Every plant reacts differently to light and the temperature of the air, and cannabis is no exception. Be mindful of how you store dried buds, as this can have a direct impact on the strain’s strength. This guide reveals how light and temperature affect cannabis potency, along with tips for properly storing your products.
Exploring the Impact of Light Intensity and Temperature Control During Cannabis Storage
Did you know that there’s no current industry-wide standard for storing dried cannabis flower buds? You could get the same strain of weed from two dispensaries and experience different reactions depending on how they store the product. What causes the discrepancy?
Cannabinoid production and terpene profiles shift largely due to air temperature and light exposure. Several research studies have tested these external factors to determine the proper storage environment for marijuana. Take a closer look at how light and temperature affect cannabis potency.
The Role of Light in Cannabinoid Production
UV light exposure is essential for growers, as this helps improve the plant’s photosynthesis rate. However, intensity should be adjusted when it comes time to cultivate flowers and store the buds before use. Researchers agree that when growing marijuana, plants need adequate UV exposure for energy and production.
After buds develop and cannabis leaves for a dispensary, the amount of ultraviolet rays they need changes drastically. Studies show that THC and terpene levels degrade with exposure to direct sunlight. This makes the strain less potent and ultimately yields weaker intoxicating effects.
Keeping cannibis fresh is more important than you think. It’s not just where you store the buds but how you store them that matters. Putting them in a dark place in the proper container helps preserve cannabinoids. One study found that weed stored in clear, glass jars was more susceptible to THC degradation than samples stored in amber-tinted jars.
How Storage Temperature Changes Marijuana’s Potency
To improve freshness and potency for users, various researchers have conducted studies aimed at finding the proper storage method for marijuana. Does it matter if you keep the buds in a warm or cold location? Research shows that, yes, it absolutely matters.
Check out the ways that varying temperatures affected THC potential over the course of 90 days:
- A sample stored at 4°C (or 39.2°F) had the highest THC potential.
- A sample kept at 20°C, otherwise known as room temperature, had only 3.2% less potential than the coldest sample.
- Weed kept at 30°C (86ºF) experienced the most THC degradation, with 14.1% less potential than the 4°C sample.
Keep Your Weed Fresh With These Storage Tips
Knowing how light and temperature affect cannabis potency should change the way you store your supply. Use the following tips for optimal freshness:
- Keep buds in an airtight container, such as a tinted glass jar: Amber-tinted jars block UV rays and prevent moisture from damaging the plant.
- Store your products in a dark place: Direct light changes the terpene profile, so limit UV exposure as much as possible.
- Aim for cool storage: Warmer temperatures degrade THC potential, so never keep your supply in a space that’s warmer than 68ºF.
- Avoid long-term storage: Research shows that the most significant terpene degradation occurs within the first 30 days. Try to use your products before this period ends for greater potency.
Discover High-Quality Cannabis Products Near You
Now that you know how light and temperature affect cannabis potency, you can keep your supply fresh for when you need it. At Cannabis & Glass, we offer a vast selection of cannabis products and accessories, including edibles, vaporizers, and dried flowers.
Explore our products online, visit our location in Ontario, Oregon, or give us a call at (541) 907-1234 for more information.
