How to Properly Store Your Kratom and 7-OH Products

# How to Properly Store Your Kratom and 7-OH Products Proper storage is one of the most overlooked aspects of working with kratom and 7-hydroxymitragynine products. Whether you are a researcher maintaining a laboratory inventory or an individual storing products at home, how you store your kratom directly affects its potency, freshness, and shelf life. Alkaloids are organic compounds that can degrade when exposed to environmental stressors, so understanding the science behind proper storage is essential for getting the most value from your [7OH North products](/shop). ## The Science of Alkaloid Degradation To understand why storage matters, it helps to understand what causes alkaloid degradation. 7-Hydroxymitragynine and other kratom alkaloids are organic molecules that are susceptible to several types of chemical degradation: ### Photodegradation (Light Damage) Ultraviolet (UV) radiation from sunlight and fluorescent lighting can break chemical bonds in alkaloid molecules, converting them into inactive or less active compounds. This process, known as photodegradation, is one of the fastest ways to reduce the potency of kratom products. Even indirect sunlight through a window can cause measurable degradation over time. ### Thermal Degradation (Heat Damage) Heat accelerates all chemical reactions, including the degradation of alkaloids. At elevated temperatures, 7-OH molecules can undergo thermal decomposition, oxidation, or isomerization — all of which reduce the concentration of active compound. The rate of degradation approximately doubles for every 10°C increase in temperature, following the Arrhenius equation. ### Hydrolysis (Moisture Damage) Water molecules can react with alkaloids through a process called hydrolysis, breaking them down into smaller, less active fragments. Additionally, moisture creates conditions favourable for microbial growth — bacteria, yeast, and mould can all contaminate kratom products stored in humid environments. ### Oxidation (Air Exposure) Oxygen in the air can react with alkaloid molecules, particularly at sites with double bonds or hydroxyl groups. 7-Hydroxymitragynine, as its name suggests, contains a hydroxyl (-OH) group that is susceptible to further oxidation. While some oxidation of mitragynine actually produces 7-OH (which is how the compound forms naturally in the plant), excessive oxidation of 7-OH itself leads to degradation products with reduced activity. ## General Storage Guidelines Based on the degradation mechanisms described above, the following storage principles will help preserve the quality of your kratom products: ### Keep Products Away from Light Store all kratom products in opaque containers or in a dark location such as a cabinet, drawer, or closet. If using transparent containers, wrap them in aluminium foil or place them inside a dark bag. Never leave products on a windowsill or under fluorescent lights. ### Maintain Cool Temperatures The ideal storage temperature for kratom products is between 15-25°C (59-77°F). A cool pantry, cupboard, or dedicated storage area away from heat sources is ideal. Avoid storing products near stoves, ovens, radiators, or in vehicles where temperatures can fluctuate dramatically. For long-term storage (beyond 6 months), refrigeration at 2-8°C can significantly extend shelf life. If refrigerating, ensure products are in airtight containers to prevent moisture condensation when removing them from the fridge. ### Control Humidity Keep relative humidity below 60% in your storage area. If you live in a humid climate (common in many parts of Canada during summer), consider using silica gel desiccant packets inside your storage containers. These inexpensive packets absorb excess moisture and can be regenerated by heating in an oven. ### Use Airtight Containers Minimise air exposure by storing products in airtight containers. The original packaging from [7OH North](/shop) is designed to provide adequate protection, but if you open a package and do not use the entire contents, transfer the remainder to a sealed container. Vacuum-sealed bags or glass jars with rubber gaskets are excellent options. ## Product-Specific Storage Tips ### 7-OH Tablets [7OH North tablets](/product/pure-7oh-labs-blue-raz) — including our [Pure 7-OH Labs](/product/pure-7oh-labs-green-apple), [7 Daze Perk Ups](/product/7-daze-lemon-tang), and [Seven Naturals 150mg](/product/seven-naturals-150mg) — should be stored in their original blister packs or bottles. The tablet form provides some inherent protection against oxidation (less surface area exposed compared to powder), but they should still be kept cool, dry, and away from light. If you need to split a blister pack, store unused tablets in a small airtight container with a desiccant packet. Do not store tablets loose in a bag or pocket, as physical damage and moisture exposure will accelerate degradation. ### Liquid Shots [Bare Kratom Shots](/product/bare-kratom-shots-blue-razz) and [Onyx Shots](/product/onyx-shots-natural) require slightly different storage considerations. Unopened shots should be stored upright in a cool, dark location. Once opened, liquid products should be consumed promptly or refrigerated and used within 48 hours, as the liquid form is more susceptible to microbial contamination than solid tablets. ### Power Blends The [7OX Power Blend 500mg](/product/7ox-power-blend-500mg) combines multiple active compounds, each with its own stability profile. Follow the same general guidelines: cool, dark, dry, and airtight. The higher concentration of active compounds in power blends makes proper storage even more important. ## Shelf Life Expectations When stored properly, kratom products have the following approximate shelf life: | Product Type | Proper Storage | Improper Storage | |---|---|---| | 7-OH Tablets | 18-24 months | 6-9 months | | Liquid Shots | 12-18 months (sealed) | 3-6 months | | Power Blends | 12-18 months | 4-8 months | Always check the expiration date printed on your products. These dates assume proper storage conditions — if products have been exposed to heat, light, or moisture, they may degrade faster than the printed date suggests. ## Signs of Degradation Inspect your products periodically for signs of degradation: - **Colour changes**: Significant darkening or discolouration may indicate oxidation - **Unusual odour**: A musty, sour, or chemical smell suggests microbial contamination or chemical breakdown - **Texture changes**: Tablets that become crumbly, sticky, or develop a powdery coating may have absorbed moisture - **Visible mould**: Any visible mould growth means the product should be discarded immediately - **Reduced effectiveness**: If products seem less potent than expected, degradation may be the cause ## Storage Checklist Use this quick checklist to ensure your storage setup is optimal: - ✅ Products stored in opaque or covered containers - ✅ Storage area temperature between 15-25°C - ✅ Relative humidity below 60% - ✅ Airtight containers or original sealed packaging - ✅ Away from direct sunlight and fluorescent lights - ✅ Away from heat sources (stoves, radiators, vehicles) - ✅ Desiccant packets for long-term storage - ✅ Expiration dates checked regularly For questions about product storage or shelf life, [contact the 7OH North team](/contact). Browse our full [product catalogue](/shop) for fresh, lab-tested products shipped directly to your door across Canada. *All 7OH North products are sold for research purposes only. Not for human consumption.*