How to maintain the right humidity for CBD flowers?
Why is proper humidity important?
On the one hand, there is excessive humidity, which causes the spread of mould and leads to the deterioration of the flowers, and on the other, excessive dryness, which is not good for the flowers and brings with it negative effects such as loss of fragrance and effect. So if you buy flowers to stock up and store them improperly, they are likely to crumble sooner or later, change shape and colour and lose most of the qualities for which you bought them. While moldy buds can't be used, you can continue to use dried plants for vaping, cooking or in drinks (and for further processing). However, you'll be missing out on the specific properties of CBD flowers, and you won't get as potent an experience. The disturbed terpene profile can't be fully replaced, but fortunately you have a few options to partially restore the flower's moisture to make it sticky and fragrant again.
How about humidity?
None of the methods is 100%. Some require only a few minutes, others are more time consuming. But it's worth a shot, because dried CBD flowers, while still usable, don't guarantee maximum effects.
Terpene sprays
If you have no time to spare and want to add moisture to your flowers, get special terpene sprays (without cannabinoids and with lots of aromatic terpenes that give dried flowers a pleasant scent). From a distance of 35 to 45 centimetres, spray the spray on the flowers and let it soak in. Then place them in an airtight container and leave them to rest to allow the scents to combine. However, be careful of the amount you apply to the flowers. It should not exceed 5% of the weight of the plant.
Attention to storage
CBD flowers have three arch enemies: UV light, oxygen and plastic. Before separating the flowers from the plant itself, sunlight and fresh air are beneficial, but avoid contact when storing them and try to keep environmental exposure to a minimum. Similarly, the material of the containers in which you store the flowers is also important. Dark glass is the best choice, but a jar with a tight fitting lid will also do. If there is no other option, you can stack them in thicker plastic resealable food-grade bags and try to squeeze as much air out of them as possible when they are closed. Storing them in a dark place where natural light can't reach them is a given.
Distilled water
Distilled water is free of all impurities and ideal for the CBD flower rehydration process. All you need is water (distilled), a paper towel and a resealable container. However, it must be large enough to hold the jar you are storing the flowers in. Put the jars together and squeeze the towel, about two-thirds wet, into the space between them. It should not be wet all over - excessive moisture is a shock to the flowers and mould may start to form. Close and leave to rest for a few hours. The time depends on the degree of over-drying of the flowers. Two hours may be enough, some flowers may need half a day.
Do not throw away the peels!
Orange peels are ideal for adding moisture to CBD flowers due to their essential oil and essential oil content. The delicate scent they impart is also important. However, you must not stretch the moisturizing period to more than three days. However, to make sure that the flowers do not develop mould, it is recommended to leave them for just three hours and store them in a perforated bag or in a large enough jar where the skins of the flowers will not touch.
Equally effective is a slice of white bread, pieces of apple (less moisture than an orange means less risk of mould) or iceberg lettuce. However, this should be wrapped with a paper towel to prevent the flowers and leaves from sticking.
Humidors
The name derived from the word "humidus" (humid) suggests what it is. A simple cabinet or box that provides a microclimate with balanced humidity levels inside. This allows CBD flowers to retain their distinctive aroma, flavour and texture.
Boveda bags/packages for humidity control
Boveda is a sachet with a blend that maintains a constant humidity inside the container, ideal for over-dried CBD flowers when it can bring them back to "health". It works just as well as a preventative measure to avoid moisture loss. It can respond to fluctuations and will draw water into itself at higher humidity levels and release it at lower levels.
Simply remove the acetate and potassium citrate packet from the plastic wrapper, place it in the CBD flower container and leave it to work. You just need to check its condition regularly. Once it hardens, you need to replace it with a new one.
However, analogue meters or technological gadgets connected to a mobile phone and relying on bluetooth are also available on the market.
Summary
Dried out CBD flowers are not as much of a problem as mold, but you can't expect a distinct aroma or the potency claimed by the seller. Fortunately, you can use a few tricks to bring the moisture back to the flowers and get them back into shape. All you need are the ingredients you normally have at home.
Photo: Shutterstock
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