You’ve just scored the perfect supply of edibles but can’t eat all of them at once. So, how do you store them? If you have ever wondered whether to keep cannabis edibles at room temperature or in the refrigerator, look no further – this post will help guide you through proper edibles storage so your infused goodies stay potent and fresh for as long as possible.
In this post, we’ll cover some of the science behind proper edible storage, the different types of cannabis edibles, and some general tips to keep your supply fresh.
If you’re looking for the best way to store your cannabis, and not just your edibles, check out our previous post, “The Ultimate Cannabis Storage Guide.”
Getting Started With Proper Edibles Storage
The proper storage of your edibles starts with what type of infused food products you have. A batch of cannabis cookie dough bites made with egg wouldn’t store in the same way as vegan cannabis brownies. When it comes down to it, cold foods should stay cold and room temperature foods are fine at room temperature unless otherwise stated on the packaging. If the dispensary you purchased the edibles from stores them on a shelf, then they are likely okay in a bread basket on your kitchen counter.
Regardless of what type of cannabis edibles you’re indulging in, the rules to remember are:
- Store in a dark location
- Avoid excessive heat or cold
- Keep in an airtight container
These rules are likely familiar to you because they’re the same rules for storing cannabis tinctures and concentrates. The shelf-life and overall freshness of cannabis products vary widely, but most edibles (such as candy) can maintain freshness for six months to one year with proper edible storage.
Let’s talk about these methods.
Store Cannabis Edibles in a Dark Location
Light and THC are sworn enemies, as exposure to light and UV rays is one of the fastest and most efficient ways to degrade THC into non-psychoactive forms. This effect is slightly mitigated with edibles since the majority of the THC is not in the outer layer where it can be exposed to light, but it will still present issues.
UV rays provide a warm environment for a cannabis edible to bake in, which can lead to bacterial growth in addition to the breakdown of the THC.
Avoid Excessive Heat or Cold
Just as with any type of food item, whether it’s a cannabis edible or a regular cookie dough bite, the only thing a warm environment will do is create the perfect foundation for mold and bacteria growth, or it will simply dry out your food. Letting your cannabis edibles sit in a warm environment often means humidity, which encourages condensation droplets to form on the top layer of your edibles, or inside of the container. This will lead to the production of mold at a much more rapid rate than if there had been proper edibles storage.
As a general rule, using the freezer to store your cannabis edibles is also not a good idea. While there are some exceptions, depending on the recipes, ingredients, and the storage methods, it’s best to not use the freezer. If your edible is neither a liquid nor a solid mass, such as a box of cookies or a large brownie, the loss of moisture from the freezing process can potentially degrade the THC, reducing the potency of your edible.
That all being said, keeping your edibles in the refrigerator (but properly secured and labeled, if you have children) is usually a good method for proper edibles storage.
Ultimately, it comes down to keeping out bacteria, moisture, and heat. This brings us to the final method of proper edibles storage…
Keep Edibles in an Airtight Container
Very few foods actually benefit from exposure to CO2, and cannabis edibles are not one of them. Proper edibles storage means keeping your infused food in an airtight container to ensure longevity. Contact with the air will dry out your edibles and can potentially introduce molds and bacteria.
As previously mentioned, moisture reduction during the freezing process takes the THC with it, both degrading it into entirely different compounds (such as the helpful, but non-psychoactive CBN), and evaporating it into the atmosphere. This can be avoided by storing the infused food in an airtight container. Keep in mind, though, the edible is introduced to fresh oxygen every time the airtight container is opened. So, only open the container to take out what you need and then close the lid again as quickly as possible. Don’t leave the lid open – even during a sesh.
Proper Edibles Storage by Type of Edible
With everything you just learned about proper edibles storage, you may be wondering where and how to store different types of edibles. To help you out with your edibles storing queries, we’ve created a brief guide on storing edibles by type.
Storing Cannabis Tinctures
All cannabis tinctures are highly light and heat-sensitive, and the same proper edibles storage rules apply. Keep them secured in a dark location, away from any light or heat source. If stored properly in their original dark glass bottle, expect the tincture to last six months to a year. However, if it begins tasting bitter then the oil is rancid and the cannabis compounds are degrading. At that point, toss it out.
If the tincture contains glycerin, it will expire faster. Always check the expiration dates.
Storing Cannabis Beverages
Shelf-stable cannabis beverages that are left unopened will be good for six to nine months when properly stored, either in the pantry or the refrigerator. Anything with a leaking, bulging, rusting, or dented container should be tossed.
Storing Cannabis Gummies & Other Candies
Cannabis candies present a unique challenge when it comes to proper edibles storage because the airflow can be both beneficial and detrimental to their longevity. For instance, keeping cannabis gummies in an airtight container will lead to melting if not also kept in a cool, dark location with very little humidity. At the same time, losing moisture can also degrade the cannabinoids in your edibles.
The use of a silicone desiccant pack (the same kind found in prescription bottles) helps ensure your cannabis gummies stay fresh and maintain the correct texture. However, the same issues with oxygen exposure apply here. The silicone inside the pack only keeps away the moisture but doesn’t help with oxygen exposure. To keep your gummies and other candies fresh and potent, limit how long and often the container is opened.
Storing Cannabis Chocolates
While still susceptible to degradation with excessive temperatures and humidity, chocolate is pretty stable as a food product on its own. Keeping it stored in a cool, dark, airtight container is all you truly need.
If you are planning on storing your cannabis chocolates for a long time, the freezer is viable. Vacuum seal your chocolate before freezing to minimize moisture loss.
Storing Cannabis Baked Goods
Similar to the above proper edibles storage methods, storing cannabis baked goods such as cookies or brownies requires keeping them in an airtight container, away from direct light and heat.
If possible, store your cannabis baked goods in containers that don’t have a lot of room left inside of them. Once you open it to put your baked goods inside, there is oxygen in there. This is why keeping them in something like a resealable plastic bag that you can gently compress to remove the excess air is a much better alternative to a large plastic container.
Following Proper Edibles Storage Practices
Methods for proper edibles storage aren’t all that different from the storage of cannabis concentrates or even regular food items. The same basic rules that apply to non-infused food storage will apply to edibles as well. As long as the three primary guidelines (keep sealed, avoid excessive temperatures, and keep away from light), then your edibles should be more than happy to wait among your other snacks for you to eat them.
Happy indulging!
Disclaimer: Marijuana has intoxicating effects and may be habit-forming. Smoking is hazardous to your health. There may be health risks associated with consumption of Marijuana. Marijuana, in any form, should not be used by individuals that are pregnant or breastfeeding. Marijuana is intended for use only by adults 21 and older. Keep out of reach of children. Marijuana can impair concentration, coordination, and judgment. Do not operate a vehicle or machinery under the influence of this drug. This product may be unlawful outside of Washington State.
