rays. Exposure to UV rays will quickly degrade its terpenes. In addition, the sun and some types of lighting like fluorescent lights emit UV rays.
A dark room, cabinet, or container will protect your bud from UV rays.
5. Say “No” to Plastic
A good ol’ plastic bag is the go-to storage method for many people. Unfortunately, plastic pulls the moisture out of your bud, causing it to become dry and brittle. Plastic also has a static charge that causes the trichomes to fall off.
An airtight, tinted-glass container stored in a cool, dark, and dry environment will keep your bud fresh and potent.
Ready to Restock?
Campfire Cannabis has a large selection of high-quality buds for you to fill your cannabis container with. You can preorder through our online dispensary and pick it up at one of our convenient locations.
