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What’s the Shelf Life of Cannabis – Let’s Enjoy Cannabis

Published

11 months ago

June 16, 2023

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Exploring the Effects of Light and Air on Cannabis

It is a well-known fact that cannabis needs light and airflow to grow, but what about after it’s been harvested and cured? What happens when that jar of flower sits on a dispensary shelf for six months or a year?

Most cannabis products available in dispensaries today usually have an expiration date on the label, but why? Does it go bad? Why are we told to keep our cannabis flower away from the light?

Let’s dive right in and explore the science behind air and light and what it does to our cannabis flower.

What Science Has Found

A few studies have been conducted regarding the stability or shelf life of THC and have helped shed some light on how cannabis should be packaged and stored.
The scientific community first became aware of light-degrading THC because of a study conducted in 1971.

The study concluded that; to best preserve THC, cannabis should be stored in nitrogen instead of oxygen and away from ultraviolet light.

In 1976, another study determined that exposure to light (not direct sunlight) was the number one factor in cannabinoid loss over time. This study also showed that THC loss from light exposure does not lead to an increase in the cannabinoid CBN or cannabinol, but rather air oxidation in dark conditions does.

A more recent study at the University of Mississippi in 1999 showed that over one year, THC levels in cannabis samples stored in a dark vault reduced by 16.6% of their original amount and as much as 41.4% after four years.

Scientists found an average loss rate of 1.3% per month, most cannabis smoked within one year of being harvested should be relatively close to ideal freshness if kept under proper conditions.

So, What Does All That Mean?

The two main takeaways from these studies are that THC will do one of two things when it degrades. Exposure to oxygen in dark conditions will turn THC into CBN over time, but exposure to ultraviolet light can simply destroy THC.

So, what does that mean for the stash of bud you lost two years ago, or the cannabis sitting on dispensary shelves in clear jars, or how about that bud that just endured a two-hour-long photoshoot for High Times?

If you happen to find that old stash of bud from last 4/20 buried deep in your sock drawer, go ahead and smoke it – but be prepared to take a nap! In those dark conditions, the THC will be broken down into CBN and be apparent from the trichomes turning a dark amber color.

While the effects of CBN are still being studied, Steep Hill Labs has said that 5mg of CBN is equal to 10mg of Valium, and therefore if you smoke cannabis left in a drawer for an extended length of time, it may make you feel more tired than it would otherwise.

But What About a Camera Flash and Display Lights?

There have been studies conducted on the effects of fluorescent light and flash photography on works of art, but not many regarding the effect it has on cannabis. From the studies conducted on THC stability, we can assume that too much exposure to high-intensity light will affect the stability of THC.

Most light humans can see with the naked eye is classified as non-ionizing radiation on the electromagnetic spectrum and is therefore harmless to humans and cannabis. Ultraviolet or UV light is right on the line between ionizing and non-ionizing, and most compact fluorescent lamps or CFL bulbs produced today emit a small amount of UV light.

When it comes to modern camera flashes and LED display lights, the jury is still debating on how it can affect cannabis. If you’re displaying your top-shelf bud under bright LED lights for days on end, there will most likely be some loss of THC. On the other hand, a few minutes or even an hour of exposure to camera flashes or bright LED display lights probably won’t affect the potency of your cannabis too much.

So, what is the Verdict?

The three things that can affect the potency and quality of cannabis are oxygen, heat, and light. Over-exposure to heat or UV light will eventually degrade the THC to lower amounts but don’t worry – showing off your prized bud under some LED lights for a few minutes to your friends here and there won’t do any significant damage.

It is a good idea to keep your cannabis out of direct sunlight, away from any heat sources, and in a sealed container. If you are someone that thoroughly inspects their cannabis before you smoke – twenty minutes under an LED light will not ruin your stash – just make sure that you don’t leave the light on and forget about it.

Through all of the cannabis reviews and research that I have done, it is apparent that most cannabis connoisseurs will most likely smoke their stash long before it ever starts to lose its potency unless you leave it in the sun for a week.

1971 Study: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/j.2042-7158.1971.tb08640.x
1976 Study: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/6643/
1999 Study: https://www.unodc.org/unodc/en/data-and-analysis/bulletin/bulletin_1997-01-01_1_page008.html

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Cannabis Reviews – Garcia Hand Picked Flower – Let’s Enjoy Cannabis

Published

11 months ago

June 16, 2023

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Jerry Garcia and the Grateful Dead’s Legacy Now Features a Cannabis Brand!

Review of Garcia Hand Picked Flower – Maryland Cannabis Strains

When I read an article on Leafly in April 2021 that said Jerry Garcia’s family had partnered with Holistic Industries to produce cannabis; I was floored with excitement! I was never a huge dead-head, but I’m a fan of good music and good vibes -Two things that The Grateful Dead is full of!

The packaging alone will send you back to the psychedelic sixties – with tye-dye swirls, karmically gentle quotes, and music notes. One look at the boxes that these jars of flower come in, and you’ll know this is worth the premium price of $60 for 3.5 grams.

Only available in California, Massachusetts, and Maryland; Garcia’s Hand Picked can be a little hard to find. Especially in Maryland; having only one Indica, one Hybrid, and one Sativa strain available. In order to find all three, I had to visit two different dispensaries; Ritual in Curtis Bay and Gold Leaf in Annapolis.

Once I got my hands on them, I knew right away that I had found something special. Here, I’m going to go through a quick review of the three different strains that Garcia has available in Maryland. Here we go!

Hi-Fi – Hybrid Strain

Being a musician myself, I decided to try the Hybrid strain called Hi-Fi first. It’s a very balanced strain that’s dominant in Myrcene (.41%), followed by Limonene (.27%), Caryophyllene (.18%), and Linalool (.17%).

Hi-Fi has a very mellow fresh-floral-earthy taste and aroma, with a well-balanced feeling that’s not too sedating, but not too euphoric either. At 20.74% THCa and 1.39% total terpenes; it’s a premium product that is suitable for any time of day use.

Florida Kush – Indica Strain

When I saw that Florida Kush was testing at 32.74% THCa; I knew it would be strong. When I saw it had 4.14% terpenes; I thought it was a misprint -until I opened the jar and I was almost knocked out by the aroma alone. This stuff is ‘loud’!

With a whopping 1.39% Limonene and .98% Myrcene, Florida Kush is a heavy Indica that will glue you to the couch if you’re not careful. A nice balanced blend of Linalool (.39%) and Terpinolene (.59%), adds a pleasant fruity-floral-pine taste to the already fresh lemon-earthy taste.

The strong relaxing effects of this heavy Indica set in about 15 minutes after smoking. I must say; next to Black Afghan, this is one of the best Indica strains I’ve ever had. It actually tasted a lot like Black Afghan; only with Limonene.

Caps Frozen Lemons – Sativa Strain

These flowers actually look like frost-covered lemons; not to mention taste like it! With high amounts of Terpinolene (.69%); this potent strain will keep you uplifted for hours. It has an amazingly fresh fruity-lemon-pine kind of taste to it and its buds are absolutely covered in trichomes.

I’m usually not big on Sativa strains, but this is one; I’d take any day! Testing at 24.15% THCa and 2.57% total terpenes, it has very uplifting and euphoric effects that will keep the creative juices flowing for hours without making you feel jittery.

Conclusion

All in all, I was more than impressed with what Holistic Industries and the Garcia family have done. It is very obvious that these plants were cared for like none other and cultivated with a level of knowledge and passion that is extraordinarily high.

One of my favorite aspects is that the Garcia family made different playlists of Jerry Garcia’s music to match up with whatever type of strain you’re smoking. You can check out ‘The Music Never Stops’ playlists here; it definitely provides a nice enhancement to the whole experience.

I give all three strains a 10/10 – across the board. Everything from the packaging to the effects was truly an experience to be had! Whether you’re a Grateful Dead fan or not – If you enjoy cannabis like I do, you will love Garcia Hand-Picked flower!

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All About Cannabis Strains – Let’s Enjoy Cannabis

Published

11 months ago

June 16, 2023

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Indica, Sativa, Hybrid – What’s the Difference

So many people today associate how cannabis makes them feel with the terms Indica and Sativa. These terms actually only describe the type of cannabis plant it is, and how it looks. What really determines how cannabis will make you feel is the terpenes.

While Cannabis Indica plants are shorter and stocky with fat leaves; Cannabis Sativa plants are taller with skinnier leaves and expanded flowers. Typically, Sativa plants are actually higher in THC than Indica plants and they tend to grow better in a warmer climate.

It is true that most Sativa strains have a more uplifting effect, but I’ve had Sativa strains that have been dominant in Myrcene and have put me to sleep. On the other hand, I’ve had Indica strains that were dominant in Pinene and made me super motivated and focused.

Indica strains are known for producing a “body high”; providing relief from pain, and anxiety, and promoting restful sleep. This is due to the higher amounts of terpenes like Myrcene and Linalool.

Sativa strains on the other hand are known for producing a “cerebral high”; or a euphoric feeling of being focused or motivated. Research has shown that terpenes like Pinene and Limonene produce feelings of euphoria and wellness, while actually helping with memory and attention problems.

When choosing your next strain, make sure you take a close look at the terpene profile so you’ll know exactly what to expect. Don’t depend on whether it’s labeled Indica or Sativa – That just tells you what the plant looks like, not what its effects might be.

For more information on terpenes, read my articles about them here!

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Published by TastyTerpenes

Cannabis consulting, education, dispensary training,
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Cannabis Reviews – Northern Lights – Let’s Enjoy Cannabis

Published

11 months ago

June 16, 2023

admin

See the Northern Lights; in Maryland!

Review of Northern Lights by Curio Wellness

lets-enjoy-cannabis-reviews-northern-lights-1 — *Northern Lights photo by Adam Merkle*

As one of the most well-known classic Indica strains available; Northern Lights is a perfect strain getting rid of pain, stress, and a lack of appetite. I’ve had many different batches of Northern Lights over the years, but Curio Wellness definitely did it right with their latest batch!

Typically, when it comes to THCa; Northern Lights tests on the lower side. This particular batch was testing at 18.2%, and I’ve had batches that were as low as 14% in the past.

It doesn’t seem to matter what the lab results say; Northern Lights is always a mellow-Indica that will leave you hungry, happy, and relaxed! It’s unique terpene profile offers a very smooth and light taste, while providing potent and relaxing effects.

Terpene Profile

Myrcene (.27%), and Pinene (alpha .19% and beta .06%) are the most dominant terpenes found in Northern Lights. This lays the foundation for a sweet-woodsy flavor and a relaxing, yet euphoric effect.

Ocimene; testing at .18%, is almost tied with Limonene (.17%). The Ocimene adds to the woodsy taste, while the Limonene adds a very nice fresh-lemon hint.

Conclusion

I’ve tried a lot of different Indica strains. Northern Lights has to be one of the best I’ve found for relaxation and appetite stimulation. Almost immediately after smoking a .5 gram cone of this strain, I was totally free of anxiety, pain and very hungry! It has a very mellow taste and its psychoactive effects are not too overpowering. I’ll give Northern Lights a 8/10 for flavor and a 9/10 for medicinal effects.