Millions of people across the U.S. use medical cannabis to treat conditions like chronic pain and PTSD. Its benefits as a medicine rely on two things: following professional medical advice and storing your medicines properly. This post will focus on the latter.
Proper storage ensures that medical cannabis products remain potent, safe, and free from contaminants – like mold, for example. The most effective storage techniques are designed to control cannabis’ exposure to humidity, light, air, and high temperatures. Proper storage also ensures that children and pets do not have access.
Temperature Control
If your medicines are in tablet or capsule form, you have the easiest form to store. But all forms of medical cannabis need to be stored in a cool, dark place – like a cupboard or closet. Your medicine should be kept away from direct sunlight and heat sources like stoves and radiators. Exposure to high temperatures will cause your medicines to degrade and could increase the risk of mold growth.
Speaking of mold growth, it is a problem at temperatures of 77°F or higher. So aim to keep your medicines at a lower temperature. An ideal temperature would be 55-68°F.
Oxygen and Humidity Management
The combination of air and humidity determines whether a medical cannabis product will get moldy. Bear in mind that the mold issue is generally related to plant material, but it can affect things like gummies and concentrated oils. To prevent mold:
- Store your medicines in airtight glass containers.
- Avoid storing in plastic bags that may let in air.
- Minimize head space in your storage containers.
- Avoid frequently opening your containers.
Aim for a relative humidity of 55-65% if you prefer to use medical cannabis in flower form. Maintaining the right humidity in your home prevents both over-drying and mold growth. Note that you can place humidity control packs inside storage containers if you do not have a whole-home humidifier.
More Specific Storage Tips
While mold and other contaminants are the biggest concern with medical cannabis, there are other concerns that are based on specific product types. To that end, here are a few more tips courtesy of the Beehive Farmacy medical cannabis pharmacy in Salt Lake City, Utah:
- Cannabis Flower – Store flower in airtight, glass containers with a humidity pack. Before using it, check the flower for visible mold, a crumbly texture, or odd odors.
- Concentrates and Vapes – Store concentrates and vapes in airtight containers. They can be glass or plastic. Keep your containers in a stable, cool, and dark place. Note that some of your products might be okay in the refrigerator as long as the products are sealed and kept dry.
- Edibles and Tinctures – Be sure to leave edibles and tinctures in their original packaging. Put the entire package in an airtight container if you are unable to reseal it properly. Store edibles and tinctures at room temperature unless a product label indicates otherwise.
Above all, make sure all of your storage containers are child and pet proof. Keep the containers out of reach as well. The last thing you need is for one of your kids or pets to find and get into your medicines. Check Beehive Farmacy’s website
Proper Storage Means Everybody Wins
Properly storing medical cannabis translates into a win for everyone involved. You maintain the safety and viability of your medicines for a better experience overall. Meanwhile, your other family members (including kids) and pets are not at risk of accidental exposure. And of course, properly stored medical cannabis is more capable of doing what it’s supposed to do: offer you the symptom relief you are looking for.