Cannabis science has improved our understading of the plant markedly over the past few years, but there's still so much information we have yet to uncover. We've only hit the tip of the iceberg covering topics like CBD's and the endocannabinoid system, seizure research, using cannabis to thwart addiction - the list goes on. Despite skepticism over the new US cabinet picks and a potential rollback of cannabis legalization efforts, more research grants on a state-by-state level will continue given the scientific community's recent discoveries. Research acts as a building block for future research and we've created a system that necessitates more research, so it can't simply go away or be dropped like a hot coal when a new administration assumes command in 2017.
One topic that's been casually researched is cannabis terpenes and humidity. Boveda, a leader in two-way humidity control conducted a study finding a causal relationship between terpene content and humidity. They found that by maintaining a relative humidity of 62%, it increased the terpene content of cannabis by 15%. This means a more flavorful smoke. Boveda plans to conduct further studies on the effects of proper humidity on cannabis. It's all part of their goal to create products that maintain the safety, taste and quality of cannabis.
More research from the science community could be done on cannabis terpenes and humidity as it relates to storage and even growing. All strains are different, some grow well in dry arid climates, others grow well in humid tropic environments. How does this affect the terpene profile? Well-managed humidity can lead to accelerated growth, beautiful plants and the production of resins that are rich in THC and other cannabinoids, but there's little research on how this specifically affects the terpene profile.
In simple terms, when storing cannabis, too much moisture can lead to mold and mildew growth, but if the buds become too dry, they'll become harsh and less potent as the trichomes and terpenes are gradually lost. We manufacture storage products that maintain the appropriate relative humidity using Boveda products and others that ensure the cannabis terpenes are at their peak.
