It’s been difficult to escape the constant chatter around Netflix’s latest series, “Tidying Up with Marie Kondo.” People have been drawn to the world-renowned expert’s “life-changing” KonMari method of decluttering and have been using it to restore the peace and order in their homes. For her, the central question when it comes to cleaning and organizing is: Does this object spark joy?
In the context of a messy household, it can be hard to answer that question. But the obvious answer for most of us when it comes to cannabis and infused products is a resounding, “Yes! All of it brings us joy!”
However, just because you think you love everything in your stash doesn’t mean that you don’t need a little KonMari in your life.
Kondo has six basic principles: commit yourself to tidying up, imagine your ideal lifestyle, finish discarding first, tidy by category rather than location, follow the right order and, as mentioned, ask yourself if it sparks joy. While it’s true that all of these may not apply to an overhaul of your weed and paraphernalia, if you have crunchy gummies or crumbly bud sitting around in wait for the perfect day, you might need to heed some of these tips.
Trash Ancient Edibles
Although you don’t have to really worry about any decrease in the level of THC in cannabis-infused treats, there’s still the risk that some of the ingredients could go bad, depending on your date of purchase.
Hard candies, gummies and other items without things like eggs or butter can maintain their quality for a long time, but if you have brownies, cookies or other treats made with dairy, it may not be the best idea to enjoy them beyond their recommended expiration date. If you notice any discoloration, signs of mold, an “interesting” smell or if you see that your once-moist treat is now rock hard, just dump it and start over.
Replace Old Pipes and Bongs
You might have a couple classic pieces in your collection that you’ll never give up, but it might be time to retire others, especially if you start noticing cracks or unsightly discoloration that makes your accessory look old, worn and dingy. Pipes and bongs that aren’t cleaned regularly can also have an impact on the flavor profile of your cannabis, meaning they might be what’s stopping you from properly enjoying the distinct taste of that Lemon Kush. Plus, it just might be time for a style upgrade if you’re still using your red, yellow and green tie-dye pipe from college.
Organize and Store Products Correctly
Let’s be honest: legal cannabis is expensive, and illicit market prices aren’t much better. It doesn’t make sense to spend so much of your hard-earned money on items you’re not going to take the best care of.
For small purchases that will be gone the same day, storage concerns won’t matter as much. But if you want to maintain the quality of your purchases longer, it’s important to put them up the right way. Keep buds in airtight containers and out of contact with direct sunlight. The same goes for edibles, which have the best shelf life when stored in the fridge. And don’t forget to keep tinctures and concentrates in cool places, far away from heat and harsh light.
Ditch Stale Flower
The average smoker will probably not have an issue with keeping buds for too long — but if you buy in bulk, purchase large amounts of shake for baking or topicals or frequently lose then magically find weed you’ve misplaced, then there are some things to look out for before you enjoy it.
Aside from a loss of moisture and aroma, if your bud hasn’t been properly stored, there’s a chance that there could be mold that may not be immediately visible on the surface. To check, try breaking up the nugs to make sure there’s nothing lurking in between them. And even if none of the visual cues are present, it still may not be worth your time depending on how old it is. The THC in weed degrades over time, so there’s a chance that you might not get particularly high at all.
TELL US, how often do you clear out your stash?