For cannabis brands, it’s important to ensure that their product remains fresh and potent from production to consumption. Degradation of cannabis flower is a common issue, often leading to a subpar experience for the consumer and a tarnished reputation for the brand. To combat this, focusing on proper packaging solutions that preserve the flower’s quality is crucial. This blog will list the optimal packaging strategies to extend the shelf life of your cannabis products.

The Problem: Cannabis Degradation

Cannabis flower is vulnerable to several factors that can degrade its quality over time. Light, air, and moisture are the primary culprits. When cannabis is exposed to these elements, it can lead to the loss of cannabinoids and terpenes, which are essential for the plant’s potency and flavor. The result is a product that lacks the intended effect and taste.

The Solution: Optimal Packaging for Freshness and Potency

To protect cannabis flower from degrading, it’s essential to choose the right packaging. Here’s how to do it:

1. Avoid Light Exposure
   • Opaque Containers: Light, especially UV light, can degrade cannabinoids and terpenes. Using opaque containers prevents light from penetrating and harming the product.
   • Tinted Glass: If clear containers are preferred for display purposes, opt for tinted glass that blocks harmful UV rays.
2. Limit Air Exposure
   • Airtight Packaging: Air is a significant enemy of cannabis freshness. Packaging that features an airtight seal is critical to maintaining the flower’s integrity. Airtight containers prevent oxygen from entering and interacting with the cannabis, which can cause it to dry out and lose potency.
3. Control Moisture Levels
   • Humidity Packs: Incorporating humidity control packs within your packaging can help maintain the ideal moisture level, preventing the flower from becoming too dry or too moist.
   • Moisture-Proof Materials: Using materials that are resistant to moisture can further protect the cannabis from environmental humidity changes.
4. Choose the Right Material
   • Avoid Plastic: Plastic packaging is generally not recommended for cannabis flower. It can interact with the cannabinoids and terpenes, potentially reducing potency. Additionally, when plastic heats up, it can emit chemicals that are undesirable for cannabis storage.
   • Glass Jars: Glass is an excellent material for cannabis storage. It doesn’t interact with the flower and provides a non-porous, airtight seal.
   • Metal Tins: Metal tins with airtight seals are also a good choice. They offer robust protection against light and air, maintaining the flower’s freshness.

The Benefits of Airtight Packaging

The cornerstone of preserving cannabis flower is using airtight packaging. Here’s why:

• Prevents Oxidation: By limiting exposure to air, airtight packaging reduces the oxidation process that can degrade cannabinoids and terpenes.
• Maintains Humidity: Airtight containers help maintain the ideal humidity levels, preventing the need for additional humidity packs.
• Preserves Potency and Flavor: Preventing light, air, and moisture exposure helps retain the flower’s potency and flavor, ensuring a premium experience for the consumer.

Conclusion

For cannabis brands, maintaining the freshness and potency of their flower is paramount. By focusing on packaging solutions that protect against light, air, and moisture, and by choosing the right materials, brands can significantly extend the shelf life of their cannabis products. Airtight packaging, in particular, is essential for preserving the quality of cannabis flower. Invest in the right packaging to ensure your customers receive the best possible product, and enhance your brand’s reputation for quality and reliability.

For custom airtight packaging that will keep your product fresh, contact The Packaging Company today!