Concentrates have been steadily growing in popularity recently due to their high potent nature and variety of methods for extraction and processing. As a result, there are more options for concentrates these days than there has been in the past. This comes with its own excitement and some words of caution.
Concentrates are not the same as flower, meaning they need to be stored differently. While flower stores well in a mason jar or other glass-style container that is fully sealed and away from light, different concentrates have different requirements for storing. Fortunately, FairCannaCare has done the research for you! Here are some tips for how to properly store cannabis concentrates.
How to Store Shatter
Shatter is a concentrated form of cannabis that is processed using butane or CO2 in order to extract the precious trichomes and terpenes from the flower to produce a concentrated form. Concentrates can range from 60-90% purity, depending on the processing method and quality or strain of the flower used.
There are a few different ways to store shatter, depending on how quickly you plan to use it:
- Short-Term: If you think they will be used up within a week, you can simply store them in a silicone or plastic container. Be cautious as the more you open the container, the harsher and harder they are likely to become.
- Long-Term: If you are planning on storing long-term or don’t want to use a plastic container, you can separate your portions and wrap them in parchment paper to keep in an airtight jar.
If your shatter is too sticky or too fluid to use parchment paper, you can a) pop it in the freezer for 20 minutes to make it more manageable or b) invest in a size-appropriate sealed glass jar to store it in. It is not advised to keep your shatter stored in the freezer as it can expose the product to excess humidity and lower the quality. However, it is a useful tool to improve the consistency when needed.
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How to Store Live Resin
Live Resin is produced through a solvent-based extraction process that uses butane to extract the sought-after components. It is very similar to shatter in its makeup, but has a wildly different consistency.
Live Resin is best stored in a fridge in order to maintain the texture. In fact, a wine cooler has the perfect environment due to the cool temperature and low humidity. This is ideal in order to slow the autobuddering process. In fact, storing Live Resin in a fridge or wine cooler can in fact produce a more pungent product – think aged wine.
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How to Store Distillates (Tinctures)
Cannabis distillates (also known as oils, tinctures) are another form of concentrates derived from extracting trichomes from the flower. These products can have potency ranging from 60-90% and can be produced through butane or CO2 extraction methods.
Distillates can keep for over six months if stored properly. Keeping these products are kept in a sealed, airtight container, will help to preserve their quality. You can keep them in the refrigerator or stored in a cellar or dark, cool place for extended periods of time. However, they may lose potency if repeatedly opened and and exposed to air.
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How to Store Edibles
There are many forms of edibles ranging from cookies and brownies to gummy bears and even popsicles! Each edible has different requirements for storage depending on how it is processed and the end result – whether it is in candy, chocolate or some other form. However, most edibles are derived directly from cannabis with a few other ingredients, however they rarely contain preservatives and, therefore, do not do well left out at room temperature.
A good rule of thumb is to keep edibles stored in the refrigerator or freezer at all times to ensure that they do not mold.
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Understanding how to properly store cannabis concentrates and herb is vital to ensure that your product lasts and that the experience remains positive! Here are some additional rules of thumb to keep in mind:
- Keep it in the dark and do not expose to direct light for extended periods of time.
- Do not store herb in a freezer or fridge.
- Store it in airtight glass, wood, metal or plastic containers to reduce exposure to oxygen as this will decrease potency; plastic bags are a no-no.
- Use colored glass, unless you are storing product in a dark area; clear glass allows light in, which will degrade the quality of the product.