In ideal storage conditions, cannabis should be able to remain fresh for a pretty long time. Well-dried and cured buds should keep for a period of up to one year without losing freshness. High-quality cannabis extracts should be kept for even two years without degrading. But for this to happen, the storage conditions must be ideal.
The answer to the question, “for how long does weed last” is “it depends on the storage conditions.” For weed to keep for a long time, an ideal environment must be maintained. Conditions to be on the lookout for include:
- Humidity
- Temperature
- Air circulation
- Light
The storage container used to store weed must ensure a balance between all these elements. This is what happens as pot ages.
Over time, the bioactive compounds in cannabis (cannabinoids and terpenes) begin to break down. As this happens, the cannabis begins to lose flavor and potency. When all the flavor and potency are lost, we say that the weed has gone stale. As mentioned earlier, how long this takes varies depending on the storage conditions.
The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime has given estimates on how fast cannabis loses THC potency. It is as follows:
- 16% of THC is lost in the first year
- 26% of THC is lost in the second year
- 34% of THC is lost in the third year
- 41% of THC is lost in the fourth year
How fast cannabis degrades is dependent on the storage conditions. You should note that moisture, heat, and light will make your weed age faster.
Why Does Weed Get Old?
Weed gets old when it is exposed to harsh elements in the environment, notably moisture, and high temperatures. When weed is exposed to excessive moisture it begins to grow mold and degrade. When it is exposed to high temperatures, it becomes dry and loses flavor and potency.
Best Ways to Store Cannabis and Keep It Fresh
When choosing a container to store your weed, you will need to consider several factors. You need an airtight container to prevent exposing the cannabis to excess air and moisture. You also want a container that is easy to clean and reusable. Here are a few to consider:
Glass Mason Jars
Mason jars are usually used to store dried flowers. They have an airtight seal, hence leaving little room for degradation. Glass breaks easily and should therefore be handled with caution.
Ziplock Bags
Ziploc bags come in handy when you need to store leftover weed. These bags are convenient because they are easy to transport, clean, and fit well into spaces. In addition, they also provide a tight seal to preserve the freshness of your weed.
Humidors
Humidors are storage boxes that have humidity-control capabilities. They are ideal for storing cannabis for extended durations. Because the humidity is controlled, the weed keeps for longer. When choosing a humidor it is advisable to go for one that is easy to handle and clean.
Can You Store Weed in the Freezer or Refrigerator?
Cannabis flowers should never be stored in the freezer or refrigerator. This will make the buds brittle and as a result, the trichomes will separate and fall off. Losing the trichomes means losing the potency of your stash. However, Cannabis edibles can be stored in the refrigerator for a period of up to six months.
How Long Does Weed Stay Fresh In A Ziploc Bag?
Say several weeks?
Weed may not keep for long when stored in a Ziploc bag. This is because it can be difficult to maintain the ideal humidity and temperature to make the weed kept for longer. Frequent opening and closing of the Ziploc bag will cause the weed to degrade and dry out sooner rather than later. However, if you are planning on consuming your weed in a few short weeks, then a Ziploc bag is the way to go.
Why Is It Important to Keep Weed Fresh?
When cannabis loses its freshness, it also loses several things as well. Dry cannabis is brittle and unappealing. It also weighs less and this will reduce its unit price. Cannabis that has molds is equally unappealing and may cause GI disturbances when consumed. Most importantly, it is important to keep cannabis fresh so that you preserve its full potency and therapeutic/ recreational benefits.
FAQ: How Long Can Weed Last in a Ziploc Bag?
Answer: Weed can stay fresh in a Ziploc bag for up to 1-2 months if stored in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.
Answer: It is not recommended to keep weed in a Ziploc bag for longer than 2 months as it may start to lose its potency or become moldy.
Answer: No, any standard Ziploc bag should be sufficient for storing weed. However, it is best to use a thicker Ziploc bag to ensure that the weed is not exposed to air or moisture.
Answer: Yes, it is safe to store weed in a Ziploc bag provided that the bag is kept in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.
Final Note
Cannabis can keep for a very long time if it is well stored. Ideal storage conditions for cannabis should provide the optimum environmental conditions; temperature, humidity, airflow, and lighting. Weed may not keep for long when stored in a Ziploc bag, this is because it can be difficult to maintain the ideal storage conditions. However, Ziploc bags are a good starting point since they are sanitary.
