Originally published 3/31/22, expanded 5/15/23
Whether you buy a lot at a time or a little, you likely have weed that needs to be stored. With most fresh products, you can prolong shelf life by tucking them away in the refrigerator or freezer, so it’s natural to assume this might be a good idea for your cannabis. But should you put weed in the refrigerator? Is keeping weed in the freezer ever a good idea? Take a look at the details below.
For Ideal Storage Check Out Our Stash JarsCan you put weed in the fridge?
If you are looking to store weed long term, the fridge doesn’t offer the ideal environment to keep weed fresh. Refrigerators maintain too low a temperature for proper storage, and whenever the door is opened the temperature and humidity levels fluctuate significantly. For reference, the temperature most refrigerators are designed to maintain is around 37 degrees Fahrenheit. Every time you remove your cannabis from the refrigerator to get what you need and put it back, you make the issue worse by exposing your stash to extra moisture through condensation.
Can you put weed in the freezer?
Keeping your weed in the freezer is also not a good idea. Cannabis should be stored at a temperature above freezing. In fact, the best storage temperature for weed is between 60 and 68 degrees Fahrenheit, even though it can be safely stored at temperatures as low as 50 degrees. In the freezer, your cannabis is exposed to two of its worst enemies when it comes to long-term storage: moisture and freezing temperatures.
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What happens if you put your weed in the freezer or fridge?
When you keep your weed in the refrigerator or freezer, you can run into quite a few problems, such as:
Mold Growth
Moisture exposure in either the refrigerator or freezer is something to avoid when it comes to protecting your weed. Higher humidity levels can contribute to mold growth, and when the weed picks up excess moisture while in the freezer or fridge, it can rapidly mold when you take it out. Of course, you can place your cannabis in an airtight container like an Evergreen stash jar to keep moisture out, but this does not protect the buds from the colder temperatures.
Damaged Trichomes
When you keep cannabis in the freezer, the resinous trichomes that cover the flowers become brittle and pull away from the plant material. This means when you grab your bud, the trichomes can break off. In fact, a particular type of concentrate known as bubble hash is actually made this way; buds are processed in freezing water to more easily separate trichomes from the plant. If you intend to smoke your cannabis, losing trichomes means you lose terpenes and potency.
Compromised Cannabinoids
The cannabinoids inside the weed, like tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD) are the desirable plant compounds responsible for euphoric and/or therapeutic effects. Storing cannabis at temperatures lower than recommended can cause the cannabinoids to break down, which may mean your cannabis does not deliver the effects you expect.
Some cannabinoids like THC actually hold up well in cold temperatures. However, the fact that the bulk of THC is found in the trichomes makes cold storage for raw flower a moot point if you intend to smoke the flower. The trichomes, as noted earlier, separate from the plant in cold temps. Therefore, the flower itself can be far less potent once it is pulled out of the fridge or freezer and the trichomes have fallen off. It is good to note, however, if you have something like THC concentrate, storing it in the fridge could be a positive thing.
Learn More About Proper Weed Storage
When stored properly, cannabis can last up to a year or more, but a fridge or freezer should not be part of the effort. Looking for more advice on storing your weed? Be sure to take a look at the Evergreen blog for more tips.
Read Next: Full Guide to Storing Weed
Looking for a storage solution that covers all the bases, including humidity control, at a reasonable price? Check out the Evergreen Storage Solution.
