Vacuum Sealing Weed: The Best Way to Keep Buds Fresh

Vacuum sealing is the most effective way to keep your buds fresh, potent and flavorful for the long haul, because removing the air stops degradation in its tracks. The goal is for every bud to keep that fresh terpene flavor, like the first time you open a bag. Smoking poorly stored cannabis can cause headaches, coughing or drowsiness — that's what happens when the THC molecule degrades into CBN (cannabinol).

If you tend to buy weed in bulk, or you don't smoke very often, chances are you've ended up with a pile of old buds on your hands.

What's the best bag for storing weed?

When it comes to storage, vacuum packing your cannabis is the way to go. Airtight is the ideal: the less air your weed is exposed to, the fresher and more potent it stays. Keeping air out stops the terpenes from drying out and keeps the trichomes on the buds.

Vacuum-sealed flower also reduces the chance of buds picking up moisture, which can invite mold and ruin the harvest you waited so long for. Ideally, keep vacuum-sealed cannabis in a cool spot where the temperature stays below 23°C (73°F), so the cannabinoids and terpenes don't dry out.

Storing your cannabis flowers in an airtight jar in a cool, low-light place where humidity can't reach them is enough to keep the product in good shape. But if you want to store your buds in the best possible condition for a long time, vacuum sealing is the winning move.

Vacuum-packed weed: why is it the best method?

Vacuum sealing is a packaging method that's hugely popular in the food industry. It works by removing the air from the package and sealing it shut. The point is to get rid of the oxygen inside a container to extend the shelf life of whatever's in it. Sealing your sativa or indica is a smart move, since the process removes oxygen and prevents volatile compounds from evaporating. It also inhibits the growth of the bacteria that ruin cannabis. Store your weed in a sealed bag away from sunlight and it will stay practically unchanged for many years.

How do you vacuum seal cannabis?

To vacuum seal buds, you need vacuum bags, a device that pulls the air out of them (known as a vacuum sealer) and, of course, weed. There are several vacuum sealer models out there, but what matters is that it sucks out all the air and then seals the bag so no oxygen gets back in. The process: place the cannabis in the bag, feed it into the machine, extract the air first and finally heat-seal one of the ends. Vacuum sealers handle the whole process. 

Because the sealer pulls out the air, vacuum-packed buds can get over-compressed or "squashed". There are two schools of thought on this. The first says that compressed vacuum-sealed cannabis (also called pressed bud) smokes exactly the same as freshly harvested weed — so you'd have ready-to-smoke buds, and the only difference is the looks.

That said, some growers prefer their buds looking their best. Either way, if the buds got flattened, once you open the vacuum bag you can store them for a few days in a glass jar with a humidity pack so they rehydrate and bounce back to their original shape.

Sealed flower: a few tips

Whatever method you use to store cannabis, keep this in mind: temperatures above 29°C (84°F) dry out all the cannabinoids and terpenes. On the flip side, low temperatures slow down decarboxylation and damage the trichomes. The best way to keep your herb fresh is at temperatures between 15 and 18°C (59–64°F), if you can manage it.

When humidity runs too high, mold becomes far more likely, so storing your cannabis somewhere cool and dry is non-negotiable. The sun's UV rays easily damage buds and interfere with how the herb affects your body's system. Dark places are your best bet.

How long does weed last in a bag?

 Vacuum sealing keeps buds fresh and tasty for a very long time. It's hands down the best container method for stored cannabis, since closing the bag airtight reduces the amount of air inside, which extends its shelf life.

Other methods

Beyond the classic glass jars, there are other options — like storing your buds in airtight Tight Vac containers, which let you fill the jar, close it and create a vacuum so no smell escapes and the aroma, flavor and effect of your flowers stay intact. The great thing about these containers is that they come in a huge range of sizes.

Another widely used way to store cannabis in vacuum packaging is plastic vacuum bags: no smell gets out, and the plant material or extract keeps beautifully. There are several types of machines for vacuuming the air out of the bags, from practical, budget-friendly models to more professional options.

Can you freeze weed?

A great option is to freeze your buds once they've reached your preferred level of drying or curing, so their properties keep for much longer.

To do it, pack them into jars or bags before they go in the freezer. For extra protection, you could even seal an airtight jar by placing it inside a vacuum bag. When it's time to thaw your herb, don't rush it — let it come up to temperature for a few hours before opening the jars or bags. Once open, repeat the move and leave the buds a few hours at room temperature and humidity before consuming them.

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