Guide: How to Preserve Cannabis Cannactiva

Index

Cannabis conservation refers to that point in which a correct drying and curing process has already been carried out, and now what is desired is to maintain the properties of the cannabis and its components, both the color and the aromas and cannabinoids. A clear example of poor conservation is when we find some flowers forgotten in a drawer. The buds are dry, brittle, with a rusty color, and have lost most of their smell. At other times it is not visually evident, but it is noticeable in the less complex aroma of the flowers: it is still good, but only the heavier terpenes remain, while the more volatile ones have disappeared.

Here is a practical guide to properly preserving CBD flowers and keeping them as fresh as they came to you.

How to Preserve CBD Cannabis Flowers

Step 1: Drying and Proper Curing

Drying and curing cannabis is essential to maintain its quality. The buds should have adequate humidity to avoid mold, but should not be too dry. On the other hand, the curing process is essential for a good smoke, for many, similar to the aging of wine.

Step 2: Storage in a Cool, Dark Place

Store cannabis in a cool, dark place, such as a closet (where it does not receive direct light), with a temperature between 15 and 21°C and a relative humidity of 60% (both can be measured with a thermo-hygrometer). This will prevent the buds from drying out too much or developing mold.

Step 3: Choice of Suitable Container

Glass, metal and ceramic are the best options for preserving cannabis. Plastic containers can release and capture aromas, affecting the quality of the cannabis. A good option is to store the flowers in glass containers with airtight seals, and in a closed cabinet, to protect them from direct light. If they are also made of opaque glass, they will let in even less light. The hermetic seal will prevent excessive oxidation. If not available, use screw caps. In addition, the containers should not be too large, so that humidity can be better controlled. Wooden containers are also a good option for preserving flowers , in which the cannabis can finish curing and lose excess moisture. Wood is a material that absorbs and removes moisture, and can help flowers to be optimally preserved until the time of consumption.

Step 5: Avoid Exposure to Light

It is crucial to protect cannabis from direct light, especially ultraviolet light, which can degrade cannabinoids and terpenes. Use opaque jars or store the containers in a completely dark place, such as a cupboard, to ensure optimal preservation.

Step 6: Avoid Squeezing the Flowers

Place the buds in the container as whole as possible, without pressing them to avoid damage and excess humidity. This will not only prevent possible deterioration, but will also prevent excess humidity and allow good aeration between the flowers. In addition, we will prevent the trichomes from breaking and the cannabis will better preserve its aromas.

Step 7: Maintain at Optimum Temperature

Store the containers in a cool place, between 15 and 21°C (15-16°C ideally). High temperatures accelerate the degradation of cannabinoids and terpenes, while temperatures above 25°C may favor the development of molds. Avoid places where the temperature may rise too high, such as the warmest and most humid rooms in the house. The kitchen or a closet where the sun shines, for example, are not the most suitable places.

Step 8: Maintain Cleanliness

Wash and dry your hands thoroughly before handling cannabis to avoid transferring dirt and moisture. Keep the storage area free of dust and contaminants, and make sure the containers are clean and completely dry before use.

Step 9: Ventilation

It is advisable to ventilate the container every month. Leaving it open for a while will help to avoid excess humidity.

Is it recommended to freeze cannabis for better preservation?

In short, it is not recommended to freeze cannabis, it is like throwing the product in the trash. Freezing cannabis does not improve its preservation and can have several disadvantages, mainly the loss of all its quality. Although freezing slows down the development of molds, it also destroys the plant structures, i.e. it makes the trichomes brittle and easily broken, reducing the potency and aroma of the buds. In addition, thawing promotes the growth of mold and other contaminants, as well as affecting the appearance and consistency of the flowers. For these reasons, freezing is not advisable for long-term storage of cannabis intended for direct consumption. Cannabis is only frozen when you want to make extractions, ice-o-lator type, and to do so you need to freeze kilos of cannabis. So no, we do not recommend freezing for direct consumption.

What are cannabis humidity control bags?

Moisture control bags for cannabis are special envelopes that help maintain the quality and freshness of cannabis during storage. These bags work by regulating the humidity inside the container to ensure that the cannabis remains at the 55% to 62% humidity level to prevent mold.

How do cannabis humidity control bags work?

Simply put, the humidity control bags are placed inside the container where the flowers are stored. They contain a solution of salts and water inside a gel, which absorbs or releases humidity depending on the environment. If the humidity inside the container is too high, the bag will absorb excess moisture, and if it is too low, the bag will release moisture to reach the desired level.

Changes in cannabis during aging

Cannabis flowers age during storage, and in this process they can undergo various changes. In general, both cannabinoids and terpenes are sensitive to light, humidity and heat, which accelerate their degradation.

At temperatures of 20ºC, the degradation of cannabinoids is slow, so there will be no significant changes in the CBD and THC content by having the flowers stored for a while, not even a few months. However, although 25 or 30ºC are not extremely high temperatures, they are sufficient to increase the degradation rate compared to lower temperatures, such as 20ºC or less. Among these changes is the slow transformation of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) into cannabinol (CBN), which has milder psychoactive effects, through an oxidation process that is accelerated by heat.

In contrast, terpenes, which are the compounds responsible for aroma and flavor, are much more volatile than cannabinoids. The most volatile terpenes are the first to degrade and evaporate during storage. If conditions are not suitable, they will progressively disappear, starting with earthy, fruity, citrus, pine, floral and herbal aromas, due to the high volatility of terpenes such as myrcene, limonene, pinene, linalool and terpinolene. Therefore, in the aroma of cannabis that has not been well preserved we can notice notable changes, observing a loss of flavor, less intensity and aromatic complexity, and a rougher smoke.

Another point of concern is fungi and molds which, under favorable conditions of humidity and temperature, can proliferate and produce toxic mycotoxins. These microorganisms are not exclusive to cannabis, but are found in all kinds of foods as well. In the cannabis industry, these contaminants are a major concern for product safety and quality, similar to pesticides and heavy metals. If storage conditions are not adequate, the proliferation of these microorganisms increases with time. To avoid this, the first thing to do is to check the material well before storing it (if there are specks or signs of infection inside the flowers), maintain a low temperature, no direct light, avoid excessive humidity and hygienic handling.

Conclusion

As you have seen, the preservation of cannabis has no major complications. By following the basic instructions, which can be perfectly carried out at home, you will be able to enjoy your buds with the best quality for much longer. Happy conservation!