Since cannabis is a delicate plant, it must be kept properly if one wants to retain its potency, flavor, and odor. If you’re familiar with cannabis or new to it, your storage method will play a key role in maintaining the quality of your weed. Among cannabis users, one often asked concern is whether it is safe to keep pot in the refrigerator-especially in hot weather. This blog post will go over the best cannabis storage techniques, where to keep it during the summer, and whether the refrigerator is a decent choice.
Why Proper Storage Matters
Before diving into the specifics of fridge storage, it’s important to understand why proper cannabis storage is so essential. Cannabis contains terpenes and cannabinoids, which are the compounds responsible for its effects and distinctive aroma. Over time, exposure to heat, light, air, and humidity can degrade these compounds, leading to a loss of potency, flavor, and smell. Additionally, improper storage can cause your cannabis to dry out, become moldy, or lose its desirable texture.
To prevent these issues, it’s crucial to store your weed in a way that minimizes exposure to factors that can negatively affect its quality. Let’s look at the different options for storing cannabis, including the fridge, and evaluate whether they’re suitable.
The Ideal Conditions for Storing Cannabis
Before we answer the question of whether the fridge is a good option for storing cannabis, it’s essential to understand the ideal storage conditions. Cannabis thrives in a cool, dark, and dry environment. These conditions will help preserve the potency and quality of the buds for a longer period. The best temperature range for storing cannabis is between 60-70°F (15-21°C), and the relative humidity should be around 55-62%.
Storing cannabis at the correct temperature and humidity levels prevents the degradation of THC, the compound responsible for the high, and preserves the terpenes that give cannabis its unique flavor. It also prevents the growth of mold, which thrives in damp environments.
Can You Keep Weed in the Fridge?
Now, let’s address the main question: Can you store weed in the fridge?
The short answer is: it’s not recommended.
While it might seem like a good idea to store cannabis in the fridge to keep it cool during hot weather, there are several factors to consider before doing so. Let’s break down the reasons why the fridge might not be the best option for storing your weed.
- Humidity Issues
The fridge is a very humid environment, especially when it’s frequently opened and closed. This can lead to fluctuations in moisture levels that are not ideal for cannabis storage. When cannabis is exposed to high humidity, it can become moldy or develop mildew. Even though cannabis may feel dry, it’s important to maintain the right humidity levels, and a fridge can make this tricky to control.
Cannabis buds are best stored in air-tight containers to prevent moisture from entering. If you keep your weed in the fridge, there’s a chance that condensation can form inside the container, creating an environment that promotes mold growth.
- Temperature Fluctuations
Although the fridge is cool, it’s not necessarily the right temperature for cannabis. The fridge’s temperature fluctuates depending on how often it is opened and closed. When the temperature changes too drastically, the cannabis can become too cold or too warm, which may cause the trichomes (the tiny, resin-producing glands on cannabis flowers) to degrade or even become brittle. This can lead to a loss of potency, flavor, and aroma over time.
- Loss of Aroma and Flavor
Cannabis is known for its strong aroma and unique flavor profile, thanks to the terpenes found in the plant. Storing weed in the fridge can cause it to absorb unwanted odors from other food items. The fridge is often filled with various smells from fruits, vegetables, and leftovers, and your cannabis can easily absorb these smells, affecting its original scent and taste.
- Brittleness of Trichomes
The cold temperatures inside a fridge can also cause the trichomes to become brittle and break off. Trichomes are the resin glands that contain THC, CBD, and terpenes, and they are responsible for the potency and aroma of your cannabis. When trichomes are damaged, the cannabis may lose its strength and quality.
So, Where Should You Store Cannabis When It’s Hot?
If the fridge isn’t the best place for cannabis, where should you store your weed when it’s hot outside? The goal is to find a cool, dry, and dark environment that will maintain a consistent temperature and humidity level. Here are some alternative storage options that are better suited for preserving the quality of your cannabis.
- A Cool, Dark Closet
One of the best places to store your cannabis is in a cool, dark closet. Closets are usually well-insulated, which helps maintain a steady temperature. A closet that is not exposed to direct sunlight is ideal because UV rays can degrade cannabinoids and terpenes, reducing the quality of your weed. If you don’t have a closet, you can also store cannabis in a drawer or cabinet.
If you live in a particularly hot climate, it might be a good idea to invest in a small air conditioning unit or a fan to help keep the room temperature stable.
- A Humidor
If you’re looking for a more sophisticated option, consider using a cannabis humidor. A humidor is a climate-controlled container that maintains the ideal humidity level for preserving cannabis. It’s designed to keep the cannabis fresh and prevent it from drying out or becoming too moist. Humidors are commonly used to store cigars, but they work just as well for cannabis.
You can find humidity packs designed specifically for cannabis storage, which will help maintain the right humidity level inside the humidor.
- A Dark, Sealed Container
If you don’t have access to a humidor, you can still store your weed effectively in a dark, air-tight container. Mason jars or vacuum-sealed bags are popular options because they keep out light and air. Just make sure to store the container in a cool, dry place, such as a closet or drawer.
- Temperature-Controlled Containers
For those who live in extremely hot climates, it might be worth investing in a temperature-controlled storage container. These containers can maintain a consistent temperature, which is essential for protecting the integrity of your cannabis.
Some cannabis brands even sell specialized storage containers designed to regulate temperature and humidity, ensuring that your weed stays fresh and potent for longer.
Tips for Storing Cannabis During Hot Weather
In addition to choosing the right storage location, there are a few tips you can follow to keep your cannabis fresh during hot weather:
- Use Humidity Packs: Adding a humidity pack, like the Boveda pack, to your storage container can help maintain the optimal humidity level for cannabis. These packs release or absorb moisture to keep your weed at the right humidity level.
- Avoid Plastic Bags: While plastic bags are convenient, they can cause cannabis to dry out more quickly. Opt for glass jars or vacuum-sealed bags instead.
- Don’t Handle Cannabis Too Much: Handling cannabis too frequently can cause the trichomes to break off, reducing the potency. Only handle your cannabis when necessary, and use gloves or tweezers to avoid transferring oils from your hands.
- Check Regularly for Mold: If you live in a humid environment, check your cannabis regularly for signs of mold. If you notice mold, it’s important to discard the affected buds immediately.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while the fridge may seem like a convenient option for storing cannabis during hot weather, it is not the ideal choice. The fridge’s high humidity, fluctuating temperatures, and risk of freezing can degrade your cannabis and affect its flavor, aroma, and potency. Instead, opt for a cool, dark, dry place, such as a closet, drawer, or air-tight container. Using a cannabis humidor or temperature-controlled storage container can also help preserve the quality of your weed. By following these storage tips, you can ensure that your cannabis remains fresh and potent, even on the hottest days.
