Case Study: Wildfire Smoke Mitigation With Integra

As wildfires become increasingly common in cannabis cultivation regions, growers face serious challenges protecting their crops from smoke contamination. This case study examines how cultivators successfully implemented Integra Boost humidity control solutions to mitigate wildfire smoke damage, preserve product quality, and minimize financial losses during environmental crises.

The Wildfire Threat to Cannabis Cultivation

Wildfire smoke presents multiple threats to cannabis crops. The particulate matter can contaminate flower with toxins, while volatile compounds in smoke can alter terpene profiles and flavor. Additionally, the sudden changes in humidity and air quality create ideal conditions for mold growth, particularly in harvested product.

A Northern California cultivator reported: "When the 2021 wildfires hit, we were just weeks from harvest. Smoke infiltrated everything, and we risked losing our entire crop to contamination or degradation. Traditional methods weren't sufficient for the scale of protection we needed."

How Integra Boost Provides Protection

Two-Way Humidity Regulation

Integra Boost's two-way humidity control technology creates a protective microclimate around cannabis products. As explained in this resource on self-regulating humidity, the packs can both release and absorb moisture as needed, maintaining optimal relative humidity even when external conditions fluctuate dramatically.

Contaminant Barrier Function

When properly sealed in appropriate containers with Integra packs, cannabis is protected from external contaminants. Many cultivators pair Integra with high-quality mylar storage bags to create an effective barrier against smoke particles and volatile compounds.

Case Study: Implementation During Fire Season

Emergency Protocol Development

A collective of Oregon cultivators developed the following protocol after experiencing significant losses during the 2020 wildfire season:

• Immediate harvest of at-risk plants when air quality indices exceed predetermined thresholds
• Quick-drying procedures followed by placement in airtight containers
• Integration of Integra Boost humidity packs at 62% RH level in all storage containers
• Daily monitoring using humidity indicator cards
• Rotation of product between containers to ensure even protection

Results and Outcomes

The implementation of this protocol resulted in:

• 90% reduction in smoke-tainted product compared to previous fire seasons
• Preservation of terpene profiles verified through laboratory testing
• Significant reduction in mold-related losses despite challenging environmental conditions
• Maintained wholesale value of product despite regional quality issues

As one participant noted: "The combination of quick action and proper humidity control with Integra saved our harvest. The investment in these packs was minimal compared to what we would have lost."

Best Practices for Wildfire Season Preparation

Pre-Season Planning

Successful cultivators prepare for wildfire season by:

• Maintaining adequate supplies of appropriately sized Integra packs for their container systems
• Establishing clear action thresholds based on air quality measurements
• Training staff on emergency harvest and preservation protocols
• Investing in airtight storage solutions that pair effectively with humidity control

Optimal Pack Selection

The case study participants found that selecting the right RH level was critical during wildfire events. While 55% RH is often preferred for long-term storage, the 62% option provided better protection during active fire events by creating a more robust barrier against external contaminants.

For bulk storage situations, cultivators typically opt for larger 8g Integra packs to ensure sufficient humidity control throughout larger containers.

Future-Proofing Cannabis Operations Against Environmental Threats

As climate change increases the frequency and severity of wildfires in cannabis-growing regions, cultivators are developing more sophisticated protection strategies. These include:

• Integration of Integra products into standard operating procedures year-round, not just during emergencies
• Development of specialized packaging systems that maximize the effectiveness of humidity control
• Investment in environmentally controlled storage facilities with redundant protection systems
• Collaboration with packaging specialists to design custom solutions for specific regional challenges

The lessons from this case study demonstrate that with proper planning and the right humidity control solutions, cannabis cultivators can significantly mitigate the risks associated with wildfire events. By implementing Integra Boost as part of a comprehensive protection strategy, growers can preserve product quality and protect their bottom line even in the face of increasingly challenging environmental conditions.