The Tin Can: Locking in Cannabis Freshness With Nitrogen
Baggies and glass jars are out, tin cans are in. Tin cans are the latest methodology in cannabis storage, assuring the kind of freshness that clear plastic packaging and glass cannot guarantee. The secret to canning cannabis is not just in the vacuum sealing itself, but in flushing out Oxygen with Nitrogen. Just as Oxygen causes iron to rust, chips to go stale and fresh produce to mold, it changes the chemistry of cannabis, causing THC to degrade into the CDB cannabinoid. Essentially, its potency will be reduced during consumption, whether it’s through smoking or eating an edible. This poses a problem for medical marijuana prescribers. For medical uses, there must be quality assurance. Like any other pharmaceutical drug, cannabis packaging should be treated with the highest care.
While the classic sandwich baggie may be fine for immediate use, the buds will remain fresh for roughly one week. Plastic is gas-permeable, and an odor will emit from the cheap storage while letting Oxygen seep in. While light is a necessity during cannabis growth, it is the enemy during flower and bud storage. Ultra violet light will bleach buds and increase temperature. Storing at a temperature above 77 degrees Fahrenheit will produce mold and mildew. Even though Mason jars are self-sealing and impenetrable against Oxygen, clear jars won’t shield the contents from sunlight. Similar to most canned goods, Mason jars must be stored in cool, dark places. Even so, they cannot maintain freshness like the tin can, can.
Similar to standard food packaging, Nitrogen is used in Modified Atmospheric Packaging to increase shelf life. Nitrogen provides a barrier against unwanted moisture and bacteria. It is also an unharmful preservative. Food grade tin cans flushed with Nitrogen maintain consistent humidity levels inside. Pull tabs are often used to open, and plastic lids make for a reusable container. During transportation, tin cans are an effective barrier against contaminants like microorganisms and dust. Tampering and the risk of being crushed is also greatly reduced. For transportation, glass is unsafe for obvious reasons, and plastic is not environmentally friendly. Cans are 100% recyclable, making them the most environmentally friendly solution in the cannabis industry.
As far as other methods of cannabis packaging and preservation go, Nitrogen packaging is the only way to go. After spending so much time and money on hiring the right growers and tenders, and investing in the perfect growing environment, it would be a shame to compromise precise packaging and storage. Cans may be more expensive than the classic baggie, but the outcome is worth the extra money. Freshness is locked in for a year, if not longer, which means less hassle for dispensaries. Say goodbye to frequent stock rotations and halts in growing due to a supply backup.
Serving Colorado’s Cannabis Industry
At Rocky Mountain Air, we distribute high-pressure cylinders of gaseous Nitrogen, and cryogenic liquid tanks of Nitrogen for cannabis flushing and canning applications. Small high-pressure cylinders are full-for-empty, which are consistently traded out at an RMA location, and cryogenic liquid tanks are kept on site at the business, refilled on a consistent schedule by one of our drivers. Our cryogenic gas experts can assist you in evaluating your usage to designate an appropriate tank size and delivery plan that works most efficiently and economically for your business.
Rocky Mountain Air Solutions has six locations for your convenience throughout Colorado that can deliver to your grow house or dispensary to keep your cannabis products living a longer shelf life. Contact your nearest branch today. We look forward to partnering with you.
