Fact Checked by Doctor NameProper moisture levels are vital for both cannabis preservation and an enjoyable smoking and vaping experience.
This article will look at defining moisture content in cannabis and the optimal range.
What is the Moisture Content in Cannabis?
Table of Contents
Cannabis flowers and extracts contain moisture. As a proportion of the total weight, water mass is divided by dry mass.
The moisture content of dry cannabis is 5-15%. Dry items below 5% may crumble. The over 15% offers enough water for microbes.
Wet weight is usually larger than dry weight, omitting water content. Measure wet and dry weights to accurately measure moisture.
Growers try to dry fresh cannabis to 10-12% moisture. This protects terpenes and smooth smoking from mould.
Cured buds gradually lose moisture until equilibrium is 5-7% in dry environmental circumstances. Ideal storage humidity of 60-65% retains the bloom at 10-12% moisture.
Extracts and concentrates need precise moisture. Shatter should include less than 0.5% moisture for stability, whereas pliable extracts may have 1-2%.
Moisture content vs. water activity
Water activity (aw) and moisture content % show microbial “availability” of water. Even at high wetness, aws below 0.65 prohibits microbiological development.
Conditions like salt and temperature affect aw. Thus, moisture percentage does not determine preservation safety.
Cure cannabis has 0.55-0.65 aw. Keeping this equilibrium allows long-term storage at adequate humidity without mould.
Understanding moisture content and water activity helps producers and consumers manage cannabis dryness, freshness, and safety. Moisture optimization maximises smoking pleasure and storage life.
