Weed Storage Guide: How Long Can It Last in a Ziploc Bag?
Zip bags are commonly used to store weed, but they aren’t designed to store cannabis for long-term storage. When properly dried and stored, cannabis has a shelf life of up to 14 months. Over that time, it will lose part of its potency due to the natural breakdown of cannabinoids and terpenes. The effect will be a milder high. That’s why storing weed in a Ziploc bag might not be a good idea. But if you are relying on a Ziploc bag to store weed, you might be wondering how long weed can last in a Ziploc bag. Let’s get into it!
How Long Does Weed Last in a Ziploc?
Cannabis that has been incorrectly stored might dry out or go bad in a matter of days, depending on the circumstances in which it has been kept. The shelf life of cannabis stored in a Ziploc bag is just 1 to 2 weeks. This is because Ziploc bags are not designed to be airtight and are not meant for long-term storage.
Over time, exposure to air causes cannabis buds to dry out. Moreover, inconsistent humidity levels can also degrade the quality of your weed over time. The oxidation of terpenes and cannabinoids decreases the potency, aroma, and flavor.
Within a week or two, you may notice that you’re not getting much of a high from it, as the cannabinoids have degraded and the buds have become dry and crumbly. While the terpenes and other flavorful chemicals in your cannabis may lose their potency in only a few days, the THC and CBD will remain effective for a much longer period of time.
Want to minimize repeated opening to keep your stash fresh and potent? Check out our weed measurement guide to learn common weights, making it easier to portion your stash across multiple airtight containers!
Factors Affecting Weed's Lifespan in a Ziploc?
Oxygen and Light
Temperature and humidity are directly affected by how much air and light are let in. Sunlight, especially ultraviolet (UV) light, can destroy cannabis over time; that’s why it’s recommended to store it in a dark place. However, Ziploc bags stored in a dark place only offer a little protection from light, leading to the weed losing freshness and potency in a Ziploc.
Temperature:
Storing weed at a temperature of less than 70 degrees Fahrenheit is crucial to preserving its freshness. The terpenes and cannabinoids in the plant may be denatured by overexposure to heat or cold. Storing your buds at a high temperature can make them drier. Even weed that has dried out too much may usually still be smoked. You won’t get much of a high from it since the cannabinoids will have degraded, and the bud is dry and crumbly.
Humidity:
When the environment is hot, the weed begins to grow mold and becomes unsafe to smoke. On the other hand, the trichomes can break off and dry out when the humidity level is too low. Mold grows on cannabis in damp surroundings, and drying it out makes it brittle and unpleasant to inhale.
Humidity control is essential for preserving the aroma, taste, and color of your weed, but a Ziploc bag doesn’t provide any humidity control. Since Ziploc bags provide no humidity control, your weed can easily dry out or become too moist, depending on the storage conditions.
Air exposure:
As mentioned above, Ziploc bags are not completely airtight. Small amounts of air leak into it, and exposure to air causes oxidation of terpenes and cannabinoids. As a result, your buds dry out, and the overall strength of your weed weakens. Cannabinoids like THC begin to break down as your stash gets more exposure to air. After a week or two, your weed in a Ziploc bag might feel drier and taste harsher.
What Causes Weed to Lose Potency in a Ziploc?
Even if stored properly, the potency of your weed in a Ziploc bag decreases faster due to temperature variations, light, and air exposure. Cannabinoids like THC begin to degrade after it is exposed to oxygen. Researchers observed that THC in weed declines in a very linear pattern, with the greatest decline occurring in the first year:
About 16% of the THC in weed has been depleted after a year
About 26% of the THC in weed has degraded after two years
After three years, cannabis has lost around 34% of its psychoactive properties
After four years, cannabis has lost around 41% of its THC
That means keeping your cannabis in a Ziploc for too long will eventually cause it to lose its potency.
Best Ways to Store Cannabis for Freshness: Weed Storing Tips
Keeping your weed in a plastic bag is not the best way to store weed. Below are some weed-storing tips to help preserve freshness, flavor, and potency.
Using airtight glass jars is one of the best ways to store weed because they help prevent the oxidation process that breaks down terpenes and cannabinoids. When stored in a dark place, they also protect against light exposure and keep your stash fresh for a few months.
You can also use cannabis containers that are specifically designed to store your stash properly. They not only offer humidity control and prevent air exposure, but also extend the shelf life of your weed.
Those who buy weed in bulk can also try the vacuum-sealing process, which helps store larger amounts of cannabis for a longer period.
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Storing your weed in a Ziploc bag might be a simple solution, but it’s not the best way to store weed if you want to preserve the freshness, potency, and flavor of your weed. After just a couple of weeks, oxidation can quickly degrade the quality of your weed. Specialized cannabis containers, airtight glass jars, and a vacuum sealing process are some of the alternatives to storing weed in a Ziploc. If you are looking for high-quality, lab-tested, and safe weed at a great price, we’ve got you covered. We partner with trusted local cultivators to provide quality weed. Order now with reliable for a smooth cannabis experience every time!weed delivery in California