Best Practices for Storing Cannabis Edibles: Everything You Need To Know

Cannabis edibles are popular because they are convenient to use, discreet, and provide long-lasting effects. However, improper storage can greatly affect the potency, freshness, and safety of these edibles. You can purchase these edibles either from a dispensary or simply make them at home. Regardless, if you have some, do you know how to store them?

Well, that's exactly what this article will discuss. Let's get into it. 

How do Cannabis Edibles Affect the Human Body

Cannabis edibles get digested through the digestive system whereas the smoke passes through the lungs if you vape or smoke it. So, as you can understand, it reacts differently. Read on to know how edibles interact in the body and why they have different effects as you must understand the basics. 

Absorption Process

When you consume food, it's broken down by the digestive enzymes present in the stomach. The stomach and intestines absorb cannabinoids such as THC and CBD that are present in the bloodstream.

And, when THC arrives at the liver, it undergoes something called “first-pass metabolism.” Here, it changes into 11-hydroxy-THC, which is a more potent and longer-lasting compound than THC itself. This change has a big effect on how strong and how long the high is.

Onset Time

You may not feel the effects of edibles until 30 to 120 minutes as the process of digestion and absorption by the liver takes a significant amount of time. In addition, the time it takes for the drug to take effect can vary according to your body's metabolism, weight, and the food you have eaten. 

Duration and Effects

• Longer-Lasting Effects

Usually, edibles take longer to wear off than buds whether you smoke or vape them. You can expect the effects from edibles to last for at least 4–8 hours or longer. Typically, the high peaks after about 2 to 4 hours of usage.

• Intense and Full-Body High

Eating cannabis often leads to a stronger, full-body feeling than smoking or vaping. The 11-hydroxy-THC metabolite easily crosses the blood-brain barrier, so the effects are more pronounced. 

• Psychoactive Effects

THC triggers euphoric feelings like a “high” that brings relaxation, an altered sense of time, and enhanced sensory perception. However, be cautious as high doses can cause anxiety, paranoia, or confusion, especially if you're a beginner. 

• Physical Effects

Eating cannabis may result in heavy physical sensations including your body going limp, commonly referred to as the “couch-lock” effect. Apparently, edibles may also ease pain, lessen swelling, and loosen muscles.

• Medical Benefits

People use edibles to gain relief from long-lasting pain, sleeplessness, anxiousness, nausea, and weak appetite. No, there's no hard scientific evidence for any of this and it's all based on anecdotal reports. Therefore, don't forget to talk to your physician if you choose to use cannabis for medicinal benefits. 

• Side Effects

Eating too many edibles can make you feel nauseated, dizzy, anxious, paranoid, or have a fast heart rate. It is common to feel sleepy and have a dry mouth and eyes.

Factors Influencing Effects

• Dosage

Dosage matters as it affects how edibles will work on the body. If you're new to edibles, start low and take it slow. Try a product with a low dose (e.g., 2.5–5 mg THC) and wait at least 2 hours before taking more.

• Individual Tolerance

People who use cannabis often have a higher tolerance and experience milder effects than those who use it infrequently.

• Body Composition

How quickly cannabinoids are processed and how long their effects last depends on your metabolism, body weight, and fat content.

• Type of Edible

The absorption rates of gummies, chocolates, drinks, etc. vary from one another. Liquids and tinctures are absorbed through the mouth, making them kick in a little faster than edibles.

Key Takeaways

• Takes 30 minutes to 2 hours to start.
• When using edible, you might experience stronger and more body-based effects than if you smoke or vape cannabis. 
• To use safely, start low and go slow; be mindful of your tolerance and where you are.
• Food products are discreet and smoke-free but you need to be cautious about how much you consume so you don't overdo it. 

Importance of Storing Cannabis Edibles Properly

In cannabis, the psychotropic effects, flavor, and aroma are due to its cannabinoids and terpenes. When these compounds are exposed to extreme conditions like heat, light, or air, they degrade. Storing your cannabis buds and edibles properly will help to prevent contamination. Most importantly, you'll have peace of mind knowing that your kids or pets won't get to them! 

Edibles retain their texture and flavor for much longer when you put in the effort to store them properly. Whether it's a gummy, cookie, or infused beverage, it can help save money and improve your overall experience.

Potential Risks of Improper Storage

Many people underestimate the importance of storing edibles properly. They think it's just like storing food and skip some important steps. 

Here are a few dangers of storing edibles improperly: 

• Edibles can degrade in cannabinoids like THC and CBD from exposure to light, heat, or air, and this is also why edibles don't have the effects you expect. 
• Many edible items have perishable ingredients, like dairy or eggs, which can spoil due to mold or bacteria if they are not stored correctly.
• If humidity levels are not right, edibles may become too hard, too sticky, or too dry.
• Others, including your pets and children, may eat it accidentally as they aren't stored properly. It can look like a delicious snack and you can't blame anyone for that mishap except yourself. 

Understanding the Factors That Affect Edible Quality

You need to know how your environment can impact the quality of weed edibles if you want them to remain potent, tasty, and safe. These things will help you keep your edibles potent and fresh.

The Role of Light

Being exposed to light, especially UV light, can degrade the cannabinoids and terpenes present in edibles. Sunlight undergoes photodegradation that weakens the potency and changes the flavor. If you expose your edibles to light, certain ingredients in them can spoil at a faster rate for dairy or oils, for example.

Best Practices

• Use colors like brown, green, or black to block the sunlight
• Containers should be stored in a dark or shadowy place like a cupboard or pantry

The Impact of Temperature

High temperatures damage cannabinoids, so they lose their potency. On the other hand, when some edibles are stored in very cold temperatures (like in a freezer), they may change their texture or consistency. For instance, gummies can stick together and chocolates can melt.  Changes in temperature can also cause condensation that helps spores and mold grow.

Best Practices

• The ideal temperature to store edibles maximum temperature is 70°F or a minimum of 60°F
• Refrigerate perishables but make sure they are sealed so they don't absorb moisture 

Humidity Control 

Humidity plays a vital role in maintaining the texture and freshness of the cannabis edibles. Moist conditions invite mold whereas excessively dry conditions dry out the baked goods and candy, making them brittle and inedible.

Best Practices

• Non-refrigerated edibles may be stored at a relative humidity of 50-60%
• If necessary, use airtight containers with humidity packs to regulate moisture levels

Avoiding Air Exposure

Cannabinoids and terpenes can degrade if the cannabis is exposed to air, which is the primary cause. Oxygen speeds oxidation, which reduces strength and changes flavor. Moreover, air exposure can spoil the edibles and make them lose freshness. 

Best Practices

• Use glass jars with some rubber seals or air-vacuumed sealed bags to reduce oxygen exposure
• When sealing bags for storage, remove as much air as possible
• Avoid opening and closing a container frequently, which will introduce air

If you can manage lighting, temperature, humidity, and air exposure, your cannabis edibles will stay fresh, potent, and safe for longer.

Storage Tips for Different Kinds of Cannabis Edibles

Different cannabis edibles require different storage techniques to maintain a consistent level of quality. We will also discuss the best ways to store them:

Storing Gummies and Candies

Gummies and candies can last for a long time but will go bad with heat, light, or humidity. These edibles may become sticky in high humidity or lose their shape in warm temperatures.

Best Practices

• Keep in an airtight container to prevent air and moisture 
• Store them in a dark and cool area like a cupboard or pantry
• Put parchment paper between the layers of gummies to prevent sticking
• If kept in the refrigerator, make sure they are in a closed container to prevent moisture

Keeping Baked Goods Fresh

Baked items such as brownies, cookies, and practically anything that contains butter, eggs, and other dairy products tend to spoil pretty quickly. However, you can extend their life a bit by storing them properly. 

Best Practices

• If you're planning to use it within just 1-3 days, store it in an airtight container at room temperature 
• Refrigerate or freeze baked products if you can't devour them soon. It's best to divide them into individual servings by wrapping them in plastic or aluminum foil. Keep these portions frozen in a freezer-safe bag or container 

Before you freeze your goods, label and date them.

Preserving Infused Beverages

It is best to keep cannabis drinks, such as tea, sodas, or infused waters, in a controlled environment to prevent taste loss and contamination.

Best Practices

• Chill beverages after opening as they may spoil
• Put in an opaque or dark bottle to prevent exposure to light
• Check the expiration date and consume within the recommended time
• Before use, shake well to redistribute cannabinoids that may have settled

Storing Oils and Tinctures

Cannabis oils and tinctures last longer than most edibles, but they can still degrade if they aren't stored properly. These products don't like heat, light, or exposure to air.

Best Practices

• Use dark glass bottles to store oils and tinctures to prevent light penetration
• Store them in a dark cool place like a cabinet or a pantry
• After every use, close the bottle tightly so that it does not come in contact with air
• Never put oils or tinctures near stoves, radiators, or any other heat sources

Storing your edible goods correctly can help in maximizing their shelf life. It becomes important to ensure that they remain as effective and enjoyable as the day you bought or prepared them. 

Recommended Storage Containers to Store Edibles

Now that we discussed a bit about the conditions that may help to store the edibles, let's take a look at the containers that are best to store the edibles. Keep in mind that the right storage containers help to maintain quality, potency, and freshness. Here are some good options to meet the necessity of different types of edibles:

1. Glass Jars

Cannabis edibles are best stored in glass jars as they are the most reliable packaging option and offer long-term storage. 

Unlike a porous surface like clay, glass doesn't absorb or release odors, which means they do a perfect job of preserving the aroma of the edibles. Edibles are also notorious for absorbing other smells. For example, storing them in plastic jars may make the edibles smell a bit funky. 

They have a long shelf life and do not react with edibles which allows them to keep edibles fresh, potent, and flavorful. 

Moreover, the airtight seals play a pivotal role in safeguarding the edibles from air, moisture, and light that break down cannabinoids and terpenes as time passes. This prevents oxidation, which forces the cannabinoids to degrade faster. 

Here are a few ways you can use the glass jars: 

• Use glass jars to store gummies and candies. The airtight seal will prevent them from becoming sticky or dried out. 
• You can store cookies, brownies, and cake in a glass jar to keep them fresh as the food won't absorb extra moisture or go stale. 
• Glass jars benefit small cannabis edible snacks like cannabis-infused granola bars. Air exposure affects the texture and flavor of these edibles.

Benefits of Using Glass Jars to Store Edibles

• The airtight seal of glass jars reduces the amount of air that gets to your cannabis edibles, which keeps them fresh.
• Glass jars stop scents from getting out so you can store your edibles and not worry that they'll stink up the area. If you share space with others, this point is critical. 
• Glass jars are easy to clean and reusable. You can easily wash them with some soap and water or deep clean them for stubborn residue.
• They are available in a variety of sizes from which you can choose one that will fit the quantity of edibles you want to store. 

Here are some tips for using glass jars:

• Using jars with rubber or silicone gaskets will keep your food airtight

Use glass jars that have rubber or silicone gaskets on the lid to preserve the freshness of your edibles. Since they are sealed well, they don't let any air or moisture enter. To preserve the potency of cannabis edibles, it is vital to store them properly if you plan to keep them for long.

• Use dark jars to block out the light

Too much light exposure is the biggest threat to cannabis edibles' freshness because it makes the cannabinoids degrade. They can be damaged by UV rays, and light exposure can even alter the color. You can use a glass jar of dark or opaque color to block harmful light from entering your edibles. 

• Label Clearly

If you're storing different types of edibles, make sure to label them clearly, including the THC/CBD content, date of storage, and any other important information so that freshness and potency can be tracked.

• Keep in a cold, dark place

Even though glass jars do a good job of keeping the air and light away from the inside of the jars, it is still best to keep them in a cool, dark place like your pantry, cupboard, or drawer. This is to keep temperature fluctuations from affecting the edibles.

Glass jars do a great job of preserving potency, and flavor, and stopping odors, making them a popular option for storing cannabis edibles. When you take the time to find the right jars with airtight seals, use dark or opaque containers, and follow storage best practices, you help ensure your edibles remain fresher and effective longer.

2. Vacuum-sealed Bags

If you want to store your cannabis edibles for a long time, vacuum-sealed bags will do the job efficiently. Cannabinoids and terpenes degrade quickly when exposed to oxygen. Therefore, vacuum sealing is a great means of keeping these compounds stable. Here are a few reasons why vacuum-sealed bags are best for edibles. 

• Prevents Oxidation

Cannabis edibles lose their strength when exposed to oxygen in the air. However, you can prevent this by using a vacuum-sealed bag as it removes most of the air. This greatly slows the oxidation process and allows the edibles to stay fresh and potent for longer.

• Preserves Freshness and Flavor

Vacuum-sealed bags can preserve the flavor and scent of your cannabis edibles while preventing anything else from getting in. They'll block air perfectly, which is especially important for edibles like gummies and chocolates whose taste can go off over time.

• Prevents Moisture from Taking Over

Cannabis edibles are often destroyed through exposure to moisture. These vacuum-sealed bags won't allow moisture to come in and will keep the texture of baked goods, gummies, and candies intact. By blocking the air, you will also prevent the edibles from becoming soggy or stale.

Benefits of Using Vaccum-Sealed Bags to Store Edibles

• You can use a vacuum-sealed bag to store your cannabis-infused baked goods like brownies, cookies, or cake. Edibles can dry out or lose flavor after a while, but with vacuum sealing, the moisture gets locked in and helps keep the texture
• Gummies and candies are easily prone to losing their freshness or becoming sticky in nature, but vacuum-sealed bags will prevent this problem for you
• Storing cannabis edibles in the freezer? Vacuum-sealed bags are great for edibles you plan to store in the freezer. They will also protect the edibles from freezer burn that can affect their taste and texture. Vacuum-sealing them will also prevent them from taking on any weird flavors or scents from the freezer and keep them fresh for months!
• When air is removed from your edibles and tightly sealed in a bag, the shelf life becomes longer than expected. If you are not going to eat them, you can make THC edibles that don't melt easily.
• When you vacuum-seal your edibles, they become lighter and smaller in size. Thus, they can be stored more easily. As this process eliminates excess air and shrinks down the storage bag, you can store plenty of eatables in less space. 

Tips for Effectively Using Vacuum Bags

• Use a vacuum sealing machine for tight seals 

It is important to use a vacuum sealer machine to seal the bags appropriately for optimum results. Many manual methods of sealing are not very good at pulling air out of the bag. A vacuum sealer, however, makes sure your bag is sealed tight which keeps your edibles protected from air, moisture, and contaminants.

• Label each bag clearly

Always label the bags with the type of edible and the date of storage before vacuum-sealing them. This will help you easily identify its contents and track how long they have been sitting in storage.

• Keep in a cool dark place

Once vacuum-sealed, the bags should be stored in a cool dark place like a pantry, cupboard, or drawer to keep the edibles fresh and potent. If freezing, store vacuum-sealed bags in the coldest part of the freezer for the best quality.

• Avoid overfilling bags

Make sure you don't overstuff the bags when sealing them as you need to leave enough space for the vacuum sealer to take the air out completely. On the other hand, loosely filled bags may not seal properly, which may expose the edibles to too much air and moisture. 

• Consider Portioning Edibles

When you have a lot of edibles, it might be a good idea to bag them before sealing them. This way, you only need to open one bag so air wont enter the other bags when you open the storage.

Using vacuum-sealed bags is a great way to store cannabis edibles for a long time. These containers help keep your edibles fresh and potent for a long time by preventing oxidation, locking in flavor, and reducing moisture exposure. In short, it's an effective way to preserve the quality of baked goods, and gummies, or freeze the edibles for future purposes.

3. Food-Safe Silicone Containers

Silicone containers, thanks to their durability and adaptability, make a wonderful option for placing edibles that are typically sticky or smelly. Often used for short-term storage, they're easily available everywhere. Best used for gummies, candies, and many other types of edibles, you can get this if you don't want glass jars. 

Benefits of Using Silicone Containers to Store Edibles

• The coating makes edible removal hassle-free & odor-proof
• Can endure both cold and hot temperatures if necessary
• Lightweight and portable

Tips to Use Silicone Containers

• Choose silicone containers with snap-on or press-fit lids to get a satisfactory lid seal. 
• Portion smaller amounts in small containers to avoid air exposure when you take out just one piece.

As you can understand, using storage containers like glass jars, vacuum-sealed bags or even silicone containers can greatly enhance the shelf life and quality of your cannabis edible while still staying discreet and easy to handle. 

Guidelines to Store Your Cannabis Edibles Properly

How you store your cannabis edibles is important for keeping their potency, freshness, and safety intact. Keeping them in the right place protects them from light, heat, and air. 

First, start by choosing the right location in your house. If you choose a cool, dark, and stable area, your edibles can last for a long time.

Best Practices

• It is best to keep your edibles in a cool, dry area away from sunlight. In other words, a pantry, cabinet, or drawer will work well.
• Try not to put them next to stoves, microwaves, or ovens because they can get hot.
• Opt for a high or locked cupboard to keep your edibles out of reach of children or pets.
• Ensure that storage areas are organized to prevent accidental consumption or mixing.
• If your edibles have perishable ingredients, store them in the fridge or freezer. But, make sure you store them properly so that their flavor or texture does not change.
• Also, keep your edibles in airtight containers to prevent them from absorbing moisture from the refrigerator. To maintain consistent, cool temperatures, use the middle or bottom shelves and mark your containers with the date you put them in and what they are.
• Before placing baked goods like brownies or cookies in a freezer-safe bag or container, wrap each item in plastic wrap or foil.
• Use parchment paper to separate layers of gummies or candies before sealing them in one container, which prevents sticking.
• Always thaw frozen edibles at room temperature, so they retain their original texture and taste.
• If you're carrying edibles when traveling, use a handy pouch or container that's odor-proof for edibles. Also, check local laws and regulations about the transport of cannabis edibles to avoid legal issues.

Labeling and Arranging Edibles

It's extremely important that you label your edibles properly so that there's no confusion when you want to consume them. You must do this to prevent accidental consumption at all costs, especially in households with children or pets, and also make your storage system more efficient. If children, pets, or someone unaware eats cannabis edibles, it can have serious consequences and cause harmful side effects. 

Best Practices

• Make sure you label the type of edible (gummy, cookie, etc.), cannabis strain or flavor, and THC/CBD content per serving. If you have people regularly visiting your home, use bright labels that say “CANNABIS INFUSED” or “ADULT USE ONLY.”
• Write down the date you made the edible. Also, mark the expiration date so you know when it will go bad. This is especially useful for homemade or perishable edibles.
• Include any special storage or handling instructions (for example, “keep refrigerated”) on the label. 
• Keep edibles in child-safe and pet-safe containers.
• Keep your edibles organized by batch; it will help you keep track of freshness, strength, and availability. This helps you big time if you often make or buy edibles in bulk.
• Prioritize older items by consuming them first for longer shelf life. Put the newer batches behind the older batches in your fridge.
• Pre-package servings for easier dosing and organization. For example, wrap single brownies or measure out individual gummy doses.

Signs of Expired Edibles

It is important to know how to identify expired or spoiled weed edibles as consuming expired edibles can lead to bad experiences, lower potency, and health problems. 

How to Recognize Expired and Bad Edibles

Different kinds of edibles spoil in different ways. By knowing these signs, you can avoid unsafe products.

Gummies and Candies

• Mature gummy edibles will likely turn hard, sticky, and/or too dry when they are past their best.
• Mold growth shows discoloration, spots, or fuzzy growth. 
• A sour or unusual smell is a clear sign you shouldn't eat the food. 

Baked goods including cookies and brownies

• When baked goods develop visible mold, this indicates a product is expired
• If you feel a stale or overly dry texture, it means it is past its prime.
• If it tastes bitter or strange, it has likely gone bad or rancid. This is especially true for any edibles made with butter or oils.

Oils and Tinctures

• A pungent, strong odor indicates rancid oil and rancid oils usually appear smooth.
• If the oil has thickened or is stickier than usual, the product may no longer be good.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Storing Edibles

By now, you already understand the importance of storing edibles properly. However, you may commit some mistakes, especially if you're a beginner. Here's how you can avoid some common mistakes: 

1. Improper Container Choices

If you don't use the right containers, your edibles could go stale. For example, you may think that it's okay to use regular containers that don't keep stuff airtight; however, you'll have nothing but problems with them as they let air in and your edibles will degrade quickly. 

Also, don't ever use plastic bags even if you manage to make them airtight as they may allow moisture inside. Plus, your edibles may taste weird, especially if you store them in plastic bags for a long time. Most importantly, remember that plastic bags aren't usually designed to store food and may release chemicals into food. 

Instead, store your edibles in a glass jar with an airtight lid or vacuum-sealed bags or food-grade silicone storage container.

All your containers must be clean, dry, and odorless before use. Also, when possible, block light exposure by choosing opaque containers.

2. Heat or sunlight exposure

As you know already, the two biggest enemies of cannabis edibles are heat and sunlight; the heat can degrade the cannabinoids and the sunlight can change the texture of certain products. That said, be careful with gummies, candies and chocolates as they can melt or separate in warm or hot weather.

Also, cannabinoids can lose their potency if you subject them to extreme temperatures, which means you won't enjoy them as much as you should. In addition, under warm humid conditions, bacteria, and mold can bloom in perishables, especially baked items.

Thus, to avoid these issues, you should put away edibles in a cool, dark place and refrigerate them if you cannot use them fast. 

3. Ignoring Expiration Dates

If you don't keep track of expiration dates, you may end up eating spoiled or ineffective edibles. Also, remember that edibles can lose their flavor, texture, and potency over time. If food containing perishable ingredients goes bad, they can spoil your health. Keep an inventory of your edibles, especially if you store them in different places.

Don't end up wasting your edibles! Just avoid these mistakes and they will last longer and be safer to consume.

Summary: Best Practices for Storing Cannabis Edibles: Everything You Need To Know

To sum it up, knowing how to store cannabis edibles properly makes them last longer and taste fresher and more potent. So, it's worth the effort. Make sure you store them always in a cool, dark place in an airtight container. Consider the fridge or freezer to store your cannabis edibles. 

Again, don't forget that it's important to store cannabis edibles safely, especially when you have children or pets at home. Gummies, chocolates, baked goods, and other similarly appetizing forms of cannabis edibles can appeal to young children or pets, which can lead to unintentional consumption and possible adverse health effects. Cannabis-infused goodies should be stored carefully and out of reach of the people who shouldn't consume them.

Use air-tight, food-safe containers such as glass jars, vacuum-sealed bags, or silicone options to keep air, moisture and light out. Also, remember to store your edibles in a cool dark place to control the environment as perishable items need to be refrigerated/frozen. Never expose it to heat and sunlight at any cost.

Be sure to clearly label all containers with storage and expiration dates to track freshness and potency.

If you take care of all this, you'll have amazing edibles that offer the best effects.