I started making HyLids hygrometer lids when it became clear that nobody else was going to address my problems. I was finding that retail herbs had moisture contents that were very unpredictable and commonly very low (Dry). There wasn't any testing method available at the time to determine what the herbs moisture content was, so I made my own. With the information provided by the HyLids hygrometer that's built into a mason jar lid, you are now able to monitor the humidity inside any jar and make adjustments as needed. This will preserve your herbs at their peak for a prolonged period of time.
HyLids hygrometer lids fit onto Regular and Wide-Mouth Mason canning jars. Monitor the relative humidity (RH) and make adjustments as needed.
Ideal Temperatures for Storing Cannabis
Mildew and other molds on cannabis and other organic matter thrive in temperatures between 77 and 88F, so basic precautions of keeping your cannabis in a cool, dark place will go a long way. Excessive heat can dry out the cannaboids and terpenes, that have taken months to develop.
Lower temperatures also slow the process of decarboxylation of cannabinoids, the process that transfers THC-A into the psychoactive THC and eventually degrades into the less desired CBN. Additionally, warm air holds more moisture than cold air, which brings us to the next consideration.
Humidity Factors for Cannabis Storage
Humidity control is paramount to keeping mildew and other mold contaminants away from your cannabis. Keeping your cannabis stored in a controlled environment with the proper relative humidity (RH) ranges can be a bit of a balancing act, but the general consensus is to keep cannabis between 59% and 63% when stored to maintain and enhance color, consistency, aroma, and flavor.
Keeping your RH below 65% reduces the chances for mold to occur. However, if your RH drops too low, you risk your trichomes becoming brittle and drying out the essential oils.
Light Settings for Storing Cannabis
Harmful UV rays break down many organic and synthetic materials. Similar to the way your grass turns brown at the end of a long sunny summer, or how a car’s paint begins to fade when it is not garaged, UV rays will degrade your cannabis over time.
A study conducted at the university of London in the 1970s concluded that light was the single biggest factor in the degradation of cannabinoids. The same study concluded that cannabinoids maintain stability for up to two years when stored under the proper conditions, though it can remain effective and safe to consume for much longer as the essential oils slowly break down over time. Storing your cannabis out of direct light will also help you control the temperature.
article courtesy of Leafly