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Terpene Shield: All You Need To Know In 2024
We will tell you that various factors, including light, heat, oxygen, moisture, and contaminants, cause therapeutic terpenes to evaporate or degrade quickly. This can have a noticeable effect on the flavour, aroma, and effect profile of cannabis, whether you send it to a lab for analysis or just consume some yourself.
How can you take advantage of all the potential health benefits of cannabis while safeguarding your priceless terpenes? The solution is as easy as pie: protect terpenes with a terpene barrier! This post will define terpene shields and describe their functions, advantages, and applications for medical and recreational cannabis. Now, let’s get started!
What Are Terpenes?
Plant-derived chemicals called terpenes are well known for producing the aromas that give plants their unique aromatic qualities. Due to the high concentrations found in the cannabis plant, terpenes are most frequently linked to marijuana. We refer to these as trichomes. The gland head of a trichome is where the plant produces its unique medicinal compounds, terpenoids and cannabinoids.
Whether you purchase a flower, terp sauce, or full-spectrum extract, you should safeguard your priceless terps. Regretfully, terpenes found in cannabis are far more volatile than cannabinoids and are affected by temperature, oxygen, and light. So, how should cannabis be stored to maintain the terpenes and their therapeutic qualities?
What Is A Terpene Shield?
Boveda, a company that creates reusable humidity packets intended to be used inside stash jars, uses the term “terpene shield.” The term “shield” alludes to humidity control, essential for preserving your terpenes because quickly dried-out buds lose their terpene content.
In general, if you’re searching for a terpene shield, it’s likely that you need to add something to your stash jar or other cannabis storage container. Therefore, to help shield your terpenes.
When storing cannabis, it’s essential to keep in mind the factors that can degrade terpenes, including temperature, humidity, and air exposure.
Terpene shields and related products generally assist in controlling humidity, which is one of the most significant factors that can impact the quality of cannabis. It is best to store cannabis with a humidity level between 55 and 65 percent to protect the terpenes and cannabinoids.
How Does a Terpene Shield Work?
Shield your terpenes, shield your experience. A terpene shield maintains perfect RH, locking in the aroma and potency you crave. It’s easy to use and very effective. RH calculates the ratio of the amount of water vapor in the air to its capacity at a specific temperature.
By adding or removing moisture as needed, a humidification device like the Boveda terpene shield controls the relative humidity (RH) inside your cannabis container, creating a terpene shield.
The patented two-way humidity control system, Boveda’s original terpene shield, is made of purified water and natural salts enclosed in a reverse osmosis membrane. Depending on your preferences or the humidity level in your surroundings, Boveda’s terpene shield is available in various sizes and relative humidity levels (such as 58% or 62%).
The trichomes of a terpene shield are coated with purified water molecules, creating a barrier that keeps terpenes from oxidizing or escaping. Terpene shields preserve terpenes until you grind and consume your cannabis by maintaining the relative humidity (RH) at a consistent and optimal level for cannabis flowers.
How to Use a Terpene Shield for Your Cannabis?
Fortunately, using a terpene shield is simple and convenient for cannabis users.
Let’s wrap up this tutorial with some useful advice and suggestions for applying a terpene shield to your cannabis flower:
Select The Appropriate Humidity Control Device Type And Size
You must select the appropriate size and kind of humidity control device, like Boveda, based on the quantity and kind of cannabis you wish to preserve. For instance, a size 8 Boveda packet with a 58% or 62% RH level can be used to preserve up to 1 ounce (28 grams) of cannabis flower. Up to one pound (454 grams) of cannabis flower can be protected using a size 67 Boveda packet with an RH level of either 58% or 62%.
Choose A Suitable Container And A Place For Storage
You must choose a suitable container and storage area for your cannabis flower. If you want to guarantee the efficacy of your terpene shield and humidity control device. For instance, you can store your cannabis flower in an airtight container like a glass jar, a metal tin, or a plastic container with an airtight seal. Additionally, you ought to keep your cannabis container out of the direct sun, heat sources, and moisture sources. Instead, keep it somewhere cold, dark, and dry.
Replace The Device When Needed
You must change your humidity control device to keep your cannabis flower’s terpene shield and ideal relative humidity levels. For instance, to ensure your Boveda packet is still functioning correctly, feel its texture and bend. If it feels hard or crunchy, it must be changed out for a new one.
How to Store Weed to Preserve Terpenes
Terpenes are susceptible to the same environmental dangers as cannabinoids: light, oxygen, moisture, and heat. But terpenes may be even more vulnerable to these dangers, so you must exercise even greater caution when storing them.
First and foremost, refrain from storing in plastic bags or containers as these materials have the potential to degrade terpenes due to chemicals present in plastics and the frequent disposal of single-use plastic in landfills and our oceans.
Your terpene-rich product should be kept in an airtight glass jar like an Evergreen jar. Other things to keep in mind are:
- Maintain the storage container at room temperature, ideally between 60 and 68 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Maintain a humidity level of between 55% and 65%.
- Ensure the container is covered or kept in a dark, shaded area away from direct sunlight.
- The less often you open the terpene storage container, the better.
What Advantages Do Terpene Shields Offer?
There are several advantages to using a terpene shield for your cannabis, including:
Improving The Feeling Of Sight
A terpene shield improves the flavors, aroma, and effects of your cannabis by shielding your terpenes. With each puff, the entire range of terpenes and their entourage effect will be available to you.
Maintaining The Effectiveness And Potency
A terpene shield not only shields your terpenes but also maintains the effectiveness and potency of your cannabis. You’ll be able to maximize the effects and advantages of your terpenes and other compounds that synergistically work with your cannabinoids.
Extending The Shelf Life
A terpene shield prolongs the shelf life of your cannabis by shielding your terpenes. You don’t have to worry about your cannabis going wrong if you store it for extended periods of time. Additionally, a terpene shield lessens harshness, stops mould from growing, and enhances the smoothness of your cannabis vapour or smoke.
Final Remarks From Us:
Terpene shield, a groundbreaking solution in the domains of agriculture and plant protection, stands as a testament to its commitment to eco-friendly methods. This formidable defense against pests and infections is constructed upon the natural foundation of terpenes. In lieu of harsh chemicals, the innovative formulation harnesses the power of terpenes, compounds inherent in various plant species. This unique approach establishes a protective barrier, elevating crop resilience to new heights.