Just like any medication, medical cannabis must be stored with care to maintain its effectiveness and safety. Patients should follow the instructions on the packaging and prescription and make sure their medical cannabis is kept in a secure location, only accessible to them. The Consumer Medicines Information (CMI) sheet included with most medication provides important storage details to help patients store it properly.
Why is it important to properly store cannabis?
Proper storage of medical cannabis is important not only for maintaining its potency but also for ensuring that it remains out of reach of others who should not have access to it.
Potency
Storage of medical cannabis plays a vital role in preserving the medications potency. How to properly store medical cannabis will depend on the type of medical cannabis a patient needs to store, as cannabis oils and creams will have different requirements to edibles and dried flower. Exposure to oxygen, heat and light can cause medical cannabis to, degrade, reducing its potency and effectiveness over time.
Safety
All medications need to be kept out of the way of children or animals, who might unknowingly ingest it without knowing what they are taking. Locked cabinets or storage spots that are high up and out of reach for children and pets are the best way to store medical cannabis from a safety perspective.
What kind of packaging should you store your medical cannabis in?
The kind of packaging medical cannabis should be stored in depends on the type of cannabis prescribed and the instructions a patient has been given by their doctor and stick to the original packaging whenever possible.
Keep it in the original package
Always keep medical cannabis in its original packaging where possible. to ensure the product’s safety, integrity and efficacy. The original packaging usually includes important details such as the chemical makeup and cannabinoid content of the product, dosage instructions and expiry date, which are crucial for accurate dosing and safety. It often includes child-resistant features, which are legally required to enhance safety
Furthermore, the expiry details advised on each cannabis medication is based on keeping the product in the packaging it was released in. Changing containers may affect this expiry date.
When transporting your medication out of the home or when travelling domestically or internationally it is recommended to keep your medication in its original packaging and have your script handy for legal reasons. . Additionally, it’s important to check the specific regulations and restrictions on medication at your destination before you travel as well as any specific carrier regulations (e.g. some airlines and cruise ships may have specific rules about this medication).
Glass
Glass is a popular storage choice for medical cannabis because it is airtight and helps protect against exposure to light and heat. Additionally, glass can help maintain a constant temperature, ensuring the cannabis remains stable without reacting with the contents. Amber glass bottles and jars have been used to store medicine for centuries due to the stability, durability, non-porous surface, and low likelihood of reacting with the contents. Most pharmaceutical-grade glass containers, particularly amber-coloured glass, are ideal for preventing light from degrading cannabinoids and terpenes.
Plastic containers
Plastic containers are another common storage option for medical cannabis. Similar to glass,plastic containers should be airtight, and stored in a cool, dry and safe area, like the top shelf of a cupboard in a cool part of the house.
While plastic containers are lightweight and portable, they should be stored with care to avoid excessive heat or humidity.
Tin containers
Tin containers are sometimes used to store medical cannabis, as they can protect the medication from light exposure. However, storing medical cannabis in a tin container is not the best option for a long period of time as it is not usually as airtight as glass or plastic..
Airtight conditions
Whether the medical cannabis comes in a glass, plastic or tin container, it is essential for the longevity of the medication to be kept in airtight conditions. The more oxygen cannabis is exposed to, the quicker it will degrade, potentially affecting the cannabis potency, aroma and overall quality of the medication.
Key factors for storing medical cannabis
Proper temperature, light and humidity control are crucial for preserving medical cannabis. Avoid conditions that could cause loss of potency or degradation during its manufacturer’s lifespan.
Temperature
Medical cannabis should be kept in a cool place, ideally under 25°C. High temperatures alter its medical properties and reduce its shelf life. If medical cannabis is stored somewhere too hot, there’s a possibility it may develop mould, particularly if the hot conditions are twinned with excessive humidity, while low temperatures may negatively affect the cannabinoids, by reducing its efficacy. It’s also important to keep the storage temperature conditions constant, as huge fluctuations can also impact potency.
Do you need to store medical cannabis in the fridge?
Medical cannabis does not need to be stored in a fridge unless specified otherwise in the Consumer Medicine Information (CMI). If refrigeration is required, it’s crucial for patients to ensure the medication stays within the specified temperature range and that it remains securely locked or in a place only accessible to them.
Light
Excessive exposure to light, especially ultra-violet (UV) rays can cause the break down of cannabinoids and terpenes found in cannabis, which leads to degradation. Storing medical cannabis in a dark, opaque container away from the light is the best way to preserve it.
Humidity
High humidity can increase moisture in the container which encourages microbial growth on medical cannabis. This can damage and affect the medication’s balance of terpenes and cannabinoids, reducing its potency. Too much moisture also promotes the growth of mould, which could cause side effects like coughing, nausea and vomiting.
Storing medical cannabis somewhere cool, dry and dark will mitigate these risks to the efficacy of the medication.
One way to control the humidity within the container for dried cannabis flower is to use a humidity sachet, and many flower medications come with these already packed. Using cannabis humidity sachets, allows patients to replace the lost moisture both in the air and in the plant, or to release moisture if the air is too dry. This humidity control allows the cannabis to have more consistency over time. Please note, humidity sachets are not used commonly for other cannabis medications.
How long can cannabis be stored for?
Again, the packaging your medical cannabis comes in will state how long medical cannabis can be stored for. If stored correctly, dried medical cannabis has a shelf life of six months to one year. Always refer to the expiry date and storage instructions provided in the original packaging to ensure your medication remains safe and effective.
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