If you’re like me, you take pride in your collection of fine herbs. But, as any good gardener knows, proper storage is key to preserving the quality of your cannabis. This means you have to control humidity when storing cannabis.
That’s why I’m here to talk about humidity, and how to control it when storing your prized plants. In this article, we’ll cover everything you need to know about humidity’s impact on cannabis, from how it affects flavours and effects, to the risk of contamination.
So, whether you’re a seasoned smoker or just getting started, read on to learn how to keep your cannabis at its freshest and most potent. Because, as we all know, a good stash is worth its weight in gold.
Why does humidity matter to cannabis users?
Humidity plays a crucial role in the overall quality of cannabis, and it matters to cannabis users for several reasons. Firstly, humidity affects the moisture content of the flowers, which can impact their potency, flavour, and aroma. If the flowers are too dry, they can lose their potency and become harsh to smoke, while overly moist buds can lead to mold growth and spoil.
Secondly, humidity can also impact the colour and appearance of the buds. High humidity levels can cause buds to become dark, dull, and discoloured, which can indicate the presence of mold or other contaminants.
Finally, humidity can impact the shelf life of cannabis. Properly stored cannabis that is kept at the ideal humidity levels can last for several months or even years, while poorly stored cannabis can become stale and lose its potency over time.
It is a critical factor in preserving the quality and potency of cannabis, and it’s essential for users to understand how to control humidity when storing their herbs. By keeping these levels in check, users can ensure that their cannabis remains fresh, potent, and enjoyable for longer periods.
Does humidity affect smell, flavour and effects of cannabis?
Humidity can significantly impact the aromas, flavours, and effects of cannabis. When cannabis is harvested, it contains various chemical compounds such as terpenes that give it its unique smell, flavour, and effects. These compounds are incredibly sensitive to changes in temperature and humidity, and even small fluctuations can alter their composition.
If the humidity levels are too low, the cannabis can dry out, causing the terpenes and cannabinoids to evaporate, resulting in a loss of flavour and aroma. On the other hand, if the humidity levels are too high, the buds can absorb excess moisture, leading to mold growth, which can compromise the taste and potency.
Moreover, the humidity levels can also affect the psychoactive effects of cannabis. For example, if the humidity levels are too low, the THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) in the buds can break down into CBN (cannabinol), which has a sedative effect, resulting in a less potent high. On the other hand, if the humidity levels are too high, the cannabis can develop a harsh taste and produce a more intense, anxious high.
Therefore, to ensure that you get the most out of your cannabis, it’s crucial to maintain the ideal humidity levels when storing it. Doing so will preserve the aromatic profile, flavour, and potency of the herb, allowing you to enjoy its full spectrum of effects.
Can controlled humidity prevent cannabis from going bad?
Controlling humidity is an essential factor in keeping your buds fresh. Cannabis is a plant, and like any other plant, it’s susceptible to mold, mildew, and other forms of contamination. Excessive moisture or low humidity levels can provide a breeding ground for these contaminants, leading to spoilage and degradation.
However, by controlling the humidity levels in your storage environment, you can prevent the growth of mold and mildew even prolonging the shelf life of your cannabis. The ideal humidity range for cannabis storage is between 55% and 65%. This range allows maintenance of its moisture content without becoming too dry or damp, which can lead to mold growth.
Using humidity control products such as humidity packs or jars can help maintain the ideal humidity levels for cannabis storage. Humidity packs absorb excess moisture from the air when the humidity levels are too high, and release moisture when the humidity levels are too low, keeping the environment at a consistent humidity level.
Choosing the right product to control humidity
Choosing the right product to control humidity depends on several factors, such as the size of your storage container, the type of cannabis you’re storing, and your personal preferences. Here are some methods to help you choose the right product:
- Determine the size of your storage container: The size of your storage container will determine the size of the humidity control product you need. For example, if you’re storing cannabis in a small container, a small humidity pack or jar may be sufficient, while larger storage containers may require multiple packs or a larger jar.
- Consider the type of cannabis you’re storing: Different types of cannabis have different humidity requirements. For example, Sativa strains tend to prefer lower humidity levels, while Indica strains prefer higher humidity levels. Therefore, it’s essential to choose a humidity control product that’s tailored to the specific needs of your cannabis.
- Choose a reputable brand: Not all humidity control products are created equal. It’s important to choose a reputable brand that has a proven track record of producing high-quality products. Look for brands that use food-grade materials and have been independently tested for effectiveness.
- Consider your personal preferences: Different humidity control products have different features, such as different activation times, reusable vs. disposable options, and various scents. Consider what features are important to you and choose a product that meets your needs.
In general, humidity packs and glass jars are the most popular options for controlling humidity when storing cannabis. Humidity packs are small, disposable packs that are pre-filled with a saltwater solution, and they come in various sizes and humidity levels. Glass jars are reusable containers that use a two-way humidity control system to maintain consistent levels.
