top of page
Storage-Web.jpg

How to Store Cannabis Products Properly

Introduction

Just like food or medicine, medicinal cannabis products need to be stored correctly to stay safe and effective. Whether its prescribed oil, capsules, dried flower, or another format, proper storage helps preserve the product’s quality, stability, and safety.

Why Proper Storage Matters

Medicinal cannabis contains active cannabinoids (like THC and CBD) and terpenes that can degrade when exposed to light, heat, air, or moisture. Over time, poor storage may:
 

  • Reduce potency and effectiveness
     

  • Alter smell, taste, or consistency
     

  • Lead to mould or microbial growth, especially in dried flower
     

  • Increase the risk of accidental ingestion by children or pets
     

Studies show that cannabis stored at room temperature and exposed to light degrades significantly faster, while cooler, darker conditions slow this process (Citti et al., 2021; Trofin et al., 2019).

Glass Jars: The Gold Standard

Glass jars are often considered the best option for storage once legally permitted:
 

  • Airtight seal protects from oxygen.
     

  • Amber or opaque glass blocks UV light, which can otherwise degrade cannabinoids such as THC into CBN, with studies showing up to 5% loss per week under poor storage conditions (Trofin et al., 2012).
     

  • Glass is non-reactive and does not interfere with delicate trichomes that contain cannabinoids and terpenes.
     

For long-term storage, glass jars are generally the preferred choice.

Plastic Containers: Common but Not Perfect

Plastic containers, while widely used, can have drawbacks:
 

  • Static electricity may cause trichomes to stick to the sides.
     

  • Higher quality plastics like HDPE (High-Density Polyethylene) reduce the risk of chemical leaching, but they are not fully UV-resistant. Prolonged exposure to sunlight may cause structural damage and possible leaching (Gulmine et al., 2003).
     

  • Because of these risks, plastic is better suited for short-term storage, not long-term

Mylar bags are sometimes used in commercial packaging because they are lightweight and block light. However:
 

  • They provide less physical protection, and dried flower can be crushed during transport.​

Recently, some patients and producers have started using “Grove Bags” which is a type of engineered storage bag designed to maintain cannabis quality.
 

  • These bags use terpene-preserving technology to control humidity and oxygen levels.
     

  • They help reduce the risk of mould while minimising terpene and cannabinoid loss.
     

  • They are lightweight and less breakable than glass, though they still don’t provide the same physical durability.

Best Practices for Storing Medicinal Cannabis

1. Keep in Original Packaging

Medicinal cannabis products in Australia are dispensed in containers that are designed to protect products from air and light exposure.
 

It's best practice to always store products in their labelled container and avoid transferring to unmarked jars or bags. However, depending on the state or territory this may be different. NSW patients may legally transfer cannabis into another container as long as the original prescription label remains attached.

This may allow more flexibility for storage, but patients in other states and territories should be cautious as transferring products may place them at risk of non-compliance.

2. Control Temperature

  • Store at below 25°C in a cool, dry place. This is similar to most prescription medicines.
     

  • Avoid hot, humid environments such as bathrooms or kitchens.
     

  • Research shows refrigeration or freezing can slow degradation of THC and CBD, but follow your pharmacist’s advice as not all formulations are suitable for cold storage (Peschel, 2021).

3. Protect from Light and Air

  • Light exposure accelerates breakdown of cannabinoids, particularly THC converting into CBN.
     

  • Always seal lids tightly to minimise oxygen exposure (Trofin et al., 2019).

4. Manage Moisture (for dried flower)

  • Too much humidity encourages mould growth.
     

  • Too little humidity makes the flower brittle and less effective.
     

  • This can be maintained through the use of Boveda/Integra packs. These allow moisture to be at a controlled level.
     

  • Recent studies suggest dried cannabis stored at around 8–9% moisture retains cannabinoids more effectively than drier samples (Hapke et al., 2024).
     

  • Correct storage of medicinal cannabis is essential for maintaining its effectiveness, safety, and compliance with regulations. By keeping products in their original packaging, storing them in a cool, dark, and dry place, and ensuring they are inaccessible to children and pets, patients can use their prescribed medicines with confidence.

Disclaimer: This post is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical or legal advice. Laws regarding prescription medicines vary by region, and readers should always consult with a qualified healthcare provider before using any prescription medication.

​References: Citti, C., et al. (2021). Thermal stability of cannabinoids in dried cannabis: A kinetic study. Journal of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Analysis, 194, 113704. Gulmine, J. V., Janissek, P. R., Heise, H. M., & Akcelrud, L. (2003). Degradation profile of polyethylene after artificial accelerated weathering. Polymer Degradation and Stability, 79(3), 385–397. Hapke, H. J., et al. (2024). Effect of short-term storage on cannabinoid content of dried floral hemp. Journal of Cannabis Research, 6(1), 22 Peschel, W. (2021). Quality control of cannabis: Influences of drying and storage conditions on cannabinoids and terpenes. Frontiers in Chemistry, 9, 646020. Trofin, I. G., et al. (2019). The role of time and storage conditions on the composition of marijuana samples: A four-year study. Forensic Science International,

bottom of page