How long can hemp seed be kept unrefrigerated before spoilage or damage to the EFA 's occurs?

Answer 1

As with many seeds storing in a cool, dark, and dry place is best. Refrigeration isn't a good idea and freezing a very bad idea. Moisture in the fridge would be bad for any seed storage (pending humidity level in the appliance). Increased moisture frozen would further damage.

Viability, from experience many years ago, for seeds stored in a cool, dark, and dry place (not a refrigerator) can be determined somewhat as follows.

after 1st year: 90% germinate/sprout

after 2nd year: 80% germinate/sprout

after 3rd year: 70% germinate/sprout

Sprout percentage drops by 10% average per year.

However, if the age of the seed is unknown storage lengths will be unknown as well. To test viability baseline: germinate a hundred (if that many available to test; you do less say only 10 seeds tested it won't be a good cross section sample but give a rough idea the age of the seeds) in a damp paper towel on shallow plates (on top of the refrigerator for warmth may be a good idea) and see how many germinate/sprout. Add water daily to the damp paper towel as if it dries out you interrupt the germination process and possibly kill the seed off. It can take up to 7 days pending the viability but after that and you see no change in the seed assume it's not viable. You can assume every following year the same batch of seeds will degrade by 10% of non-germinating/sprouting.