69% & 72% RH Packs: Are They Right for Your Use Case?

Relative humidity (RH) control is crucial for preserving the quality, potency, and flavor profile of cannabis products and cigars. Among the various humidity control options, 69% and 72% RH packs represent the higher end of the spectrum, offering specific benefits for certain applications. Understanding when these higher humidity levels are appropriate can significantly impact product quality and customer satisfaction.

Understanding RH Levels: What 69% and 72% Mean

Relative humidity measures the amount of moisture in the air compared to what the air can hold at a given temperature. For cannabis and tobacco products, this measurement is critical for maintaining optimal conditions. The 69% and 72% RH packs maintain the surrounding environment at these specific humidity levels.

These higher RH percentages create a moisture-rich environment that prevents products from drying out too quickly. When paired with proper airtight jar closures and caps, these humidity packs can create an ideal microclimate for certain products that benefit from higher moisture levels.

Ideal Use Cases for Higher RH Packs

Cigar Preservation

The 72% RH level is often considered the gold standard for cigar preservation. As detailed in our guide to cigar humidification, this higher humidity level helps maintain the oils and flavors that make premium cigars enjoyable. The natural tobacco leaves in cigars benefit from this moisture level to prevent cracking and preserve their complex flavor profiles.

Specific Cannabis Strains

Some cannabis strains, particularly those with dense structures or higher resin content, may benefit from the 69% RH level. This slightly elevated humidity helps prevent over-drying while maintaining the structural integrity of the flower. According to strain-specific humidity research, certain varieties show improved terpene retention at these higher humidity levels.

Terpene Preservation and Humidity Control

Terpenes, the aromatic compounds that give cannabis its distinctive smell and contribute to its effects, are volatile and can degrade when exposed to improper storage conditions. Higher RH levels can help preserve these delicate compounds in certain scenarios.

• 69% RH packs can slow terpene evaporation in strains with robust terpene profiles
• The moisture barrier helps maintain the integrity of the trichomes where terpenes are stored
• Proper humidity prevents the harsh, dry smoking experience that occurs when terpenes have evaporated

Our research on terpene preservation indicates that while some strains benefit from these higher humidity levels, others may be better preserved at lower RH percentages. This makes strain assessment an important factor in humidity pack selection.

Climate Considerations for Humidity Pack Selection

Local climate plays a significant role in determining the appropriate RH level for your products. Geographic location and seasonal changes can impact how humidity packs perform and which level is most appropriate.

Arid Regions

In particularly dry climates like Arizona, Nevada, or Colorado, cannabis products can quickly lose moisture. The 69% RH packs may be ideal in these environments as they provide more robust protection against the ambient dryness. For more information on combating dry conditions, refer to our guide on preventing over-drying in arid regions.

Humid Climates

Conversely, in naturally humid environments like Florida or Louisiana, the 72% RH packs might create conditions too moist for cannabis storage, potentially increasing the risk of mold development. In these regions, lower RH options (58-62%) are typically recommended. Learn more about managing high humidity in our article about avoiding mold in high humidity climates.

Implementation Strategies for Retail and Storage

Implementing humidity control in a retail or storage environment requires strategic planning. Here are practical approaches to using 69% and 72% RH packs effectively:

Monitoring and Replacement

Regular monitoring is essential when using higher RH packs. The replacement indicator cards provide visual cues when packs need to be changed, ensuring consistent humidity levels. For bulk storage, establishing a schedule based on environmental conditions and product turnover is recommended.

Integration with Packaging Workflows

For manufacturers and distributors, integrating humidity packs into the packaging process streamlines operations. Our guide on packaging workflows offers insights into efficiently incorporating humidity control into production lines.

When considering humidity control options, it's worth comparing different brands and technologies. The comparison between Integra and Boveda highlights differences in longevity and performance that may influence your selection.

The Future of Humidity Control in Cannabis Preservation

As the cannabis industry evolves, so too does humidity control technology. Emerging innovations include smart humidity packs with digital monitoring capabilities, eco-friendly biodegradable options, and strain-specific formulations designed to enhance particular terpene profiles.

For long-term storage applications, research continues to refine optimal RH levels. Our findings on the best RH levels for long-term cannabis storage suggest that while 69% and 72% packs have specific use cases, most cannabis benefits from slightly lower humidity levels (58-62%) for extended preservation.

When making your selection, consider your specific products, storage environment, and customer preferences. The right humidity control solution balances preservation needs with practical implementation, ultimately enhancing product quality and customer satisfaction.