5 Tips for Storing Hemp and Cannabis Products to Keep Them Fresh

Freshness is not just a choice in the Cannabis industry; it is a guarantee of the product. Whether you are selling premium flowers, infused edibles, or potent extracts, how you store these products directly impacts the potency, safety, shelf life, and, most importantly, customer satisfaction. 

For all the businesses, wholesalers, or manufacturers, proper storage is a bottom-line concern. The poor storage of the Cannabis products can erode your efforts, even if your business is investing in high-quality production and cultivation.

In this guide, we will break down 5 scientifically-backed smart tips to help you keep your Hemp or Cannabis products fresh, extend their shelf life, and reduce waste across flowers, edibles, and oils. These tips will help you to make sure that your customers receive the finest your brand has to offer.

Why Does the Proper Storage of Cannabis Products Matter?

First, it is important to understand why the proper storage of Cannabis is important before getting into how you can achieve that. Businesses that put storage first are better positioned to produce reliable products that retain their market value. The following are the reasons that you have to invest in proper storage:

1. Preservation Of Potency

The cannabinoids, such as THC and CBD, break down when they are exposed to light, air, heat, and moisture. According to a study conducted by Anresco Laboratories, Cannabis flower kept under unfavourable circumstances lost up to 11.8% of its total THC in 30 days and more than 34% after a year. This decline directly affects the dosage and customer trust. It can be prevented by proper storage. 

2. Retention Of Terpenes

Terpenes are extremely volatile compounds that give flavour, fragrance, and entourage effects. In conditions that are warm, dry or bright, they evaporate rapidly. Even if the flower looks intact, research indicates that terpene loss starts a few days after being exposed to changing temperatures or unsettled packaging.

3. Control Of Mould and Microbes

Humidity levels above 65% can promote mould growth, while levels below 50% can over-dry the product, making it harsh to consume and visually unappealing. Both of these outcomes can result in product recalls, failed laboratory tests, or legal consequences.

5 Tips for Storing Cannabis Products 

The following are 5 science-backed tips for storing hemp and cannabis Products:

1. Store in Airtight, UV‑Protected Containers

Cannabinoids and terpenes are preserved by airtight, UV-resistant amber glass. The breakdown of terpenes and cannabinoids is mostly accelerated by air and ultraviolet light. In contrast to samples in amber glass, Anresco discovered that cannabis in clear jars lost 11.8% THC over 30 days. According to a long-term study, over four years, UV-exposed cannabis oil lost about 90% of THC. 

So, it is always recommended to use opaque, airtight glass containers with high-quality seals as a best practice for your Cannabis or CBD products . Keep edibles in their original, sealed packaging or repackage them in opaque, food-grade bags that may be sealed.

2.  Keep the humidity between 55 and 65%

Cannabis quality is directly impacted by humidity because:

• Trichomes dry out below 55% relative humidity; texture and candour deteriorate.

• Mould, particularly Botrytis and Aspergillus, is encouraged by RH levels above 65 to 70%.

Controlled humidity cannot be compromised, so:

• Make use of two-way humidity packs calibrated to 55-62%.

• Use humidors with digital hygrometers or climate-controlled cabinets for long-term or bulk storage.

• A RH level between 55 and 65% preserves texture, aroma, and complies with safety standards.

3. Keep in a dark, cool place at a Temperature of 60-70°F:

Degradation is significantly accelerated by heat, since it has been proved that:

• Over 360 days, samples at 30°C lost about 34.6% of their THC, but samples at 4°C only lost about 11.8%.

• Every year, oils stored at 22°C in light lost about 23% of their THC content, whereas oils stored at 4°C in darkness lost about 21.6%. 

Terpenes and cannabinoids are harmed by extreme heat at over 30°C. The best method is to keep out of direct sunlight, appliances, and air conditioning vents. It should be stored between 60 and 70°F (15 and 21°C) in a stable, dark environment.

These three factors are often referred to as the "Golden Trio" that affect cannabis storage quality are temperature, humidity, and light. If one of these is done incorrectly, it may lead to mould growth, terpene loss, dried-out flowers, or cannabinoid breakdown.

4. Reduce Air Exposure and Handle With Care:

Oxygen enters a container every time it is opened, causing oxidation and a slow decline in potency. In retail settings, where inventory is regularly accessed, this is even worse.

The best method is to:

• Divide the stock into smaller containers for everyday usage.

• To protect trichomes, use gloves or tongs.

• Teach employees to correctly reseal after every access.

5. Store Products According to Their Type:

Different cannabis products have different storage requirements. What works for flowers may not work for edibles, tinctures, or vape cartridges. Adapting your strategy to the sort of product guarantees that each one maintains its safety, flavour, and efficacy.

Flower: 

• Keep in glass jars that are airtight and UV-resistant.

• Use humidity control packs and store them in a cold, dark location.

• Pre-grinding accelerates degradation, so it should be avoided.

Edibles:

• Edibles should be kept dry and cool, preferably out of direct sunlight, heat, and dampness.

• Verify the manufacturer's suggestions because certain delicacies, such as gummies or chocolates, could require refrigeration.

• Make sure the packaging is sealed and has expiration dates on it.

Oils, Tinctures, and Vape Cartridges:

• Keep oils, tinctures, and vape cartridges upright in their original packaging.

• Steer clear of hot temperatures that can degrade oils or harm cartridges.

• For hemp or cannabis tinctures, use dark glass bottles and store them in cupboards or drawers.

You may lower waste and enhance your reputation for quality by allocating your inventory according to the requirements of each product.

Things To Avoid While Storing Cannabis

• Avoid using silicone containers or plastic bags as they remove trichomes and speed up oxidation.

• Unless the flower is vacuum-sealed, avoid freezing it as moisture damages trichomes and encourages the growth of mould.

• Avoid storing in moist or well-lit regions as these conditions encourage the growth of mould and the degradation of THC. 

• Poor management causes spoiling; therefore, avoid keeping surplus goods without rotation or climate control.

Final Thought

Storage is a crucial component of both product integrity and business success in the cannabis sector; therefore, it is not merely an afterthought. You can significantly increase the shelf life and maintain the value of your inventory by understanding the Golden Trio: temperature, humidity, and light.

At AHDist, we provide high-quality bulk cannabis products with proper storage to preserve the potency, freshness, and safety that our wholesale buyers expect from us.

You can safeguard your investment, cut down on waste, and make sure every product offers the experience your brand is known for by adhering to these five crucial guidelines.