How to Preserve the Aroma of Your Cannabis Buds: Tips And Best Practices

For many of us, consuming cannabis is as much about the high as it is about the experience. And one of the defining aspects of smoking cannabis is the flavor — in many ways, we are similar to wine connoisseurs or people who obsess over teas. If you're like that too, you care about the aroma of your cannabis as much as its potency. 

Cannabis aroma is delicious but it is produced by fragile compounds present on the buds. So, if you want to enjoy your cannabis, you need to preserve the aroma of your cannabis properly. How do you do that? Many of us are constantly trying to do just that. Well, in this article, you will learn about what gives your cannabis its special aromas and the many ways you can protect and preserve the smell and flavor of your buds. 

What Makes Your Cannabis Fragrant: Terpenes 

No matter how magical your cannabis plant smells and tastes, it's not run on magic — the cannabis plant contains over 400 compounds, including THC and CBD, which get the most attention. Experts have discovered that these compounds work together to not only help the plant thrive but also produce the unique effects we associate with cannabis strains. 

From the 400+ compounds, one particular type of compound is what we're going to focus on here: terpenes. Cannabis plants contain over 150 terpenes, which are volatile aromatic chemicals that develop on the surface of the flowers and some other plant parts. These compounds play a crucial role for both the plant and you.

One of the primary functions of terpenes on the buds is to attract pollinators to the plant when it is growing. As with anything else in nature, reproduction is the name of the game, and terpenes are key to that. This is why terpenes aren't exclusive to cannabis plants — they are found on most flowering plants in nature. 

The second job these terpenes perform is protecting the plant from UV light — they act as a natural sunscreen for the plant. Yes, the plant does need a lot of light and benefits from UV light, but too much of it can still be harmful. So, terpenes help absorb and dissipate the light for the plants. 

Terpenes also protect the plant from pests that may harm the plant — you may enjoy their fruity aroma but pests and even herbivore mammals don't. This helps protect the plant from one of the biggest natural risks it can experience when growing. 

Experts have also discovered recently that terpenes also perform another crucial job for the plant — they act as bacteria farms for the plant. Essentially, trichomes (where terpenes are produced) form bacteria, which pull nitrogen from the air and take carbon dioxide from the plant. Terpenes protect these bacteria from oxidation. 

Once the plant is harvested, terpenes start performing their duty for you, the end user. Terpenes are aromatic compounds that give your favorite cannabis strain its signature flavor and aroma. For example, terpenes are the reason why Strawberry Cough tastes like strawberries; the strain is rich in linalool, which is also found in strawberries. 

However, terpenes are highly volatile and tend to degrade easily. This is what this article is about — protecting the terpenes on your cannabis so that it retains its flavors and aroma for a longer duration. But before we dive in, let's take a look at a couple of other compounds that play a similar role in your plant's aroma. 

There are four ways the terpenes on your cannabis buds can get damaged or start degrading. The first reason is natural evaporation — when the temperatures are high, these volatile terpenes evaporate and are lost completely. 

This occurs when the buds are exposed to air for a long time and the humidity levels aren't right. This accelerates the degradation, and the terpenes start oxidizing. Similarly, even dry conditions (low temp and humidity) can break up the terpenes, leading to evaporation. 

The next reason is improper handling or friction of the buds. Terpenes are sensitive and can get damaged if you aren't gentle with them.

Other Compounds That Give Your Cannabis Its Aroma 

Terpenes are fundamental for producing the aroma of cannabis, but they aren't alone. Other compounds also contribute to this, including sulfur compounds and esters. Let's take a look at them. 

Sulfur Compounds 

Volatile sulfur compounds or VSCs are tiny molecules that are pungent in nature. These compounds give many cannabis strains their skunk-like aroma. 

Esters

On the other hand are esters, which are a type of organic compounds that play various roles in the plant. These compounds produce fats and contribute to hormonal signaling as well as germination. In the context of aromas, these esters also give cannabis its fruity or sweet aromas. 

So, when trying to preserve your cannabis' aroma and flavor, you must also keep volatile sulfur compounds and esters in mind. They may not be as important as terpenes, but they are still important. 

Harvesting Cannabis While Preserving the Terpenes 

If you want to preserve the aroma of cannabis buds, you need to protect the terpenes. However, that doesn't start when you have to store the buds — it starts when you're harvesting your cannabis plant. The best storage techniques won't keep your buds aromatic if the harvest has ruined the terpenes. 

And while it may come as Captain Obvious advice to you, you'd be surprised at how many new growers don't harvest their buds with love and care. That's a major mistake that can affect the quality of the buds in the long run. 

As mentioned earlier, gentle care is crucial and this becomes most apparent when you're harvesting the buds. Harvest time is exciting and your months-long work is finally coming to fruition, but you don't want to ruin all that. 

So, how do you harvest your cannabis plant without losing the terpenes? You need to be a bit detail-oriented and keep a few things in mind. Here are a few tips that will help you harvest cannabis without harming the terpenes. 

1. Flush The Plant Pre-Harvest

A lot of debate is going on whether you should flush your cannabis plants before harvest or not, but most expert growers subscribe to the idea that flushing before harvest is good. Many growers also state that flushing improves the taste of the buds, but since there's no scientific evidence behind this, you may want to try it for yourself and see whether it actually works. It's worth a shot. 

2. Handle With Care And As Little As You Can 

Of course, you need to touch the buds when harvesting the plant but try to avoid touching the buds as much as possible. The best tip here is to avoid direct contact with the buds entirely — hold the plant by the branch and stem even when trimming. 

This may not always be possible — especially when trimming since you don't want the flowers to simply drop in the soil — so you can use gardening gloves and hold the buds by their stem when trimming. If you do have to handle the buds, be as gentle as you can; treat them as a cloud of cotton candy. 

3. Don't Wet Trim 

One of the final steps of the harvest is wet trimming, where you trim the buds up before drying and curing them. However, it is not recommended that you do so if you want to protect the terpenes. 

When you wet trim your cannabis buds, sometimes, the small cuts on the stems can release some sap that may interfere with the natural aromas of the buds. Instead, you can partially trim the buds to remove the larger fan leaves but hold on to trimming until post-drying, known as wet trimming. Wet trimming > dry trimming. 

Drying the Buds Without Drying Out the Terpenes 

The next step that follows the harvest is drying, where you have to dry the buds to make them easy to smoke. This is crucial as it not only makes the buds easier to smoke but also reduces the chances of mold or fungi growing on the buds — buds are naturally high in moisture. 

It is crucial that you follow this process properly otherwise you may end up rendering your buds flavorless. Not a good thing, is it? Let's take a look at a few tips that will help you dry your cannabis buds without accidentally evaporating the terpenes. 

1. Pay Attention to Temperature and Humidity 

Temperature and humidity are the cornerstones of drying cannabis plants well. So, you need to ensure that the temp and RH of your drying room are set to ideal levels. 

Temperature is one of the terpenes' biggest enemies — it evaporates them a lot faster. So, the best temperature for drying cannabis buds is between 60°F to 70°F (15.5°C to 21°C). This temperature range will ensure efficient drying without harming the terpenes. 

On the other hand, aim to maintain the humidity levels around 50% for a balanced drying process. If the humidity drops too low, the terpenes may dry out faster, and higher humidity levels can risk the buds to fungi or mold. It's also a good idea to avoid using fans or dehumidifiers in the drying room unless your specific conditions require them. 

Another environmental factor that you must keep an eye on is the light — drying must happen in a dark place. Light can spike the temperatures of the room or dry out the buds a lot faster, depending on the type of lights placed. 

2. Dry the Buds for the Right Time 

How long your cannabis buds need to dry properly depends on a variety of factors, including the ambient environment, strain, etc. However, the ideal time for most cannabis plants is around two weeks. 

You must understand when your buds are dried and avoid drying them for longer. Generally, you'll know your buds are dried properly when the branches snap easily instead of bending — a few more days and the process should be over. 

Curing the Buds with Care 

The last step you take before your cannabis buds are ready for consumption is the curing process, which follows the drying process. Curing is crucial as it brings out the flavors and aromas of the buds to ideal levels, and skipping this step or being impatient is never recommended. 

During the curing process, any leftover moisture is removed from the buds, until the moisture content within drops under 25%. The process also encourages the terpenes to mature while removing chlorophyll from the buds. So, just like drying, you need to keep a couple of things in mind when curing your buds.

1. Keep an Eye on the Temperature 

Yet again, temperature plays a crucial role in an efficient curing process. So, when curing, make sure you maintain the temperatures between 60°F to 70°F. This will ensure the flavors develop well. 

2. Store the Buds Properly

Another important aspect is storing the buds for curing. You need a container that's suited for curing; ideally, you can use a wooden box or an airtight and opaque glass container. Many growers are now using nylon oven bags or turkey bags for curing buds; these bags are claimed to be quite efficient, so feel free to give them a try. 

While storing, make sure the wooden box (if you use it) is not treated with wax or varnish, whose aroma can rub off on the buds. On the other hand, it is not advisable to use plastic containers unless they are specifically made for curing buds; plastic produces static that can damage the terpenes and is also not eco-friendly. 

Remember, you should maintain proper humidity levels and make sure the buds don't get moldy. If they get moldy, despite all your efforts, simply discard them as they aren't good for your health. 

3. Be Patient with Curing

Curing removes moisture from the buds, but this should happen in a slow, gradual manner, not a quick one. Otherwise, we'd be chucking our buds in a glass with dry ice to dry and cure them, wouldn't we? To ensure this happens properly, you need to make sure the buds are stored properly and you burp the container regularly to release the moisture and freshen the air within. 

Here are a few tips to keep in mind for aerating your cannabis buds while curing:

• Burp the container once a week for an hour in the first week 
• In the second week, burp the container for an hour once every three days 
• During the third week, burp the container once a week for an hour 

It's also a good idea to not mix strains when curing. Different strains have different terpenes, which give them their unique flavors and aromas. When the buds from different strains are stored together, they may take on the scent of the other strain. Unless that's what you're going for, you don't want your Sour Diesel buds to smell like roses. 

Storing Cannabis Buds Like a Pro

Your cannabis buds lose flavor and potency in-store, too. The right storage conditions are crucial for cannabis; the right type of storage will keep your buds fresh for six months whereas wrong storage will turn your buds into biscuits within a week. And not to be Captain Obvious once again, but always keep your stash away from pets and kids. 

Storing your buds in an airtight container will also prevent pathogens and pests from accessing it. Haven't you heard of roaches eating buds? You don't want that at any cost!

For storing cannabis buds to preserve their aromas, you need to focus on a few factors, which are as follows:

• The first is temperature — the ideal temperature must always be maintained, i.e., under 70°F. Extreme temperatures can dry out the terpenes even in storage. 
• The next is humidity; if the humidity is too high, your buds will invite mold, but if it's too low, the buds will turn brittle and become harsher to smoke. So, keep your buds in a controlled environment. 
• Next are air and light — the exposure to air and light should be minimal as UV can degrade the terpenes and air can dry them out. Direct light, especially sunlight, must be avoided. 

How to Store Cannabis Buds Properly?

You must be wondering, what's the best way to store cannabis and is it difficult? Not really; storing cannabis is easy as long as you take the right approach. It's gotten even easier with purpose-built storage containers that are specifically designed for storing cannabis. You can even purchase cigar boxes that serve the same function. 

But if you don't want to go through that hassle or spend that much money, you can always use household containers. The best storage container is a glass jar. As mentioned earlier, plastic generates static and leeches microplastics and metal containers aren't always airtight. So, glass jars with a sealable lid are the best choice. 

You can go an extra mile by using opaque glass jars that will block out light and UV rays, but if that's not possible, regular mason jars will do the trick as long as you store them out of direct light; a dark closet space or a drawer works best. 

Another tip to keep in mind for storing is to not crowd your containers like a Taylor Swift concert. The buds must be snug but not tight. This applies to pre-rolls too. You want to minimize the airflow within the container but not choke the buds — crowding is the same as crushing the buds in your hands — it will destroy the terpenes. 

Tips for Storing Cannabis Long Term

Freezing cannabis buds is a technique some users use to preserve the freshness and potency of the buds over extended periods. The process is fairly simple if you have a sturdy freezer. Avoid storing your cannabis in a fridge, though. It is dark and cool, yes, but it produces condensation that risks mold on your cannabis. Plus, the cold temperature can dry out the buds faster. 

However, freezing is different, and many agree that it's best to leave this to the experts as even small mistakes can ruin the buds. 

Yes, freezing can be advantageous, but only if you know how to do it. This is why it's not so simple as sticking the buds in the freezer and hoping for the best. Professionals also create concentrates like live rosin from freeze-dried flowers, but they use extensive equipment and processes to do it right. 

Freezing can be great for the buds, both in terms of quality and longevity, but you'll be in a world of trouble if there's even the slightest bit of moisture inside. If you must freeze the buds, here's how you do it:

1. Make sure your buds are completely dried and cured before freezing. Excess moisture can cause ice crystals, degrade the trichomes, and affect potency.
2. Divide your cannabis into portions. Also, ensure that the containers are clean and free from any contaminants. Contamination can compromise the flavor and quality of the buds.
3. Place them in airtight containers or vacuum-sealed bags. The goal is to minimize air exposure and prevent oxidation and degradation.
4. Set your freezer temperature between 6°F and 0°F ( 21°C to 18°C) to maintain the integrity of cannabinoids and terpenes. If you're freezing several strains, label the packages with the date so you don't get confused later. Store the buds in a dark area of the freezer as exposure to light can still cause cannabinoids to break down. 
5. Do not remove the buds until you're ready to use it. This is why you should place it in an area where it can remain undisturbed for long periods. 

Advantages of Freezing Cannabis

Many cannabis enthusiasts opt to freeze their cannabis for long-term storage to preserve the potency of their buds. This is because freezing slows the degradation process. 

Cannabinoids, which are the chemical compounds for the medicinal effects of cannabis, can be affected by environmental factors like oxygen, heat, and light. When you freeze the buds, the low temps hinder the processes that break down the cannabinoids, ensuring that the buds remain potent even if you store them for months. 

In addition, the terpenes are also prone to degradation. Freezing helps preserve terpenes by minimizing their degradation, allowing you to enjoy an aromatic experience when consuming the buds later on.

Most importantly, freezing cannabis is a way to preserve its freshness and prevent it from aging due to exposure to air and environmental factors. It goes beyond keeping the buds appealing and ensures that the entire sensory experience remains intact right from the very first puff to the flavor once you consume it. Oftentimes, freezing the buds gives you the impression that you're tasting freshly harvested cannabis, but the benefit is that it's fit to use as you've dried and cured it already. 

Freezing cannabis is particularly good if you want to store large quantities of buds. Most growers grow multiple plants and are left with lots of buds, so this technique should help a lot as buds will degrade quickly if you use regular storage methods. 

Remember, the advantages are applicable only under the condition that you freeze the buds properly. 

Disadvantages of Freezing Cannabis

Yes, there are some disadvantages of freezing cannabis as well. Firstly, if you don't employ proper techniques, the trichomes could get damaged. Trichomes are bulbous structures you can see easily if you use a microscope. They are found on the surface of the buds and on the leaves too. 

Chockful of resin, the trichomes house cannabinoids and terpenes. When cannabis is not stored in airtight containers or experiences fluctuations in temperature, ice crystals may form within the trichomes. These ice crystals act like blades that can puncture and damage the structure of the trichomes.

Damage to trichomes leads to a decrease in potency and quality. Since trichomes are responsible for storing cannabinoids like THC and CBD, damaging them will result in less potent buds. 

Also, since you'll be freezing the buds, remember that condensation can be a real problem, especially when you're shifting the buds from freezing temps to room temperatures. Not only can it invite mold, but it can also spoil the buds. Thus, you should be careful and clean the containers or let the buds dry again if there's condensation. In addition, let the buds reach room temperature gradually, rather than forcing sudden temperature changes. Open the sealed containers and let the buds return to room temps. You could use desiccant packs at this point to prevent mold development. 

Freezing cannabis could potentially result in some loss of terpenes. Yes, we said earlier that freezing preserves terpenes, but since the terpenes are fragile and volatile, some of them could degrade when you expose them to extreme fluctuations. However, this can happen even if you don't store the buds properly, so preserving 100% of the terpenes is usually not possible with the limited equipment available at home.

In essence, the advantages of freezing the buds outweigh the risks so you can try it out, especially if you have too many buds and have the equipment. 

Tips to Preserve Cannabis Aroma When Smoking

You may follow everything to the T, whether it is harvesting, drying and curing, or storing, but if you mishandle your buds when rolling a joint, the terpenes may get damaged or lost. So, you need to keep a few things in mind when smoking your cannabis. Here are some tips that will preserve the aroma when you're smoking your cannabis. 

1. Grind with a Grinder

Instead of packing a bud into a joint, consider grinding them with a grinder. Yes, you can use your fingers to break them up but, once again, your fingers can damage the trichomes and your hand's natural oils can impact the flavor and aroma. So, it is always a good idea to use a grinder. 

Some grinders also collect errant trichomes, which you may know as kief. Win-win situation, isn't it?

2. Avoid Using a Lighter

You should also avoid using lighters. Traditional lighters use butane (or similar gas) as fuel, and these gasses introduce an odor to the buds when you light up the joint. So, avoid that and use gas-free alternatives like a hemp wick to light up your joints. 

You can even go a step further by using a vaping device. Smoking uses high temps to burn the weed, but vaping uses lower temperatures that burn cannabis more efficiently, resulting in an arguably better flavor and aroma. 

3. Clean Your Accessories 

If you're using a vape, bong, grinder, roller, etc. for smoking cannabis, make sure they are clean before every use. Cannabis buds are sticky and the residue can build up on the accessories; over time this residue can degrade and turn into nasty debris that will hamper the overall aroma and flavor of the cannabis. 

Summary: How to Preserve the Aroma of Your Cannabis Buds: Tips And Best Practices

Cannabis gets its aroma from terpenes, which are compounds present in the buds. These compounds are highly volatile and must be preserved throughout your plant's life cycle and afterlife cycle. 

So, follow the tips mentioned above to preserve your cannabis' aroma and flavors. When it's time to harvest your plant, flush it before harvest, handle the buds with care, and avoid wet trimming them. 

When the time comes for drying and curing, keep an eye on the temperature and humidity, use the right drying and curing methods, and be patient but not too patient. And store the buds in the right type of storage, away from direct light and air. Lastly, use a grinder, avoid a lighter, and keep your weed accessories clean. 

Follow these steps and you'll get to enjoy the many aromas and flavors your cannabis has to offer without missing out on any.