Cannabis researchers and enthusiasts alike can tell you that therapeutic terpenes evaporate or degrade very easily over time due to various factors such as light, heat, oxygen, moisture, and contaminants. This can significantly impact the flavor, aroma, and effect profile of cannabis — in a perceptible way, whether you send it to a cannabis testing facility for analysis, or simply try some yourself.
How can you protect your precious terpenes and enjoy the full spectrum of cannabis' potential benefits? The answer is simple: shield terpenes using a terpene shield! In this article, we’ll explain what a terpene shield is, how it works, its benefits, and how to use it for recreational or medical-grade cannabis. Let’s dive in!
What Causes Terpene Loss in Cannabis?
Terpenes are produced by the trichomes, the tiny resin glands covering the surface of the cannabis buds. Trichomes are responsible for producing and storing terpenes and cannabinoids, such as THC and CBD.
However, trichomes are also very sensitive and vulnerable to environmental factors affecting their quality and quantity.
Some of the main causes of terpene loss in cannabis are:
- Drying: The process of drying cannabis is essential to reduce its moisture content and prevent mold growth. However, the flower degrades when drying cannabis too fast or too slow, which can also cause terpene loss. For example, drying cannabis too fast can cause the trichomes to crack or shatter, releasing their contents into the air. Drying cannabis too slowly can cause the trichomes to degrade or decay due to microbial activity or enzymatic reactions. And your buds might then not smell as good.
- Curing: The process of curing cannabis is important to enhance its flavor, aroma, potency, and smoothness. However, curing cannabis too long or too short can cause terpene loss. For example, curing cannabis too long can cause the terpenes to evaporate or oxidize due to prolonged exposure to air. Curing cannabis too short can cause the terpenes to remain trapped inside the plant material without being fully expressed.
- Storage: How cannabis is stored can also affect its terpene content and profile. Factors such as container type, size, material, seal, location, temperature, humidity, light exposure, oxygen level, and duration can all affect the preservation or degradation of terpenes in cannabis flowers.
How Does a Terpene Shield Work?
A terpene shield is a simple yet effective way to protect your terpenes from evaporation or oxidation by maintaining an optimal relative humidity (RH) level inside your cannabis container. RH measures how much water vapor is in the air compared to how much it can hold at a given temperature.
A terpene shield is created by using a humidification device such as the Boveda terpene shield, which regulates the RH inside your cannabis container by adding or removing moisture as needed.
Boveda's original terpene shield is a patented two-way humidity control system that consists of natural salts and purified water inside a reverse osmosis membrane. Boveda's terpene shield comes in different sizes and RH levels (such as 58% or 62%), depending on your personal preference or the humidity level of your environment.
A terpene shield works by having purified water molecules flow over and coat the trichomes, which acts as a barrier that prevents terpenes from escaping or oxidizing. By keeping the RH at a constant and ideal level for cannabis flower, terpene shields preserve terpenes until you grind and consume your cannabis.
What are the Benefits of Terpene Shields?
Using a terpene shield for your cannabis has many benefits, such as:
- Enhancing the sensory experience: By protecting your terpenes, a terpene shield enhances the flavors, aroma, and effects of your cannabis. You’ll be able to enjoy the full spectrum of terpenes and their entourage effect with every puff.
- Preserving the potency and efficacy: By protecting your terpenes, a terpene shield also preserves the potency and efficacy of your cannabis. You’ll be able to get the most out of your cannabinoids and other compounds that work synergistically with terpenes to deliver the desired effects and benefits.
- Extending the shelf life: By protecting your terpenes, a terpene shield also extends the shelf life of your cannabis. You can store your cannabis for longer periods without worrying about losing its quality or freshness. A terpene shield also prevents mold growth, reduces harshness, and improves the smoothness of your cannabis smoke or vapor.
How to Use a Terpene Shield for Your Cannabis?
Luckily for cannabis consumers, using a terpene shield is easy and convenient.
Let's close out this guide with some practical tips and recommendations on how to use a terpene shield for your cannabis flower:
- Choose the right size and type of humidity control device: Depending on the amount and type of cannabis you want to protect, you’ll need to choose the right size and type of humidity control device, such as Boveda. For example, if you want to protect up to 1 ounce (28 grams) of cannabis flower, you can use a size 8 Boveda packet with either 58% or 62% RH level. If you want to protect up to 1 pound (454 grams) of cannabis flower, you can use a size 67 Boveda packet with either 58% or 62% RH level.
- Select an appropriate container and storage location: To ensure the effectiveness of your humidity control device and your terpene shield, you’ll need to select an appropriate container and storage location for your cannabis flower. For example, you can use an airtight container such as a glass jar, a metal tin, or a plastic container with an airtight seal to store your cannabis flower. You should also store your cannabis container in a cool, dark, and dry place away from direct sunlight, heat sources, or moisture sources.
Replace the device when needed: To maintain the optimal RH level and your terpene shield for your cannabis flower, you’ll need to replace your humidity control device when needed. For example, you can check the texture and flexibility of your Boveda packet to see if it’s still working properly. If it feels rigid or crunchy, it means it’s time to replace it with a new one.