A Sipper’s Guide to Cannabis Infused Mulled Wine: What to Expect
Many of us reach for a pre-roll, edible, or dab when it's time to sit back and relax. Many of us also don't mind us a glass of wine, ya know, to unwind. So, while no one is going to stop you from pouring a glass of your favorite red, white, or rose and sparking up… a new portal has opened, introducing cannawine. There are different brands that use different processes to make cannawine, but the real kicker here is the whole mixing weed with alcohol factor. We'll explain how cannawine is made, the science behind it, what you can expect, and of course, where to try some!
It may not be a completely "new" concept, but is definitely making a huge comeback. With cannabis being used for medicine in China way back around 2700 BC, the Chinese physician and surgeon, Hua T'o, kicked it up a notch. Around 140-208 AD, he was credited with using an anesthetic called "mageisan" during surgical operations. A blend of wine and cannabis. In the world we live in today, the rules and regulations are a little more tweaked. Technically it is illegal to produce and sell weed and alcohol under the same roof. Many cannawine brands get around this by labeling the product "traditionally produced alcoholic wine infused with CBD" or by containing 0% alcohol content. A little tip for ya, products labeled "hemp-infused", and may have a pot leaf or some innuendo that makes the product seem like it contains weed, actually contains zero cannabis compounds. It's more of an added flavor that gives the weed vibe. We know that cannabis and wine have their own benefits alone. A good majority of benefits include feeling relaxed, chill, relieved, and saying "what stress?". Aside from providing you the chill, savory flavors of both weed and wine, they are both elite when it comes to easing your body pains. A bottle of cannawine is also an awesome conversation piece. Just think about your next holiday get-together or your best bud's housewarming party, cannawine = best gift ever. Many methods have been tested and came out successful, but, it goes without saying that the cannabis industry is always advancing. Producing cannawine is more than just tossing some buds into a vat of wine. So, sorry, it's not quite a DIY at home type of deal. The whole cannawine production process starts with decarboxylating fresh cannabis flower. This is a mandatory step in order to activate the cannabinoids. The decarbed weed is then infused into the wine to ferment. Fermenting wine involves simmering it on a low heat. Wine is heated in order to become infused with anything, typically spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, cardamom, and cloves. This allows all of the flavors to blend and the cannabinoids to infuse into the wine. Once it's mixed up the cannabis and spices are strained, filtering out the chunks of weed and spices. The last thing to do is pour it into a glass and sip away. If you are someone who is brand new to the cannabis scene and/or have no experience with drinking alcohol, you should take extra precautions. Tolerance plays a big part in enjoying cannabis infused wines. Mulled wine already has a delicious flavor from its blend of fruits and spices. Adding cannabis brings in rich herbal notes that complement the wine's existing profile. You can expect a glass of cannawine to still taste primarily like wine but with a subtle hint of cannabis flavors. The goal is to create a harmonious blend of flavors where the cannabis complements rather than overpowers the wine. Also, it's not meant to get you super high and drunk, one glass (4 oz) will give you the best of both a wine buzz and weed buzz. There has been numerous studies and years of research behind cannawine. Especially since both weed and wine have intoxicating effects. For example, the brains over at Harvard Medical School found in a recent study that getting stoned before drinking alcohol actually reduces the amount of alcohol that is absorbed into the bloodstream. Another study showed that drinking before you light up can really intensify your high. So, while doing one before the other has its own effects, enjoying them together, and the cannabis being a liquid, the effects can vary. Mainly because the process to make cannawine affects the bioavailability (how easily it's absorbed in your body) of THC, and can lead to different intensities and duration of effects compared to if you were to smoke or vape weed. When it comes to drinking cannabis infused wine, THC is absorbed through the digestive system and metabolized by the liver before entering your bloodstream and binding to your body's endocannabinoid system. Hence the waiting period, just like with edibles, for the effects to kick in. Getting your hands on a bottle of cannawine has gotten way easier over the years. At the time it was released in California (early 2000s), you needed to have your cannabis card and a fat wad. Like we are talking $400 for just a half of a bottle. Now you can pick up an affordable bottle to enjoy at home and go on cannawine tours! The California company, Rebel Coast, is one of the very first to work around the rules of mixing weed with wine. Their $60 Sauvignon Blanc wine contains approximately four milligrams of THC per serving. It takes about 15 minutes for the effects to start, but instead of feeling intoxicated, you'll experience a high. Additionally, since the alcohol has been taken out of the wine, there won't be a potential hangover to deal with! Cultivating Spirits, a company based in Colorado, combines high-end meals with wine and cannabis. A typical meal might include a ribeye steak with chili relleno, a 2013 Malbec, and Gorilla Glue cannabis strain. The dining etiquette involves smoking, eating, and drinking. Founder Philip Wolf describes this as adding a "third layer" to the dining experience and he is one of the first accredited cannabis sommeliers in America. This exclusive experience is tailored for cannabis enthusiasts and costs $1,250 for a ten-person three-course dinner and pairing. An absolute singing icon, Melissa Etheridge, teamed up with Lisa Molyneux, the mastermind behind Greenway to create "No Label". Battling and winning the fight with cancer, Etheridge became a HUGE advocate for medical marijuana and its working wonders during her chemotherapy treatments. With Greenway being the very first dispensary that was supported by the city and state, Molyneux and Etheridge have perfected a cold extraction technique that prevents a full euphoric 'high', but still gives that relief and chill vibe. It is pretty well known that lighting up and inhaling cannabis will have you feeling the effects within minutes compared to the waiting game of 30 minutes or longer with edibles. When you eat or drink cannabis it needs to be digested before the effects kick in. For some people this takes 20-30 minutes and for others it could take over an hour. When we take a closer comparison to cannawine and edibles, there is one difference that sets them apart. Both cannawine and edibles have longer lasting effects compared to smoking and inhaling THC. But, the effects felt from cannawine tends to last significantly shorter than edibles. Cannabis infused wine, or cannawine, offers a unique blend of the relaxing effects of both cannabis and wine. It is an elite option for anyone looking to unwind. With its rich flavors and potential benefits, it serves as a fun conversation starter and a new way to enjoy social gatherings.Understanding Cannabis Infused Wine
The Benefits of Cannabis Infused Wine
The Production Process
What to Expect from Cannabis Infused Wines
The Science Behind the Effects
Cannabis Tours and Experiences
Alcohol-Free
Smoke, Eat, and Drink
"No Label"
Comparing Cannabis Infused Wine to Edibles
Conclusion
JARS
December 11, 2024
BEGINNERS GUIDE TO CANNABIS CONSUMPTION
Embark on your cannabis journey with confidence using our Beginner's Guide to Cannabis Consumption. Learn about different methods like smoking, vaping, edibles, and tinctures. Understand dosages, effects, and responsible use for a safe and enjoyable experience. Let this guide be your compass as you discover the world of cannabis. Choosing your favorite cannabis product is just one piece to the pot puzzle: now you have to decide your preferred method of consumption. With the continued widespread legalization of medical and recreational marijuana, the legal cannabis market has exploded with options. While you can of course choose to go the traditional route of sparking up a joint, you could also try an infused gummy, tinctures, vapes, and so much more. With such an array of products to choose from, many of us aren’t sure what method is going to be the most effective to get the results we want. This may seem like an overwhelming task, but we’re here to take the guesswork out of the cannabis conundrum with our Beginner’s Guide to Cannabis Consumption. First rule of thumb: The right consumption method is going to depend on the cannabis product you've chosen and what kind of experience you seek. Generally speaking, consumption methods fall into four categories: inhalation, oral, sublingual, and topical — so let’s take a closer look at each. Perhaps the most traditional method of consumption, inhalation essentially describes any product that must pass through your lungs to feel the effects of cannabis. When you inhale marijuana, all the active compounds (cannabinoids and terpenes), including psychoactive THC, are absorbed into the bloodstream through the lungs. The time between inhalation and the compounds hitting your brain is almost instant, making it the ideal go-to for cannabis lovers looking for the effects to kick in quickly. There are two main ways to inhale cannabis: smoking and vaping. When we talk about smoking cannabis, we’re describing the process of lighting cannabis flower with some form of combustion (usually a lighter or hemp wick) and inhaling the smoke. There are also a variety of ways in which you can enjoy a smooth smoking experience. Pipes: Pipes are generally small, compact, and approachable smoking accessories that are typically made of glass or silicon. With their portability and ease of use, pipes are some of the most popular devices for smoking cannabis. To use a pipe, grind up some flower (or carefully break it down with your hands), add the cannabis to the bowl-shaped area at one end (often referred to as “packing a bowl”), and light. Smoke travels through the pipe's hollow chamber and exits through the mouthpiece, where you inhale sweet cannabis relief. Water pipes: Water pipes, which include bongs and bubblers, work similarly to the pipes above, but the smoke is filtered through water held in a chamber. The water cools down the smoke as it travels, creating a smoother and more enjoyable inhalation. Joints: If pipes simply aren't your style, consider trying a paper alternative, like joints. Similar to a cannabis cigarette, joints are made by rolling cannabis into specially designed rolling papers, before lighting one end and inhaling through the other. Pro tip: Make a filter on one end to protect your lips from the heat! Blunts: Similar to joints, blunts traditionally use cigar paper instead of rolling papers. Usually, a cigar is sliced open, hollowed out, and then the tobacco is replaced with weed but you can also buy blunt wraps to avoid this messy situation. There are even hemp varieties now that don’t involve any tobacco. Cannabis users love blunts because they are typically larger and contain more cannabis than joints — it’s a win-win for everyone. Quickly becoming one of the most popular ways to smoke, vaping is another inhalation method that involves using a device to heat either cannabis flower or concentrate to a sweet spot right below the point of combustion. This transforms the active compounds, into vapor, which is then inhaled and absorbed through your lungs. Just like smoking, there are also a number of ways to vape cannabis. Vaporizers: Vaporizers are versatile in that they can be used with both cannabis concentrate and flower. They’re also incredibly easy to use: Just add the cannabis to a heating chamber, adjust the temperature as needed, and inhale the vapor through the mouthpiece. You can see a more in-depth how to smoke weed vaporizer here. Vaporizers come in both tabletop versions, which need a solid surface to stand on, and portable versions for easy smoking on the go. Vape pens: Specifically designed for cannabis oils and distillates, vape pens are typically slim portable devices that look similar to an everyday pen — hence the name vape pens. These gadgets are made up of a cartridge, which contains the oil or distillate, and a battery, which provides the heat. As always, make sure you buy vape pens from a legal, reputable dispensary, like Jars, as illegal, off-label vapes are rampant on the illicit market and have been tied to potentially hazardous health issues. Dabbing: Dabbing is another method of vaporizing cannabis concentrate using a dab rig, which entails heating a glass, ceramic, or titanium “nail” and applying the concentrate directly to the hot surface, which turns it into vapor for consumption. Beginners beware: Dabbing is usually reserved for veteran smokers or someone that needs intense relief as cannabis concentrates are incredibly potent. If smoking is not your thing, you may want to try orally ingesting cannabis to get your desired effects. There are generally two ways that you can consume weed orally: Edibles: Edibles have been around for centuries and are one of the most straightforward cannabis consumption methods on the market today. Simply eat or drink, swallow, and wait for the weed to work its magic — which may take a while. When you ingest a cannabis-infused beverage, baked good, or gummy the cannabinoids must be absorbed through the digestive tract. As a result, edibles have a delayed onset, anywhere between 20 minutes and three hours. That being said, the effects can also last longer than smoking so be careful to dose yourself properly. The golden rule is to start low and go slow. Tinctures: Unlike edibles that must pass through your digestive tract, tinctures are absorbed through the blood vessels under the tongue (sublingually). To get the full effect, place a few drops of the tincture under your tongue and hold it there for a few seconds, allowing the cannabis to absorb. If any liquid remains, just swallow it down as this allows for any cannabinoids not absorbed sublingually to be absorbed through the digestive system, like an edible. The dual absorption points mean that tinctures taken sublingually can have a rapid onset of effects (about 20 minutes) as well as a second-round hours later, so again, be mindful of your dosing. While topicals are more of a delivery method rather than consumption, they are still important to note for their ability to deliver targeted results. Topical products allow you to absorb cannabinoids through the skin (the skin is our largest organ after all), where they may provide localized effects for things like joint pain, muscle soreness, and minor inflammation. Unlike other consumption methods, it is unlikely that you will experience any psychoactive effects with topicals, just pure relief. Other questions you may have about consuming cannabis Can you donate blood if you donate blood? Short answer, yes. But you want to see our full article about blood donations while consuming cannabis. What is the best sativa strain... wait... what is sativa and what is indica? We got you covered. Are there any cannabis etiquette rules I should know about? Yep. Is the odor gonna be a problem? You may want to try low-odor weed strains to get you comfortable. Just like snowflakes, each and every one of us is different. What may work for your body, may not work for someone else, so choose what works best for you and your lifestyle. Establish your goals, do your research, and use this handy Beginner’s Guide to Cannabis Consumption to help lead you in the right direction for success. If you still have questions about what products might work for you, comment below, visit us in-store, or give us a call any time! We’re kind of like your friendly neighbor — but with weed.Inhalation
Smoking
Vaping
Oral
Topical
Final Words
JARS
December 11, 2024
Cannabis Concentrates 101
Wax, shatter, dabs... the list of concentrates is forever evolving. Known for their absurd potency of 80% THC and higher, and the unmatchable flavors, cannabis concentrates are a whole level of their own. We all know and love the art of inhaling the fresh flower, but when you eliminate all of the green fluff and extract the pure oils of the flower... you're dealing with cannabis concentrates. It would be pretty easy to say that cannabis concentrates are, well.... concentrated cannabis. But of course, there is much more to the magic that that. We commonly refer to them as 'dabs' or 'wax' and are known to have no pity on the weak. Cannabis concentrates are made by using different extraction methods to separate THC, cannabinoids, terpenes, and trichomes from the plant and into a liquid, concentrated form. The dried product is then vaporized using heat, either by torch and dab rig or a weed pen, and sometimes used to infuse cannabis flower pre rolls. Your brittle but potent and pure concentrate. It's glassy and breaks apart easily so you can dab it or even toss it in a joint. These are your thick, creamy, butter-like concentrates that brands use pretty interchangeably. It's typically based on the look of the concentrate product that gives it the name. They are very rich in cannabinoids and terpenes making them insanely flavorful and even more potent. This concentrate comes from freezing the cannabis plant immediately after being cut. The freezing process preserves the terpenes and delivers a very robust and aromatic flavor. Legit looks like crystallized sugar with a grainy texture. Unlike other cannabis concentrates, cannabis sugar can be consumed without smoking it. Don't expect it to taste like sugar though. Super easy to distinguish from other concentrates with its tar-like consistency and highest potency. RSO is a full-spectrum concentrate meaning all cannabinoids were extracted from the plant leaving no benefits behind. Grab your RSO concentrates at JARS Using butane, CO2, or ethanol as a solvent to dissolve the cannabinoids. Once this becomes a mixture, the solvents are purged from the concentrate. As it hardens, it becomes a wax, budder, batter, etc. This method is used for a majority of concentrates because it's affordable and efficient. Keeping the solvents out of the equation and just using machines to separate the THC and other compounds from the plant. This can be something like dry sifting which uses a screen. Another way is through using a rosin press which uses heat and pressure to squeeze the trichomes from the plant. Consuming cannabis concentrates comes with a slight investment in equipment. The main component is the glass pipe, not to be confused with the glass bongs that you smoke flower from. They look like your typical bong but are fitted for the nail or banger, where the concentrate goes. But, let's take a quick run through what a proper dab rig setup should have and how to use it. Dab rig Nail or banger Dabber Torch Carb cap (optional) Quality cannabis concentrate A majority of your dab rigs will have a water filtration system which enhances the purity and flavor of your hit. All you have to do is add enough water for it to bubble as you inhale without you drinking the water. Using your torch, heat the nail till it's hot... like obviously hot. Whether that means you are using an e-nail (around 350 degrees) or you see the nail turning red. Try your best to heat the lower sides and bottom of the nail as that is where your concentrate will go. There's a reason why these tools are so small. A little dab will do ya. A dab of concentrate is all you need on the tip of your dabber. Read more on how to dab like a pro here. Wait at least 30 seconds after you turn off the torch or you will just be scorching terpenes... that's not how to dab. After this you can start by slightly hovering your dabber tool into the heated nail. Once you see vapor, swirl the dabber tool around the bottom of the nail as you slowly inhale. Using a carb cap over the nail will trap the heat and enhance the vapor. So a blow torch isn't for everyone... we get it. This is where your Nectar Collectors, straws, e-rigs, and vapes come in handy. With the touch of a button, the nail heats up electronically. Typically a green light will tell you when to swirl around your concentrate. Electric dab rigs are the way to go if you want an accurate dose and/or be able to control the potency of your hits. A portable vape pen is your key to handy, accessible, and discreet cannabis concentrate consumption. Of course we are going to make sure you are dabbing in the safest way possible. The most common safety concern that comes with smoking cannabis concentrates is the possibility of your dab rig combusting. What can cause my dab rig to combust, you may ask? Too much heat! This is typically the main problem to any of your dab woes. Not only are you wasting your concentrate product, your scorching all of the THC. Another thing that causes a fluctuation in your hits is your airflow. If your vape or rig is caked with buildup, this restricts airflow and causes an uneven hit. Even worse is when you finally do get that hit and it is a mouthful of concentrate. Gross. As with any other cannabis product, store your concentrates away from heat and sunlight. Luckily brands sell their concentrates in (subpar) containers that do the trick for quick storage. Your main goal is to keep your concentrates in an airtight, moisture-resistant container. You can expect your concentrates to last several months if you keep it stored right. The more you expose it to air and heat, the less potent your hits will become. No one wants that. While this is still a topic of debate, it's only a benefit if you plan on "storing" your concentrates in the freezer for a long period of time. Keeping them in a consistent, low temperature, slows down the aging process and keeps the potency from declining quicker than in room temperature. When it comes down to enjoying cannabis concentrates, you really need to be in tune with the relationship you have with THC. Since it's a more potent form of cannabis, the effects hit quicker, and the overall experience can be more intense than an edible or smoking a joint, you have to take it slow.What are cannabis concentrates, and how do you consume them?
Types of Cannabis Concentrates
Shatter
Budder, Badder, Batter
Live Resin Concentrates
Cannabis Sugar
Rick Simpson Oil (RSO)
The Difference Between A Cannabis Concentrate And A Cannabis Extract
Extraction Methods
Solvent-Based Marijuana Concentrates
Solventless extraction
How to Use and Consume Cannabis Concentrates
Smoking with a dab rig
Set up your rig
Heat the nail
Load your dabber
Turn concentrate into vapor
Vaping cannabis concentrates
Safety and Potency
Storage and Longevity
How long do THC concentrates last in the freezer?
Comparative Analysis
Why are Concentrates Different from Other Cannabis Consumption Methods?
Cannabis Concentrates 101
December 11, 2024
Cannabis Tincture 101
Tinctures containing cannabis, when taken under the tongue or inside the cheek, may produce varying outcomes compared to when they're consumed directly, whether on their own or mixed into food or beverages. This is because when THC is ingested, it goes through the liver where it's transformed into a more powerful version of itself, known as 11-OH-THC. This process can lead to a more intense and enduring experience, even with the same dose. Tinctures containing cannabis, when taken under the tongue or inside the cheek, may produce varying outcomes compared to when they're consumed directly, whether on their own or mixed into food or beverages. This is because when THC is ingested, it goes through the liver where it's transformed into a more powerful version of itself, known as 11-OH-THC. This process can lead to a more intense and enduring experience, even with the same dose. In order to get THC into a liquid form it needs be extracted from the plant. There are several methods used to do this, some by using solvents like alcohol or butane, and others by the soaking cannabis in oils. Any time THC enters out body it's mission is to hook-up with our endocannabinoid system. It produces natural compounds called endocannabinoids, which are like the body's own cannabis molecules. These endocannabinoids bind to the CB1 and CB2 receptors, helping to regulate various processes like mood, pain sensation, appetite, and immune response. Every brand of tincture has their own style of being packaged. Some have features like child-resistant caps and some have fancy droppers that are marked with precise dosing. But, for the most part, tinctures come in dark-colored glass bottles. Typically amber or cobalt blue because it helps block out any sun or UV exposure. These bottles are super convenient and very discreet making mid-day doses a breeze. The benefits that come with using cannabis tinctures are that it's quick to kick in, the effects are long-lasting, it's super discreet, no equipment or setup is needed, and you can consume it in multiple ways. If you need a better reasons than those, we're not sure they exist! Just like with any other cannabis product, there is no one-size-fits-all description of the effects you can expect. But, there are 'in general' effects you may experience. Psychoactive effects: Thanks to any THC in the tincture, you will still get that high, euphoric, effect you get when you smoke cannabis or consume THC edibles. Body effects: Muscle relaxation, pain relief, and an overall chill vibe comes with a dose of any THC tincture. This is typically why so many people who deal with chronic pain, inflammation, and muscle spasms, are fans of this consumption method. When you place the tincture under your tongue (sublingually) you can start to feel the effects within 15 minutes. The cannabinoids in tinctures are absorbed through the mucous membranes in your mouth and enter your bloodstream pretty instantly. Your state of euphoria should generally last between 2 to 6 hours. Of course, this will depend on things like how big the dose is and your own body's metabolism. Whether you are a newbie to just tinctures or new to the THC scene completely, a very low dose is will help you test the waters. To consume a tincture, hold the liquid under your tongue for a minimum of 30 seconds before swallowing. It's not the most enjoyable taste, but we will get to this later. You're better off waiting at least 45 minutes to an hour before you take another dose if the first one isn't doing it for you. THC tinctures come in different strengths, typically measured in milligrams (mg) of THC per milliliter (ml) of liquid. For example, if you have a 30ml tincture bottle with 600mg of THC, each full dropper (1ml) will contain approximately 20mg of THC (600mg ÷ 30ml = 20mg/ml). It happens! Sometimes it happens to the best of us. Research has shown that some people can have an ultrarapid metabolism, meaning their body processes and flushes things out of it's system before the effects can even kick in. It's an absolute game changer when you bring THC tinctures in the kitchen. Although adding foods into the metabolizing process of the THC will make the onset of effects take longer. Keep in mind that since THC tinctures are typically alcohol-based, they are best mixed with fatty ingredients. Think of recipes that contain oils, butter, or coconut milk. THC binds to these fats, making them disperse more evenly throughout the dish. When cooking with a cannabis tincture, add it to the recipe last. High temperatures will degrade the THC and lower the potency. But, with fun concoctions like a THC-infused apple cider mimosa, just a little drop of your tincture and a stir of your straw is all you need. Yeah, it's like someone saying that cheap tequila tastes like water. THC tinctures aren't tasty like your edible gummies or chocolatey brownies. The whole enjoyment factor of tinctures is in the effects, not the actual consumption of it. So why do tinctures taste so gross? Well, it's more like THC tinctures taste like the specific strain of flower used to make the extract. Of course, flavors can be added to the product to make it tasty, but this comes with the risk of drastically lowering the potency of the product. If you want a tasty THC liquid, grab yourself an infused bevvy. This is a cannabis tinctures that is strictly, pure CBD. No other cannabinoids or compounds from the cannabis plant are extracted, just cannabidiol (CBD). Without any trace amount of THC, there will be no psychoactive effects, only the body calming effects. Taking a CBD isolate tincture can be done the same way as a THC tincture. A couple of drops under the tongue for a minimum of 30 seconds before swallowing. The majority of CBD isolate products are known for how well they help with sleep, managing pain, reducing stress and anxiety, and potentially aiding your focus and clarity.Understanding THC Tinctures
How THC Tinctures Are Made
The science behind how THC tinctures work in the body
The importance of cannabis tincture bottles
Benefits and effects of cannabis tinctures
How THC tinctures make you feel
The onset of effects and how long they last
Step-by-step guide on THC tinctures
THC tincture for beginners
Troubleshooting Common Issues
How to accurately dose a THC tincture
Why THC tinctures might not work for some individuals
Enhance the effectiveness of THC tinctures
Culinary Applications
Tips for improving the taste of weed tinctures
CBD Isolate Tinctures
Usage and benefits of CBD isolate tinctures
JARS
December 11, 2024
The Best Ways to Preserve Potency: Tips for Storing Weed in the Winter
It's not typically the first thing on our minds as the weather gets chilly, but it is definitely something to consider when it comes to your stash. Regardless of the weather outside, any cannabis user should know how to properly store their weed, as it's one of the best ways to preserve potency. A few things can go into consideration with this, like how much weed you're looking at, the kind of storage you use, and how often you smoke. But, just by storing your cannabis correctly, it can stay fresh for several months!
Even while the cannabis plant is growing and producing quality buds, its environment needs to be cool, dark, and dry. Any excessive amount of heat, light, and humidity is going to negatively affect the cannabis plant, and in many ways. Humidity is a major culprit when it comes to completely destroying quality weed. Even a slight rise in humidity levels can lead to mold growth, a harsher inhale, and loss of potency in your flower. The golden humidity levels are between 59% and 62%. We are all about the glass JARS when it comes to properly storing fresh cannabis. You'll probably notice that a majority of the flower we have on the shelves are stored in glass jars! The two huge advantages in using glass jars for cannabis storage is the fact that it is a non-porous material and has an airtight sealing lid. Unlike plastic baggies, glass jars drastically reduce the chance for heat and humidity to enter. If you want to really guarantee proper storage, look for opaque glass jars. Many studies have shown how direct sunlight and UV rays completely destroy cannabis. With an opaque finish, sunlight is filtered out way more than a clear glass jar. Lastly, when finding the perfect glass jar to store your cannabis in, don't think that bigger is better. You want your flower to sit comfortably in there, not too crammed and not too much to move around. Both will easily invite a bad environment into the jar and ruin your weed. Having control of the humidity levels where your cannabis is stored is going to save you a lot of stress. You want to keep your eye on the percentages, again between 59% to 62% relative humidity (RH). If it's too dry, the cannabis can lose flavor and potency, and if it's too humid, it can develop mold. Thanks to the fact that cigar smokers deal with the same problem of humidity, there are humidity packs to help out with the major culprit. If you're a frequent weed smoker, and buy around an ounce at a time, you have probably noticed a humidity pack in your stash. These little packs are in a way like the silica packets that come in your brand new shoe box or a new leather purse. These packs are engineered to release or absorb moisture as needed to maintain an optimal relative humidity level for storing cannabis. The most common brand, Boveda, is highly touted in the cannabis community and do a great job at regulating humidity levels. While it's simple to think that the winter means less heat, humidity, and sunlight, it is not entirely the case. You want to avoid any extremely cold temperatures. Yes, this even means you shouldn't put your weed in the freezer over the winter. That's only for extended duration storage. Not your everyday or couple-times-a-week smoking sesh. Also, winter air tends to be very dry. This not only dries out your cannabis but also causes moisture build-up. Quite ironic isn't it? But when your typical stash spot is near a door, window, floor, or anywhere that gets colder in the winter months, and then opened in a warmer area, that hot air will just fumigate the whole jar. Lastly, without a quality storage container, you might have to keep an eye out for frost. The moment that your cannabis is in an environment with temps lower than 60°F, those potent and flavorful terpenes freeze up and fall off. All we can ever ask for is top-quality weed to stay top-quality weed for as long as possible. The best way we can achieve this is by correctly storing our cannabis during smoke sessions. Just keeping your buds out of direct sunlight, hot temps, and humidity works wonders. There are many accessories like humidity packs, hygrometers to measure humidity levels, and specific glass jars to get your weed in the most comfortable setting.Understanding Cannabis Storage
The Importance of Humidity in Cannabis Storage
Choosing the Right Storage Materials
Glass Jars for Cannabis Storage
Humidity Control Methods
Humidity Packs for Cannabis Storage
Winter Storage Considerations
Special Tips for Storing Weed in the Winter
Conclusion
Recap: The Best Ways to Preserve Potency
JARS
December 11, 2024