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Storing most medications correctly is essential to not only the shelf life but also the overall efficacy. This is (debatably) even more important when it comes to dried medical cannabis flower as it is an organic product, unlike most conventional pharmaceuticals.
The very fact that it is dried plant material means that it can be susceptible to certain issues that do not affect pills or capsules. That said, when stored correctly, medical cannabis can retain its therapeutic effectiveness and overall quality for extended periods.
In today's write-up, we will explain all the key factors that go into storing medical cannabis properly and how you can ensure that your prescribed medication remains effective for as long as possible.
Although the following major factors need to be taken into consideration for almost all medications, cannabis-based or conventional, they do carry a bit more weight in the case of medical cannabis flower due to its inherent organic nature.
Your medication will be delivered in airtight, light-proof packaging to preserve its quality. It's best to keep your medical cannabis in this packaging, especially if you're taking it out of the house.
Here in the UK, we are blessed (or possibly the other way around) with a climate rarely in the extremes, at least high heat-wise. Sure, it can get pretty chilly, but the days that reach above 32°C are far and few between.
Still, that doesn't mean that temperature is not a potential issue for UK medical cannabis patients and their prescribed medication.
The ideal temperature range for storing dried cannabis flower is between 15°C and 20°C.
This is to help preserve the cannabinoid and terpene content.
Humidity is another key issue that needs to be addressed when storing medical cannabis, and UK patients may need to pay more attention to it than the temperature.
The ideal humidity level for storing medical cannabis is between 59% and 63%.
That said, this is a very specific humidity range, and as long as you keep your dried medical cannabis flower at a consistent humidity level somewhere around this, it will be fine.
Storing your medical cannabis in an environment with high humidity can lead to mould growth, which not only affects the efficacy of the medication but can also be harmful to your health. Conversely, storing cannabis in an environment with lower-than-ideal humidity can make the flower too dry, affecting its efficacy and leading to a harsher vaping experience.
There are a few companies that offer humidity packs specifically designed for storing medical cannabis, which can help maintain the ideal humidity level in your storage containers.
Light (especially UV) exposure is another important factor when it comes to storing medical cannabis.
Direct sunlight will quickly degrade the cannabinoids and terpenes in your dried flower, affecting its potency and overall quality.
It is best to store your medical cannabis in a dark area of your home where the temperature and humidity levels stay relatively consistent.
When it comes to choosing the right storage material, there are a few options available.
Before we go any further, though, it is essential that we point out that transferring your prescribed medical cannabis from its original packaging (that displays your personal prescription label) may open you up to potential legal issues. In the UK, it may be classed as a criminal offence to carry medical cannabis outside of it's the original packaging.
As with many treatment options, it is important that you always ensure that your prescribed medical cannabis is kept out of the reach of children. All UK medical cannabis is delivered in childproof packaging, but it is the responsibility of the patient to make sure it is stored safely at all times.
Most prescribed medical cannabis flower in the UK is delivered in air-tight plastic containers, which are great for short-term storage. However, in the long run, plastic can affect the humidity levels and potentially leach harmful chemicals into your medication.
Forward-thinking medical cannabis providers (like our partners, Glass Pharms®) have started using aluminium tins for medication storage.
Aluminium is a much better material for long-term storage than plastic containers. It offers far better terpene and cannabinoid preservation, there is no chance of unwanted chemicals leaching into the flower, and it is totally lightproof.
At the time of writing, no medical cannabis provider in the UK uses glass jars for delivery (for obvious reasons). Glass is a great material for storing medical cannabis as it can help keep the temperature and humidity stable, leading to excellent cannabinoid and terpene protection, and does not have the potential for harmful chemical leaching like plastic containers.
One thing to keep in mind with glassware is the chance of UV light penetrating the jar, which is why it is recommended to keep the jars in a dark, temperature, and humidity-controlled place.
If you prefer to store your medication in a glass jar, we have a great option available in the Patient Shop section of our Patient Portal.
Yes, it’s fine to store cannabis in the fridge, but it's not necessary unless you're in a hot climate. The cool environment can help preserve cannabinoids and terpenes, but fluctuating humidity and temperature in and out of the fridge may affect quality.
Here in the UK, you won't need to store your cannabis in the fridge. Instead, keep it in a cool, dark place like a cupboard or drawer, always out of the reach of children.
Yes, cannabis extracts can go bad over time, particularly if exposed to heat, light, or air. Properly stored extracts can last months to years, but all medical cannabis products include an expiration date clearly printed on the packaging. Always check this date to ensure your product remains safe and effective.
To learn more about everything UK medical cannabis, check out or education section and blog. Both are full of articles covering the most important topics relating to medical cannabis here in the UK.
It is important to seek medical advice before starting any new treatments. The patient advisors at Releaf are available to provide expert advice and support. Alternatively, click here to book a consultation with one of our specialist doctors.
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Am I eligible?Sam North, a seasoned writer with over five years' experience and expertise in medicinal cannabis, brings clarity to complex concepts, focusing on education and informed use.
All of our articles are written by medical cannabis experts, guided by strict sourcing guidelines, and reference peer-reviewed studies and credible academic research. Our expert clinical team and compliance specialists provide valuable insights to ensure accuracy when required. Learn more in our editorial policy.
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