Correctly storing your cannabis is critical for ensuring its freshness and quality. Proper storage is also crucial for helping your weed last much longer, whether you are looking to store it for a few days or for the long-term. How you store your weed has a tremendous impact in its potency and flavor. But is vacuum-sealing your cannabis worth it? Or it is an urban legend? Some season cannabis users swear by it, but is it just hype?
The general thought is vacuum-sealing vegetable is considered generally a safe and effective way to preserve food, reduce waste, save money, and help you make healthier food choices. This goes all the way back to simple canning. And many people resort to the good old-fashioned and reliable method of storing their weed in an air-tight jar.
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The rules surrounding cannabis storage aren’t complicated. One, you simply have to keep it in a cool place because hot and high temperatures will degrade the terpenes and dry out the cannabis. Keep the pot away from a water system, heater, or under the sun. Similarly, you want to avoid keeping your cannabis in freezing temperatures too since they can cause the trichomes to burst and significantly reduce the potency of cannabis. This is why many opt to keep it in a drawer or dark closet.
Two, keep the cannabis in a dark place. Ultraviolet light exposure can break down the valuable terpenes and cannabinoids in your pot. Containers should always be placed in a dark but clean place.
Last but not least, keep moisture away. Moisture is the quickest way to make your buds moldy because trapped moisture makes it the perfect breeding grounds for mold. The ideal humidity ranges from just 59 to 63%; if it’s less humid than this, it can cause the weed to become too dry.
When it comes to other products such as oils, tinctures, and edibles, they may have their own guidelines provided by the manufacturer. For example, edibles may need to be refrigerated. Be sure to check before storing them your own way.
What About Vacuum-Sealing Your Weed?
Many seasoned cannabis enthusiasts have turned to vacuum sealing in order to keep their bud fresh for a long time.
Vacuum sealing is already widely used for keeping goods fresh including meat and other types of food. It can be a beneficial way to store weed especially if you purchase it in bulk, which can save you money. The process of vacuum sealing any product is effective for ensuring freshness and crispness, since it keeps the item airtight. It will prevent mold from growing while also preventing it from drying out, all while improving its longevity.
Vacuum sealers range in price from $50 up depending on the brand and size. Before you make a purchase, be sure to choose a vacuum sealing model that is made specifically for food since other makes are intended for non-perishable or non-edible items. Despite its high price tag, avid cannabis consumers can greatly benefit from regularly vacuum sealing your cannabis flower as well as certain types of concentrates.
There are also vacuum sealers that are designed to seal jars. This is another great way to keep buds in optimum shape and condition for up to a year. One reason why cannabis users prefer not to use plastic or other pouches when vacuum sealing them is because the process may end up crushing and compressing some of the bud, but in reality, that’s not such a big problem when you are going to end up smoking or burning them anyway.
Typically, people use plastics when vacuum sealing goods but when it comes to cannabis, it’s recommended to avoid using plastic because it can damage the trichomes. There are other packaging options such as compostable and recyclable pouches that are food-grade too.
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Long-Term Storage
Vacuum-sealing your cannabis can help guarantee that flower can be kept for as long as a year without losing its potency.
However, if you intend to be getting from your sealed stash occasionally, you are better off sealing several smaller jars or pouches instead of just one large one. Keep in mind that every time you open the vacuum-sealed container, continual air exposure can lead to lost freshness, flavor, and potency.
Vacuum sealing is also a wonderful way to keep a big batch of edibles fresh and tasty for long periods of time. This also applies to cannabis butter, so if you’ve just made a huge batch, just wrap the butter in parchment paper and seal it in a pouch which you can then place in the freezer until your next use.
Aside from that, another benefit to vacuum sealing your weed is that it prevents the odor from getting out. It’s essentially odor-proof once it’s in the bag or jar because the molecules have no way of escaping and letting people know that there is weed around.
Once you do open the container, the fragrance and aroma remains intact, so there’s no need to worry about losing its terpenes. It’s hard to keep the smell down if you buy weed by the ounce or in bulk, and sometimes you just want to stay discreet, right? Vacuum-sealing is the way to go.
Conclusion
So, is vacuum sealing your weed worth it?
If you frequently buy by the ounce or in bulk, or simply want to always ensure your personal stash stays fresh for a long period of time, then the answer is yes. The initial investment for a vacuum sealer is small compared to the benefits you will get knowing that you can smoke weed whose terpenes and cannabinoids are intact even as much as a year later — all without having to worry about the smell leaking.
The federal administration is all over the board around fed cannabis policy…and millions of patients are worried.
The industry employees over 440,000 workers at all lives and is driven in a large part by mom and pop businesses. Millions use medical marijuana for health issues ranging from chronic pain to sleep. But there are mixed messages from the feds about cannabis, and people are very worried. The federal government’s stance on marijuana has become increasingly complex, as recent developments show conflicting approaches to the drug’s potential benefits and risks. On one hand, there’s a push for research into medical marijuana for veterans, while on the other, a campaign against cannabis use is being launched.
The juxtaposition of initiatives highlights the federal government’s inconsistent approach to marijuana policy. While some departments are exploring the potential benefits of cannabis, others are actively working to discourage its use. This dichotomy is further exemplified by ongoing legislative efforts. For instance, Rep. Brian Mast (R-FL) has reintroduced the Veterans Equal Access Act, which would allow VA doctors to recommend medical marijuana to patients in states where it’s legal. Meanwhile, documents from an ongoing lawsuit suggest that the DEA may have weighted the marijuana rescheduling process to ensure rejection of moving the drug from Schedule 1 to Schedule 3.
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The Department of Defense (DOD) has allocated nearly $10 million in funding for research into the therapeutic potential of MDMA for active-duty military members. This initiative, driven by congressional efforts, aims to explore MDMA’s effectiveness in treating conditions such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and traumatic brain injury (TBI). Rep. Morgan Luttrell (R-TX) expressed pride in this development, stating that it could be a “game-changer” for service members battling these combat-related injuries.
Additionally, a bipartisan effort in Congress has been pushing for VA research on medical marijuana for PTSD and other conditions affecting veterans. The VA Medicinal Cannabis Research Act, introduced in both the Senate and House, would mandate studies on how cannabis affects the use of addictive medications and impacts various health outcomes for veterans.
In stark contrast to these research initiatives, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) has partnered with an anti-cannabis nonprofit to launch a social media campaign targeting young people. The campaign, set to run ahead of April 20 (4/20), aims to “flood” Instagram with anti-cannabis content. The DEA is offering monetary incentives to students for creating and posting anti-THC videos, with payments ranging from $25 to $50 depending on the type of content produced.
This approach has raised eyebrows, as it seems to contradict the growing acceptance and legalization of marijuana across the United States. Critics argue that such campaigns may be out of touch with current societal trends and scientific understanding of cannabis.
Not everyone has access to marijuana to help them sleep – good news, hemp is available.
it’s estimated 50 to 70 million Canadian and American adults experience sleep disorders or disturbances, and about one-third of adults don’t regularly get the recommended amount. Hemp has emerged as a promising natural remedy for those seeking better sleep. With its calming properties and potential to address various sleep-related issues, hemp-derived products are gaining popularity among individuals looking to improve their rest. Here is how hemp helps you sleep.
Hemp contains several compounds contributing to better sleep quality. Cannabidiol (CBD), a non-psychoactive component of hemp, has shown potential in promoting relaxation and reducing anxiety, which can often interfere with a good night’s rest. Studies suggest that CBD may help individuals fall asleep faster and experience fewer sleep disturbances throughout the night.
When formulated and used properly, preliminary research and user reports suggest that hemp gummies improve subjective sleep quality. Users of quality hemp sleep gummies report feeling more rested, a better quality of sleep and fewer awakenings in the night. However, clinical research has shown that over consumption of THC negatively impacts the quality of sleep, especially with long term use.
Wana Brands has launched a hemp sleeping product nationally, Mike Hennesy, Vice President of Innovation shared the following about how it works. Naturally hemp-derived sleep gummies contain the same cannabinoids like CBD, CBN, and THC as cannabis or marijuana. These ingredients interact with receptors in the body’s endocannabinoid system, which plays a role in regulating mood, stress, and sleep-wake cycles. For example, CBD may promote relaxation and reduce anxiety, CBN can relieve discomfort and reduce awakenings, while THC can shorten the time it takes to fall asleep, especially at low doses. Together, they may help ease the mind and body into a sleep-ready state.
The best sleep products don’t rely on just one cannabinoid like CBN but instead use a combination of cannabinoids, terpenes, and other sleep-supporting ingredients such as melatonin. This is because the reasons for sleeplessness are multifaceted, and include trouble falling asleep, staying asleep, chronic, pain and anxiety. Each ingredient targets different root causes as well as synergizes with the other cannabinoids and terpenes for the best night sleep.
Longer lasting formulations can actually help reduce awakenings in the night. CBN has been shown in recent research to reduce the number of times you wake up in the night. Combined with other cannabinoids they can synergize to reduce discomfort and anxiety helping consumers stay asleep.
If you do wake up in the middle of the night and can’t fall back asleep products including CBD and CBG to reduce middle of the night anxiety and racing thoughts that can keep us awake, and they have only 1mg of THC so you wake up refreshed and not high in the morning.
For most people, hemp-derived cannabinoids are considered safe and non-intoxicating, with a low risk of dependence. When THC is included in small amounts, it can produce mild effects and can help us fall asleep faster. It generally poses a minimal risk when used in moderation, but there is a potential for dependence if overused, just like with any sleep aid. Adverse events are far more prevalent in pharmaceutical and even over the counter sleep aids than with hemp-derived cannabinoids.
The key is responsible use, including starting with a low dose and taking breaks when needed. If you rely on it every night at high doses, your body may adjust, and it can be habitual. But when used in moderation and with a well-balanced formula, cannabis can be a sustainable part of a healthy sleep routine.
Alcohol has some negative side effects, but cannabis could have one positive health benefit – it might help your good cholesterol.
In the late 1980s cholesterol test became come as the impact of it on the body and heart was becoming more evident. Research shows good cholesterol (HDL) helps remove excess cholesterol from the body, while “bad” cholesterol (LDL) can build up in arteries, potentially leading to heart disease. Alcohol and tobacco are known to be rough on the body, but can marijuana help cholesterol?
Marijuana’s potential impact on cholesterol is an emerging area of research, offering both promising insights and areas for further exploration. While studies have yet to reach definitive conclusions, evidence suggests that cannabis may influence cholesterol levels in ways that could benefit cardiovascular health under certain conditions.
Cannabis contains cannabinoids like THC and CBD, which interact with the body’s endocannabinoid system. This system plays a role in regulating various physiological processes, including lipid metabolism. Some studies have indicated that marijuana use might improve cholesterol profiles by increasing high-density lipoprotein (HDL), commonly known as “good cholesterol.” For instance, research published in BMJ Open found that marijuana users had elevated levels of HDL cholesterol, which is associated with better cardiovascular health.
Moreover, cannabis has demonstrated anti-inflammatory properties and the ability to regulate blood glucose levels. These effects can indirectly support heart health by reducing risk factors associated with high cholesterol, such as diabetes and obesity. Additionally, cannabinoids like CBD may help protect the heart from oxidative stress and inflammation, further enhancing cardiovascular health.
Cannabis has also been linked to weight management benefits, which can positively impact cholesterol levels. Studies have shown that marijuana use may reduce abdominal fat and improve metabolic parameters. Since obesity is a major contributor to high LDL cholesterol levels, these findings suggest that cannabis could play a supportive role in maintaining healthy cholesterol levels.
While some studies highlight potential benefits of cannabis for cholesterol and heart health, others caution against its risks. Daily marijuana use has been associated with an increased risk of heart failure and other cardiovascular issues. However, research also indicates that cannabis may reduce the risk of atrial fibrillation and improve outcomes following heart attacks.