There are now various ways you can ingest cannabis. From smoking to eating it and topical delivery methods, the opportunities are endless.
But, as with anything cannabis-related, it also has a sell-by-date. As you expose cannabis to various weather conditions, the THC breaks down. This turns into less potent cannabinoids.
In this article, we’re going to go through some information about cannabis concentrates. We’ll also tell you how to store them.
What Are Cannabis Concentrates?
Cannabis concentrates have concentrated amounts of THC, the psychoactive compound in marijuana.
These concentrates also have many other cannabinoids and terpenes. Unlike edibles and smokables, concentrates can be both solvent and non-solvent-based.
Recently, marijuana concentrates have become more popular. This is especially true since the legalization of marijuana in many states across the U.S.
Concentrates are popular among seasoned cannabis users. These products increase the intensity of a high. They also have more flavor.
Why Should You Store Cannabis Concentrates the Right Way?
The real question should be, why would you not store your cannabis concentrates the right way?
The truth is, you can use your concentrates and then leave them out until they’re finished.
But, as with anything, concentrates can lose their potency. Storing them the right way will ensure they still offer the same value as when you bought them.
Also, putting them away will stop sneaky friends from helping themselves to your stash.
Leaving your concentrates out in the open increases the chance of contamination. Let’s be real, you won’t enjoy them as much if they have dust or other foreign objects in them.
How Long Do Concentrates Last For?
As with all marijuana products, cannabis concentrates can last a lot longer if stored the right way.
By reducing the exposure to external factors, your concentrates could last months without losing their potency.
Some of the most detrimental external factors to cannabis include:
- Moisture
- Heat
- Light
Storage Options
Storing your concentrates the right way will increase their lifespan. But, it does depend on your storage method. With the right method, your cannabis concentrates could last forever.
Here are some short and long-term methods for storing your concentrates:
Short-Term Solutions:
Silicone Jars
People often opt for silicone containers because they’re versatile. This means that you can get your concentrates on and off them without any trouble.
Unfortunately, there are a lot of silicone holders that are not medical grade. This often means they’re not sanitary.
Also, the reason silicone jars aren’t great for long-term preservation is that they’re not airtight. They can’t preserve the same quality of your extract during long periods of time.
Opt for a silicone jar if you know you’ll finish your concentrates within a week or less.
Parchment Paper
Parchment paper is more than just a storage technique. It’s also great for making homemade dabs.
When using parchment as a form of storage, you have to keep it in a dry and cool place. This method only works for very short-term storage unless you seal it in an extra container.
If you don’t put it in another container, it won’t be safe from outside contaminants such as air and heat. You can also store it for longer by putting your concentrates and parchment in a sealable food bag.
Plastic Jars
Plastic jars are particularly good for storing hash oil, but only for small amounts of time.
These types of containers often come with BHO and crumble from dispensaries. While good for specific types of cannabis concentrates, we don’t recommend you use plastic jars for storage.
This is because there are many types of concentrates that will stick to the plastic. Over time, you won’t be able to remove it and you’ll waste your cannabis product.
Long-Term Solutions:
Airtight Glass Jars
You can store cannabis in all sorts of glass jars. From mason jars to airtight ones and even glass jars with twist tops, the options are endless.
Glass containers are some of the most sanitary ways to store our food. With this in mind, it’s no surprise that they’re great for cannabis too.
That said, you should store your concentrates in the smallest jar possible. By choosing the smallest jar, there won’t be much space for air.
Also, you can vacuum seal glass jars. This means that if you want to store your concentrates for an unlimited amount of time, you can.
Can You Freeze Concentrates?
People often ask if they can freeze their cannabis concentrates. In reality, there is no reason you can’t freeze them and smoke them once they’re back to room temperature.
The only problem with freezing concentrates is humidity. And, humidity can affect the purity of your concentrates.
Too much humidity and moisture can make the smoking experience much less enjoyable. That said, there are ways you can avoid external factors affecting your concentrates.
Before freezing them, seal them in an airtight container. Taking this one step further, you can wrap your concentrates in parchment paper.
Once you have folded them in parchment, you can put them in a sealable bag. Once they’re sealed, put them in an air sealed jar.
Also, when you decide to remove your concentrates from the freezer, choose an environment where they’ll thaw at a slower pace. This will help you avoid excess moisture from forming.
What About Tinctures?
Tinctures are alcohol-based. They come in glass dropper bottles and you should store them in the fridge for long periods of time.
If you store them in an airtight bottle and keep them in the fridge, your tinctures could last for up to 6 months.
Be careful, if you open your tinctures often, you’ll expose them to air. Over time, they could lose their potency. Also, some tinctures contain additives such as glycerin which can reduce their lifespan.
Find a Dispensary Near You
The key to finding the best cannabis concentrates is to buy them from a reputable dispensary.
Also, you should choose one that is safe and has a lot of variety. This will allow you to choose a product that addresses your symptoms and needs.
At Inyo, we only work with knowledgeable, patient, and respectful people. By visiting our dispensary, you can learn more about various strands of cannabis and the terpenes compounds in each.
To find out more about our products, get in touch with us via phone or by filling in our online contact form.
