Now that your harvest is trimmed, dried, and cured properly, it’s time to discuss proper storage for your cannabis flower and concentrates. While some of these best practices may seem obvious, others are not. So ride with me–Greg the Alien–and look at some science-backed ways to store your stash courtesy of several different peer-reviewed studies by humanoid researchers.
You’ve spent several months, a little bit of money, and a lot of hard work on your weed plants–get the best out of your harvest for as long as you can. Storing weed and concentrates properly will ensure the best longevity and quality for as long as possible.
The potency of cannabis gradually degrades if stored inefficiently. Cannabinol (CBN) is a cannabinoid formed from the breakdown of THC-rich trichomes in flower and concentrates over time. THC-rich weed and concentrates become less and less psychoactive the older they get, while CBN takes over and leaves consumers with a more drowsy effect than anything. [1]
If your goal is to preserve potency, learning how to store cannabis flower and protect concentrates is critical for long-term use.
Terpenes factor in much more than they are given credit for when it comes to their contribution to potency and potential medicinal effects of cannabis. They’re also a big part of the aroma and flavor profiles of just about every strain and type of weed.
Besides genetics, cultivation, harvest, and growing environment, age has a lot to do with how active and present terpenes are in the overall spectrum of cannabinoids for a certain strain. The inherent nature of terpenes leads them to be unstable, which means that as cannabis ages, the terpenes are depleted along with all their benefits, scents, and flavors [2].
The best approach to preserve terpenes is to store your weed at its peak dankness, using a Boveda humidity pack to keep relative humidity levels stable.
For maximum flavor and aroma retention, always store your cured buds in air-tight, UV-protected glass jars—it’s the gold standard for anyone who wants to keep weed fresh for months.
There have been quite a few studies on the effects of light, temperature, and air on cannabis and concentrate samples. Many of these studies have become the cornerstone of our understanding of how to store weed properly.
In one 2012 study, both concentrates and flower were monitored over 4 years under different conditions. Samples exposed to natural UV light and room temperature showed drastic THC reduction in just the first year. By year four, THC was virtually nonexistent and replaced by CBN [3].
If you’re wondering how long weed lasts in different conditions, this study offers a clear answer: improper storage = massive potency loss.
Other researchers discovered that storing cannabis at room temperature can reduce THC levels by 3–5% per month. While CBN is the main culprit, light and temperature speed up degradation [4].
Once the temperature rises above 85°F, degradation increases exponentially [5]. So, if you’re storing your stash in a garage, attic, or sunny window—move it immediately!
Among all factors, light was found to be the most destructive. Even more than air or heat, UV exposure destroys cannabinoids in both flower and concentrate forms [6].
If you’re planning long-term storage, light protection is non-negotiable. This makes UV-blocking, airtight jars a must-have for any serious cannabis consumer or grower.
Many of the factors besides CBN that contribute heavily to the degradation of your stash can be relatively controlled. When it comes to fighting the elements and keeping weed premium, humanoids have it figured out pretty good.
UV-protected glass containers with a dark, opaque, or preferably blue tint will ensure degradation from light is minimized. Keep jars in a room-temperature, dark location, away from kitchens, bathrooms, or windows.
Once your buds are filled into each jar, add a Boveda pack to maintain ideal RH levels while they’re stored. Choose a Boveda pack size that coordinates with the weight inside the full jar. Refrigeration and freezing are not smart ways to store buds specifically, since they can damage cannabinoid-rich trichomes and produce condensation that leads to mold.
If you’re a grower using premium cannabis seeds from Multiverse Beans, proper post-harvest storage is just as important as the cultivation itself.
There are many different types of cannabis concentrates, each with unique storage needs. Whether you’re preserving live resin, rosin, wax, shatter, or distillates, proper storage ensures potency, texture, and terpene profile stay intact.
Learning how to store cannabis concentrates is essential for extract users who want to preserve taste, potency, and consistency.
As mentioned, storing weed and concentrates the right way may seem simple, but a lot of humanoids still don’t seem to do it. Pay attention to all of the above that I talked about, but also some other tips below to help guide you.
Researchers continue to study and publish findings on cannabis preservation, helping us humanoids (and aliens) better understand how to fight the effects of time, light, air, and heat on THC, terpenes, and overall product integrity.
More studies are on the way, but what we know now is enough to make a huge difference. If you’re serious about protecting your harvest from premium cannabis seeds, don’t overlook this final but vital stage.
CBN may not be your friend, but it’s gonna show up to the party anyway—minimize its takeover and preserve your weed’s full potential by storing it properly.
Start strong by choosing high-quality seeds! Visit Multiverse Beans to buy cannabis seeds online—autoflowers, photoperiods, hybrids, indicas, and sativas. Once you grow them right, store them right using the tips above.
👉 Ready to grow and preserve like a pro? Shop now at Multiverse Beans
