The quality of a cannabis product is a dynamic state that can be maximized through informed practices. Maximizing quality means ensuring the highest possible concentration of desirable chemical compounds, such as cannabinoids and terpenes, are preserved and efficiently delivered. Achieving this requires understanding the plant’s chemistry and applying best practices for preservation and consumption. When these factors are controlled, the consumer is able to experience the full, intended potency and flavor profile.
The Role of Cannabinoids and Terpenes in Quality
The overall quality and experience derived from cannabis are fundamentally determined by two classes of compounds: cannabinoids and terpenes. Cannabinoids, like psychoactive delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and non-intoxicating cannabidiol (CBD), interact with the body’s endocannabinoid system to produce their primary effects. THC concentration is associated with potency, while CBD may modulate the intensity of the psychoactive experience.
Terpenes are aromatic compounds responsible for the distinct scent and flavor notes of different cannabis varieties. These molecules exist widely in other plants like lavender and citrus, but they play a role beyond simple aroma. Specific terpenes, such as myrcene and limonene, contribute to the overall effect profile by interacting with cannabinoids.
This synergistic relationship between cannabinoids and terpenes is referred to as the entourage effect. The theory suggests that the collective action of these compounds produces an effect greater or more nuanced than any single compound in isolation. Preserving these delicate terpenes is paramount to maintaining the full spectrum of flavor and the desired experience.
Optimal Storage for Potency and Flavor
Preventing the degradation of cannabinoids and terpenes is the primary goal of proper storage, as these compounds begin to break down immediately after harvest. Four environmental factors—light, temperature, oxygen, and humidity—are the main culprits in chemical deterioration. Exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light, even from indoor sources, is particularly damaging, accelerating the breakdown of THC into the less psychoactive cannabinoid, cannabinol (CBN).
Heat also speeds up the degradation process, causing cannabinoids to convert into other forms and terpenes to evaporate. Cannabis should be stored in a cool, stable environment, with temperatures remaining below 70°F (21°C) to slow these chemical changes. Conversely, excessively cold temperatures, such as those in a freezer, can cause the delicate trichomes containing the compounds to become brittle and break off.
Oxygen exposure contributes to oxidation, the chemical process that converts THC into CBN over time. Storing the product in an airtight container limits oxygen exchange, preserving potency and slowing the formation of less desirable compounds. However, the container should not be completely full of air, as this still allows for some oxidation.
Humidity control is a delicate balance between preventing mold growth and avoiding the drying out of the product. A relative humidity range between 55% and 62% is optimal to maintain the integrity of the flower and prevent terpene loss through desiccation. Using opaque, airtight glass jars in a dark location is the most effective way to address all four environmental threats simultaneously.
Enhancing Bioavailability Through Consumption Techniques
The concept of bioavailability refers to the proportion of active compounds that actually enter the bloodstream and produce an effect. Maximizing this efficiency during inhalation depends largely on preparation and the temperature of the heat source. Before consumption, the flower must be properly prepared to expose the maximum surface area for efficient heat exchange.
For vaporization, a medium-fine grind is recommended, as it allows for even heat distribution while maintaining sufficient airflow. A grind that is too fine can restrict airflow, while a coarse grind leads to inefficient extraction because heat cannot penetrate the larger pieces. The optimal grind size varies based on the type of vaporizer used; conduction models often benefit from a finer grind to maximize contact with the heating surface.
Temperature selection in a vaporizer is a precise way to target the release of specific compounds and enhance the experience. The recommended temperature range for vaporizing dry flower is between 320°F and 430°F (160°C to 220°C). Lower temperatures, around 320°F to 350°F, preserve the more volatile terpenes, resulting in a more flavorful vapor and a potentially more mental effect.
Conversely, higher temperatures, closer to 400°F (204°C), extract a greater proportion of cannabinoids, leading to a more pronounced bodily experience. Avoid temperatures that are too high, as this leads to thermal degradation of compounds and the release of undesirable byproducts. When inhaling, the absorption of cannabinoids in the lungs is extremely rapid, with most available compounds absorbed within the first few seconds. Prolonged breath-holding does not significantly increase the absorption of active compounds, and the perceived increase in effect is often due to mild oxygen deprivation.