The Role of Oxygen Absorbers in Long-Term Cannabis Preservation

Proper cannabis preservation is essential for maintaining potency, terpene profile, and freshness, especially in long-term bulk storage. While humidity control is widely discussed, oxygen exposure is often overlooked—but it's a major factor in cannabinoid degradation.

Oxygen absorbers, commonly used in food and pharmaceutical packaging, are now being recognized as a game-changer in long-term cannabis preservation. But how do they work, and should growers, dispensaries, and distributors start using them for storage?

In this guide, we’ll cover:
✅ How oxygen exposure affects cannabis potency
✅ The science behind oxygen absorbers & how they work
✅ Best practices for using oxygen absorbers in cannabis storage
✅ When to use them & when NOT to use them

Let’s dive into how oxygen absorbers can help extend the shelf life of cannabis while keeping it fresh and mold-free.

How Oxygen Affects Cannabis Quality

Oxygen is one of the biggest threats to long-term cannabis storage. When cannabis is exposed to excess oxygen, it leads to:

🔹 THCA & THC Degradation – Oxygen converts THCA into THC, and over time, THC degrades into CBN, which is less psychoactive.

🔹 Terpene Loss – Terpenes, the compounds responsible for aroma and flavor, degrade quickly in high-oxygen environments, leading to a stale, weak product.

🔹 Increased Moisture & Mold Risk – Oxidation can lead to humidity fluctuations, making cannabis more susceptible to mold growth.

🔹 Loss of Freshness & Color Changes – Exposure to oxygen leads to the browning of trichomes, loss of stickiness, and a dried-out, harsh smoke.

For commercial growers and dispensaries, oxygen control is just as important as humidity control for maintaining top-shelf quality.

What Are Oxygen Absorbers & How Do They Work?

Oxygen absorbers are small packets containing iron powder that remove oxygen from sealed containers through a chemical reaction.

✅ Iron reacts with oxygen and traps it inside the packet
✅ No chemicals or gases are released into the cannabis
✅ Maintains a near-zero oxygen environment for long-term freshness
✅ Prevents oxidation & terpene loss

These packets are commonly used in food preservation to keep products fresh. Now, they are being adopted in bulk cannabis storage to reduce oxidation and mold risk.

Oxygen Absorbers vs. Humidity Packs: What’s the Difference?

While both oxygen absorbers and humidity packs help with preservation, they serve different functions:

Best practice? Use both together for maximum preservation—humidity packs to maintain moisture and oxygen absorbers to prevent oxidation.

How to Use Oxygen Absorbers for Long-Term Cannabis Storage

1. Choose the Right Size Oxygen Absorber

Oxygen absorbers come in different sizes, typically rated in CC (cubic centimeters), which determines how much oxygen they can remove.

For cannabis storage, the best options are:

✅ 100cc-200cc for small jars (1-2 ounces)
✅ 500cc for medium bags (½ pound)
✅ 1000cc+ for bulk storage (1-5 pounds)

2. Use Airtight, Oxygen-Resistant Packaging

For oxygen absorbers to work effectively, cannabis must be stored in truly airtight packaging. Recommended storage options:

✅ Vacuum-sealed Mylar bags – The best option for bulk, long-term storage
✅ Glass jars with tight-sealing lids – Ideal for dispensary storage
✅ Food-grade plastic buckets with gasket lids – For large commercial storage

❌ Avoid storing cannabis in cheap plastic bags—they are permeable to oxygen and will not keep the product fresh.

3. Add Oxygen Absorbers & Seal Immediately

• Place an oxygen absorber inside the jar, bag, or container before sealing

• Work quickly—oxygen absorbers activate immediately when exposed to air

• Vacuum seal or heat-seal the bag to trap the low-oxygen environment

For bulk cannabis storage, combining vacuum-sealing + oxygen absorbers is the best way to lock in potency for months or even years.

4. Monitor Storage Conditions Regularly

Even with oxygen absorbers, cannabis storage areas must be kept cool, dark, and dry.

✅ Ideal storage temperature: 60-68°F (15-20°C)
✅ Humidity range: 55-62% RH
✅ Use hygrometers inside storage areas to monitor conditions

For long-term storage, check containers every few months to ensure cannabis remains fresh and mold-free.

When NOT to Use Oxygen Absorbers for Cannabis

While oxygen absorbers are great for long-term storage, there are situations where they should NOT be used:

❌ For Freshly Harvested Flower – If cannabis is not fully cured, removing oxygen can trap excess moisture, increasing mold risk.

❌ If RH is Below 55% – If cannabis is already too dry, oxygen absorbers may speed up terpene evaporation.

❌ For Regularly Used Dispensary Jars – If cannabis is frequently opened and closed, humidity packs are better suited for keeping it fresh.

For commercial growers, oxygen absorbers should be used ONLY for long-term, sealed storage, not for curing or short-term use.

Does Freezing Cannabis with Oxygen Absorbers Work?

Yes—freezing cannabis with oxygen absorbers is an effective long-term storage method, but only if done correctly:

✅ Vacuum seal the cannabis + add oxygen absorbers
✅ Store in a frost-free, low-humidity freezer
✅ Allow cannabis to thaw inside the sealed bag before opening to prevent condensation

Proper freezing can preserve cannabis for years while preventing mold, terpene loss, and oxidation.

Final Thoughts: Should You Use Oxygen Absorbers for Cannabis Storage?

For commercial growers, bulk distributors, and long-term storage, oxygen absorbers can significantly improve cannabis preservation.

🔹 Prevents oxidation – Maintains THC & terpenes longer
🔹 Reduces mold risk – Less oxygen means fewer contaminants
🔹 Extends shelf life – Keeps cannabis fresh for months or years
🔹 Best used with vacuum-sealed Mylar bags for optimal storage

If you’re storing large quantities of cannabis, combining oxygen absorbers with vacuum-sealing & humidity control is the best way to preserve quality, freshness, and potency.

Get the Best Storage Solutions for Bulk Cannabis

At 454 Bags, we provide:
🔥 High-quality Mylar bags & vacuum-sealing solutions
🔥 Humidity control packs & oxygen absorbers
🔥 Bulk storage containers for growers & dispensaries

Shop now & keep your cannabis fresh, potent, and mold-free! 🚀