Boveda and Terpenes: Keeping the Good Stuff Inside

Cannabis terpenes are delicate aromatic compounds that provide distinctive flavors and potentially enhance therapeutic effects. However, these valuable compounds are volatile and begin degrading immediately after harvest. Proper humidity control is essential for preserving these compounds, which is where Boveda's two-way humidity control technology proves invaluable for both consumers and businesses.

Terpene Preservation: Why It Matters for Cannabis Quality

Terpenes are more than just aromatic compounds. They contribute to the entourage effect, potentially enhancing the therapeutic benefits of cannabinoids. When cannabis dries out, these terpenes evaporate quickly, diminishing both the sensory experience and potentially the efficacy of the product.

According to research, terpenes begin to degrade at temperatures above 70 °F and are particularly vulnerable to fluctuations in humidity. Too dry (below 55% RH), and terpenes evaporate rapidly. Too humid (above 65% RH), and you risk mold growth that can destroy the entire product.

The Science Behind Boveda's Terpene Protection

The science behind Boveda's technology centers on a salt-based solution that creates a monolayer of purified water molecules around the trichomes where terpenes reside. This protective shield prevents terpene evaporation while maintaining optimal moisture levels.

Unlike one-way humidifiers, Boveda packs work bidirectionally, adding or removing moisture as needed to maintain the precise relative humidity (RH) level. This precision is crucial for terpene preservation, as even small fluctuations can accelerate terpene loss.

How the Two-Way Humidity Control Works

Boveda's patented technology uses a saturated solution of pure water and natural salts enclosed in a vapor-phase osmosis membrane. When humidity rises above the desired level, the membrane absorbs excess moisture. When humidity falls, it releases moisture to maintain the target RH.

This constant equilibrium creates the ideal environment for terpene preservation, preventing the dry conditions that cause terpenes to volatilize and escape from the plant material.

Optimal Humidity Levels for Terpene Preservation

Boveda offers different RH levels, with 62% and 58% being the most popular for cannabis storage. The choice between these options often comes down to personal preference and specific storage conditions.

Boveda 62% vs. 58%: Which Preserves Terpenes Better?

Comparing Boveda 62% vs. 58% reveals subtle differences in terpene preservation. The 62% RH option tends to preserve a slightly higher terpene content by creating a more robust protective layer around the trichomes. However, the 58% option may be preferable in humid environments where mold prevention is a greater concern.

For concentrates and extracts with already-preserved terpenes, the lower 58% RH is typically recommended to prevent excess moisture from degrading the product consistency.

Storage Solutions That Maximize Terpene Retention

The container you choose plays a crucial role in terpene preservation when using Boveda packs. Airtight containers like glass jars with rubber seals offer the best environment for Boveda to maintain consistent humidity levels.

Container Materials and Their Effect on Terpenes

• Glass jars: Provide an excellent airtight environment and don't interact with terpenes
• Mylar bags: Offer good protection when properly sealed, as discussed in this article on using Boveda in Mylar bags
• Plastic containers: Less ideal as some terpenes can adhere to or penetrate plastic
• Metal containers: Can work well if properly sealed but may impart metallic notes to sensitive terpenes

For businesses handling larger quantities, bulk storage solutions with appropriately sized Boveda packs maintain consistent humidity throughout the container.

Best Practices for Using Boveda with Different Cannabis Products

Different cannabis products require specific approaches to terpene preservation:

Flower Storage

For flower, use one 8g Boveda pack for each ounce of cannabis in an airtight container. Store in a cool, dark place to prevent light degradation of terpenes. Choosing the right size Boveda pack is essential for effective terpene preservation.

Pre-Rolls and Processing Equipment

Pre-rolls benefit from humidity control both during production and storage. Many manufacturers incorporate small Boveda packs directly into packaging. For processing operations, maintaining proper humidity in the environment is crucial, as many professionals use specialized cannabis grinding equipment that can generate heat through friction, potentially accelerating terpene loss during processing.

Concentrates and Extracts

For preserving terpenes in concentrates, Boveda packs designed for extracts help maintain consistency and prevent terpene degradation. The lower 58% RH is typically recommended for these products.

Industry Applications and Benefits

Cannabis businesses implement Boveda for terpene preservation at multiple points in the supply chain:

Cultivation and Curing

Growers use Boveda during curing to maintain optimal humidity levels that preserve terpenes while preventing mold. This results in a more aromatic, flavorful final product with enhanced market appeal.

Retail Applications

Dispensaries and retailers benefit from using Boveda for product longevity, ensuring that flower maintains its terpene profile and aromatic quality while on display or in storage. This directly translates to fewer returns and higher customer satisfaction.

Some retailers have found success with bundling Boveda packs with flower sales, educating customers about terpene preservation and encouraging proper storage practices.

Commercial Packaging Solutions

Many brands now include Boveda packs in their humidity control packaging solutions as a standard practice, recognizing that terpene preservation is a key differentiator in a competitive market.

The Future of Terpene Preservation Technology

As the cannabis industry matures, terpene preservation technology continues to evolve. Boveda remains at the forefront with ongoing research into optimal preservation methods. New developments include specialized formulations for specific terpene profiles and integration with smart packaging that can monitor terpene levels in real-time.

For businesses and consumers alike, investing in proper terpene preservation through solutions like Boveda humidity packs isn't just about maintaining aroma and flavor. It's about protecting the full spectrum of compounds that make each cannabis variety unique, ensuring the intended experience and potential therapeutic benefits remain intact from production to consumption.

As research into terpenes expands, their importance in the cannabis experience is becoming increasingly clear, making proper preservation not just a preference but a necessity for quality-focused cannabis operations.