How you store medical cannabis products matters for many reasons. Effective medical cannabis storage maintains the effectiveness of its medicinal potency/power when being taken. It also preserves the flavour profiles of any terpenes present, which are aromatic compounds found in many plants including the cannabis sativa L. As well as the flavours added to edibles, tinctures and oils, or mint or menthol flavour to vapes cartridges. Beyond maintaining the medicinal effectiveness and flavours, proper storage of medical cannabis is important for safety and overall value. When proper medical cannabis storage is lacking or poor, prescribed medical cannabis products can change the active cannabinoids (i.e. THC and/or CBD) content and cost patients more money in having to replace their medical cannabis prescription. Some medical cannabis products can also become mouldy, which can cause a range of health problems when ingested or inhaled.

This blog article discusses how to store medical cannabis properly and how to protect the related devices/tools used to take some medical cannabis products.

Why proper medical cannabis storage matters

Poor storage conditions can degrade the active cannabinoids THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) and CBD (cannabidiol) as well as the aromatic terpenes. Both cannabinoids and terpenes are sensitive to environmental factors such as heat, light, oxygen, and moisture. These can cause the cannabinoids and terpene compounds to degrade/break down, which reduces their therapeutic effects as an active medicine and thereby shorten the medical cannabis’s shelf life—basically meaning the medicine expires earlier than what’s shown on the prescription label.

Each environmental factor has a different effect on the medical cannabis product. Here’s the scientific process behind each environmental factor:

  • When it’s exposed to air, this increases the rate of oxidation.
  • When it’s exposed to humid or heat, this can invite mould, destroys oils, or melt gummies.
  • When it’s exposed to light—especially the ultraviolet light (UV) in sunlight and some speciality devices—this breaks down cannabinoids and terpenes.
  • When it’s exposed to excessive temperatures or fluctuating temperatures (i.e. hot and then cold), this destabilises the chemical composition and even texture.

When the above factors combine, being able to follow the guidelines for storage of medical cannabis is compromised and can significantly reduce the effectiveness and safety of medical cannabis products.

As a consumer in Australia, you’re protected by several regulatory bodies that outline the required guidelines for storage of medical cannabis. The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) sets out the quality and stability requirements for medicinal cannabis products. While the Office of Drug Control (ODC) provides the requirements for secure medical cannabis storage through all stages of the supply chain, including pharmacies. At Essence Dispensary, we purpose-built our pharmacy to exceed the requirements and guidelines for storage of medical cannabis so customers can buy what they need without delay and be confident that every product and medicine has kept its quality and effectiveness.

Ideal conditions for storing medical cannabis products

The team at Essence Dispensary spends the necessary time with patients to demonstrate proper medication use techniques and how to store medical cannabis. An easy way to remember what to do is the acronym “CHALM” as reminder of each step in how to store medical cannabis. Each letter in “CHALM” stands for:

  • Cool.
  • Humid-free (controlled humidity).
  • Airtight.
  • Lightproof.
  • Minimal handling.

  • Cool—temperature control

    Keep your medical cannabis product stored in a cool, dark cupboard (or draw) away from heat and light. Aim for temperatures between 15-21º degrees, which feels comfortably cool but not cold. Higher heat speeds up THC breaking down into less potent byproducts like CBN (a nonenzymatic oxidation byproduct), while lower temperatures may negatively affect cannabinoid stability. Consistency is key with medical cannabis storage.

    In climates where the weather can be 30 degrees or more (like Brisbane), the Essence Dispensary team recommends for medical cannabis products such as gummies to be kept in the fridge. If can you set separate temperatures zones in your fridge, this is an easy way to stop them from melting or being compromised.

    Always avoid using a freezer as your main guidelines for storage of medical cannabis as freezing is particularly problematic for medical cannabis products. While some commercial producers/manufacturers might freeze cannabis flowers immediately after harvesting, this is before the medical cannabis is further processed and packaged into a product for medical use. Freezing can make the tiny glands on the flower’s surface called ‘trichomes’ brittle and prone to breaking off and this will reduce the potency/power of medical cannabis flowers.

  • Humidity and moisture

    Ideal relative humidity (RH) sits around 55-62%—a sweet spot that maintains bud texture and limits mould risk. Humid conditions can promote mould and mildew to grow, while too little humidity renders cannabis brittle and harsh. The TGA has a therapeutic goods order called “TGO 93” that specifies and emphasises moisture control to preserve quality and safety in cannabis flower.

    To manage moisture levels, consider using Boveda packs or similar humidity-control sachets placed inside the container to maintain stable internal ‘relative humidity’. Boveda is a product made up of water, salt, and a gel solution wrapped in a water vapour permeable membrane.

  • Airtight containers

    Glass jars with tight-sealing lids are the best choice as they limit oxygen exposure and preserve freshness. Avoid plastic bags and loosely sealed containers as these allow an air exchange that accelerates the medical cannabis product degrading or breaking down. Glass is perfect as it stops any interaction between air and the medical cannabis product’s cannabinoids and terpenes.

    Essence Dispensary sells a range of medical cannabis storage products available to buy instore or via our online shop.

  • Light exposure (lightproof)

    UV and strong light degrade cannabinoids and diminish terpene profiles. Store all products in opaque or UV-blocking containers and keep them in a dark space away from windows and bright surfaces. We’ve all seen the ambered-colour glass containers that store essential oils and health supplements. The amber/brown colour in the glass blocks light, especially UV-light.

  • Minimal handling

    Minimal handling is key to keeping medical cannabis fresh and effective. Each time the product is touched, we expose it to air and light, and even to the heat from our hands. By only opening containers when necessary and using clean tools instead of our hands, patients can better preserve the therapeutic benefits and shelf life of their medical cannabis.

Best storage practices for different forms of medical cannabis

  • Dried flower (herbal cannabis)

    For dried flower avoid sunlight/UV lights, heat, moisture, and keep airtight. Follow these guidelines for proper storage:

    • Use airtight glass jars and store in a cool, dark, and humidity-controlled place.
    • Keep excess air out by filling the glass jar to minimise the amount of air sitting above the dried flower and screw the cap on tightly.
    • Avoid grinding the dried flower until just before use to reduce surface area and exposure to air.

  • Oils and tinctures

    Medical cannabis oils and tinctures usually come in the proper jar to keep sunlight/UV light from being an issue. Also be mindful to follow these guidelines for proper storage:

    • Store sealed in opaque or dark glass bottles to block light.
    • Most oils do not require refrigeration—only refrigerate if instructed on the label or on the consumer medical information (CMI) leaflet.
    • Ensure caps are tight after each use to limit oxidation.

  • Gummies/edibles and capsules

    Medical cannabis gummies or edibles usually come in the proper packaging to maintain stability. However, be mindful of changing weather conditions and the summer months for most parts of Australia by keeping them in a cool, dark cupboard away from heat and humidity or in the fridge.

  • Devices/tools for vaping

    Keep batteries and cartridges in an upright position. It’s particularly important that vape cartridges are stored in an upright position so that the liquid stays at the bottom near the device’s heating element and not the battery. This stops liquid from potentially leaking into the battery.

Common storage mistakes

To recap on how to ensure proper medical cannabis storage:

  • Avoid leaving products in direct sunlight.

  • Don’t use plastic zip-lock bags.

  • Ensure you seal containers properly.

  • Don’t store in the freezer.

Lifestyle considerations for how to store medical marijuana

When travelling, it’s best to use compact, discreet glass containers with airtight lids and consider using small Boveda packs to maintain ideal humidity conditions. Keep products in a cool, shaded area of your bag, away from direct sunlight or heat. If you live with children, always use child-resistant, opaque packaging and store all cannabis in locked cupboards or safes, out of sight and reach. For added discretion, choose opaque and smell-proof containers. You may also like to consider labelling your medical cannabis products clearly and keeping notes on your phone or computer to minimise how often you handle or open your medical cannabis products.

Final thoughts

Proper storage of medical cannabis directly affects the product’s safety, potency, flavour, and overall value. By protecting your medicine from heat, light, oxygen, and moisture, you can preserve the therapeutic benefits of cannabinoids and terpenes, avoid unnecessary waste, and ensure you’re getting the full effectiveness of your prescribed treatment. Whether it’s dried flower, oils, gummies, or vaping devices, following best-practice guidelines for storage of medical cannabis helps you make the most of your medicine and maintain peace of mind. At Essence Dispensary, we’re here to support patients not only in accessing quality medical cannabis, but also in knowing how to store it properly.

If you’re considering alternative medicine for the first time, you can complete our no-obligation questionnaire to see if you might be eligible click here.

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