If you're not sure how to properly store CBD flowers, here are all our tips to help you!
CBD flowers do not last indefinitely. As a CBD user, you’ve probably noticed this. Chemical changes occur quickly, depending on the environment to which the flower is exposed. Cannabinoids, terpenes, and trichomes can be altered.
In fact, CBD is made from natural products and plants and degrades over time. It is therefore important to know how to store CBD flowers. Proper protection of CBD involves choosing a high-quality product that shields it from factors that cause degradation, such as heat, humidity, and light. On the other hand, improper storage leads to a reduced concentration of cannabinoids and a degradation of the active compounds in CBD flowers. Here are all our tips for properly storing CBD flowers!
Storing CBD flowers properly … why is it important?
Like any organic product, CBD flower will eventually spoil!
If you don't protect them properly from light and moisture, they can quickly oxidize and even start to mold.
It is important to understand that oxidation continues even after harvesting and refining. This natural process occurs even more rapidly when the flower is exposed to air and light.
Furthermore, the loss of quality isn't just a matter of taste. Cannabinoids also degrade over time.
What are the various factors that cause CBD to degrade?
Once harvested, the plant automatically begins a process of degradation and chemical transformation: this is senescence. This stage of development can only occur after maturity. Although inevitable, this process can be accelerated by environmental conditions such as humidity, temperature, oxygen, and so on. This is exactly the case with CBD flowers. That is why it is essential to be extremely vigilant about the various factors that contribute to degradation.
Temperature
Temperature is a very important factor for two reasons. First, it’s important to know that higher temperatures (between 25 and 30 °C) greatly promote the growth of mold. The second reason is that temperature accelerates the heating process of CBD flowers, causing them to dry out. At this stage, the cannabinoids in the flower are oxidized and transformed. Similarly, terpenes—which are particularly sensitive to heat—will evaporate quickly.
Humidity
Just like temperature, humidity is also a factor that promotes mold growth in CBD flowers. Worse yet, it can lead to mold growth. The ideal humidity level for storing CBD flowers is between 59% and 63%. When humidity is below 59%, the risk of mold is significantly reduced, but this also accelerates the drying of the buds. Maintaining the perfect humidity level is no easy task. However, there are products on the market designed to optimize this environmental factor.
Air
Too much oxygen in the air will speed up the decomposition process of the buds. This can indeed lead to the degradation of the active and aromatic compounds in the CBD flower. In addition, air also has a significant impact on the color of the flowers. Specifically, the flowers will turn brown.
How long can CBD be stored?
Once opened, CBD flowers can be consumed within 6 to 12 months if stored properly and under optimal conditions.
As a reminder, once a product is opened, it’s only a matter of time before the active ingredients break down. Therefore, to fully benefit from the potential advantages of CBD, it’s best to use each product within a few days or weeks of opening it. Additionally, it’s important to know that the longer you wait to use CBD products, the more you’ll need to increase your dosage. In that case, you won’t be able to enjoy them to the fullest.
As mentioned above, CBD can be stored for up to one year. This timeframe varies depending on how you store it. Additionally, as your product nears its expiration date and begins to degrade, you may notice changes in its color and texture. Avoid consuming CBD flowers at that point.
When the color of a CBD product becomes lighter (if it was previously dark), or vice versa, it’s a sign that your product has expired. Additionally, if it crumbles (especially flowers) or becomes thicker (such as oil), that’s another sign that your product has lost its CBD concentration. Finally, you can be sure that your product has completely deteriorated if it has lost its smell or taste.
What's the best way to store CBD flowers?
The first thing to note is that various CBD compounds, such as cannabinoids and terpenes, are highly sensitive to certain environmental factors. So, what’s the best way to store CBD flowers so they stay fresh as long as possible?
Choosing the Right Container
You should give careful thought to how you store your CBD flowers. Ideally, experts say, place them in jars or glass or metal containers. Be careful not to store them in plastic bags. Far from being recommended, these storage methods can harm the quality of the flowers by destroying their trichomes. So, store your CBD flowers in an airtight container.
Now that we've settled the issue of the container, let's talk about its size. For best preservation, fill your CBD flower jars only three-quarters full. So when you run out of stock, don't forget to transfer your flowers to smaller containers to follow the three-quarters rule.
Use a terpenes shield
The terpenes produced by CBD flowers affect their potency, flavor, and aroma. To protect your flowers from the effects of excessive or insufficient humidity—that is, evaporation or dehydration—placing them in these small bags will help preserve them for a long time. Note that the ideal humidity level should be between 55% and 65%.
Avoid touching CBD flowers
It’s important to avoid touching CBD flowers with your hands, as this will cause them to deteriorate more quickly. The natural oils on your hands can damage the trichomes, which are responsible for the CBD’s aroma and effects. You can use tweezers to pick up the CBD flowers or wear latex gloves.
Add a moisture absorber
Placing a moisture absorber in your storage container can help prevent moisture buildup, which is crucial for keeping your CBD flower fresh.
Label the container
Be sure to clearly label the containers with the harvest date and the variety of CBD flowers to make inventory management easier.
Store in a stable place
Store CBD flowers in a cool, dark place at a constant temperature to avoid fluctuations that could affect their quality.
By following these long-term storage tips, you can extend the shelf life of your CBD flowers while preserving their therapeutic benefits.
Should CBD flowers be stored in the refrigerator?
It is strongly discouraged to store CBD flowers in the refrigerator. This is because the refrigerator does not provide sufficient humidity or the right temperature to ensure proper preservation. As for frost buildup, it can be a problem when the temperature changes after opening the door. This can actually lead to bacterial growth. Similarly, trichomes that freeze become very fragile. Therefore, you must be very careful. However, some people specifically recommend vacuum-sealing. But you must be very careful when handling the flowers as you remove them. Before using them, it is strongly recommended to let the flowers thaw on their own without touching them.
In addition, the size of the storage container is also a key factor. This is because the amount of oxygen must be minimized as much as possible. The pot should be filled to at least three-quarters of its capacity without cramming the flower in.
Conclusion
Proper storage of CBD flowers is crucial for maintaining their quality and potency. By following these tips for storing CBD flowers, you can ensure that your CBD products stay fresh and flavorful for longer. Store them in a cool, dry place away from light, use airtight containers, and avoid touching the flowers with your hands. And for those looking for a more affordable alternative to CBD flowers, the Trim CBD can also be an excellent option, while preserving the natural flavors of hemp. With these simple tips, you’ll be able to enjoy all the benefits of CBD for longer!
