The Part No One Really Explains
When I got my first legal prescription, I wasn’t new to cannabis. I already knew how to handle and store flower. But what stood out was how little guidance came with it — no storage advice, no prep tips, just “vape it” and crack on.
For many patients, this is all new. And with no clear info, it’s easy to end up wasting good bud before getting any benefit. This post is for patients who want to get more out of their prescribed medical cannabis flower.
Why Storage Makes a Big Difference
Why storing cannabis properly actually matters
Prescribed cannabis flower in the UK is not cheap. It’s meant to be medicine, and how you store it directly affects how well it works.
When flower dries out, the terpenes start to fade. These are responsible for flavour, smell, and part of the effect. After that, cannabinoids begin to break down. The bud turns brittle, it burns faster, and it stops helping like it should.
Most people end up using more just to get the same result. That adds up fast when you’re on a fixed monthly prescription. Proper storage is a small change that makes a big difference.
How to store medical cannabis flower the right way
To keep your flower fresh and effective for longer, focus on these five things:
Humidity: 58 to 62 percent relative humidity is the sweet spot
Light: Keep it in the dark, away from windows or sunlight
Temperature: Store it somewhere cool and steady, not near heat
Air exposure: Use airtight containers to slow oxidation
Material: Avoid plastic, it creates static and strips trichomes
You can find more detail here if you want to go deeper: The Complete Guide to Medical Cannabis Storage in the UK
Preparing Your Bud for Vaping
How you break down your flower makes a difference
Most patients get told to vape their flower, but no one tells you how to prep it properly.
Some people tear it up with their fingers. Some use plastic grinders from Amazon. Others go for coated metal grinders that start flaking after a few months.
If you’ve ever had a session that felt weaker, harsher, or just didn’t hit right, the way your flower was prepped could be why.
A proper grind helps you get an even burn, better flavour, and more consistent results. It also keeps your trichomes intact instead of ripping them apart. That means you’re actually getting the full strength of what you paid for.
I wrote a full review of the grinder I use every day:
Flowermill Stainless Steel Grinder – Patient Review
How I Store My Flower
My own setup for storage
After trying a few methods over the years, I’ve landed on something simple that works well and doesn’t overcomplicate things.
Here’s how I keep my flower fresh:
Vacuum-sealed airtight glass or stainless steel jars
One 62% Boveda or Integra pack per jar
Kept in a cool, dark drawer – no heat, no light
Each strain gets its own jar as to prevent “muddying” terpenes
Original Prescription label on the lid or side of jar with the strain name
That’s it. Takes 5 minutes, saves weeks of freshness.
The Grinder I Use and Why It Matters
How I get a clean, consistent grind every time
After trying different grinders over the years, I landed on one that works without ruining the bud.
Here’s what I use and why:
Stainless steel milling-style grinder – no teeth, no shredding
Presses flower through a plate for an even, fluffy grind
Keeps trichomes intact instead of stripping them
No coatings, no flakes – safe to use long-term
Easy to clean and doesn’t clog up like most others
It’s a small upgrade that made a big difference to how well my flower vapes.
Full review here:
Flowermill Stainless Grinder – UK Review
Keep your flower fresh. Keep your setup simple.
You don’t need a big setup to store your prescription properly. Just the right tools that actually do the job.
Whether you’re new to medical cannabis or you’ve been around it for years, getting your storage and prep sorted means better consistency, better results, and less waste.
If you want to sort your setup without overcomplicating it, I’ve picked out gear that actually works.
📦 Ready to sort your kit?
Check out the shop for grinders, storage, and accessories that make a real difference.
🔍 Want a closer look at storage options?
Explore the Terpseals range – vacuum-sealed jars trusted by UK patients who care about quality.
Quick Answers for UK Patients
These are the most common questions I get
How should I store my prescribed flower in the UK?
Store it in an airtight glass or stainless steel jar with a humidity pack (58–62%), in a cool, dark place — like a drawer or cupboard. That keeps it fresh and prevents drying out.
What’s the ideal temperature and humidity?
Aim for 15–20 °C and 58–62% relative humidity. For us in the UK, that means avoiding heat sources and keeping the flower tucked away from sunlight.
Will my flower go mouldy?
Yes, if it’s too damp or warm. Too much moisture encourages mould — too little and it gets dust-dry. That humidity range above keeps you in the safe zone.
Is it OK to keep it in the original prescription pack?
Short-term, yes — it’s airtight and sat in darkness in transit. But once it’s open, transfer it to a proper jar with a humidity pack. Original tubs aren’t designed for longer-term storage.
Are humidity packs worth it?
Absolutely. They’re a small cost but help keep your flower consistent — soft, tasty, and effective — without you having to micromanage daily.
How long will flower stay good with proper storage?
With the right setup, a few weeks to a couple of months. Just sitting in the original pack? Likely a few days before drying out.
