The Science Behind Mylar: How Does it Keep Cannabis Fresh?

In the rapidly evolving world of cannabis cultivation and preservation, one technological hero often goes unnoticed: Mylar. This remarkable material has become a staple in the industry for maintaining the freshness and quality of cannabis products. But what is Mylar, and how does it work to keep cannabis at its peak? Let's dive into the science behind this wonder material.

What is Mylar?

Mylar is a brand name for a special type of stretched polyester film, known in the scientific community as BoPET (Biaxially-oriented polyethylene terephthalate). Developed in the mid-20th century, Mylar has a variety of applications, from balloons to insulation, and yes, to preserving food and medicinal herbs like cannabis.

The Role of Mylar in Storage: How Does Mylar Keep Things Fresh?

The properties of Mylar make it exceptionally well-suited for the storage and preservation of cannabis. Its durability, barrier quality, light protection, and flexibility are precisely the characteristics needed to maintain the freshness, potency, and aroma of cannabis over time.

Durability and Cannabis

The durability of Mylar ensures that the physical integrity of cannabis is preserved. Cannabis buds are covered in trichomes that contain essential cannabinoids and terpenes. The strength of Mylar protects these delicate structures from physical damage during handling and storage, which could otherwise lead to the loss of these valuable compounds.

Barrier Quality and Cannabis

Mylar's superior barrier quality offers an almost impenetrable defense against oxygen and moisture. This is crucial for cannabis because exposure to oxygen can lead to the oxidation of cannabinoids, reducing the quality and potency of the product. Additionally, moisture can cause mold and mildew, which can contaminate cannabis.

One of the main reasons how does Mylar keeps things fresh is its ability to create an airtight environment, blocking oxygen and moisture that contribute to cannabis degradation. This preservation quality helps maintain the chemical composition and ensures the safety of cannabis for consumption.

Light Protection and Cannabis

Cannabis is highly susceptible to degradation when exposed to light, particularly UV radiation. This exposure can break down THC, the primary psychoactive compound in cannabis, diminishing its potency. Mylar can be treated to reflect harmful light and UV rays, protecting the cannabis from this photonic degradation. This property is especially useful for long-term storage of cannabis, where even indirect light exposure over time can have cumulative negative effects.

Flexibility and Cannabis

The flexibility of Mylar allows for the creation of custom storage solutions that can fit any amount of cannabis, from small personal stashes to large commercial quantities. Whether you need 3.5 Gram Mylar Bags for portability or 1 Ounce Mylar Bags for larger storage needs, Mylar bags provide a convenient solution.

How Mylar Keeps Cannabis Fresh

Oxygen Reduction

Oxygen is one of the primary culprits behind the degradation of cannabis. When cannabis is exposed to oxygen, it undergoes oxidation. This not only leads to a loss of potency but also to the degradation of the aromatic terpenes, which contribute to the flavor and scent of the plant. Mylar’s ability to provide an oxygen barrier keeps the buds in an almost anaerobic state, slowing down the oxidation process.

Moisture Control

Moisture can lead to mold and mildew, which can ruin a cannabis stash. Mylar bags, when sealed correctly, prevent moisture ingress, maintaining the optimal humidity level needed to keep cannabis fresh. This is particularly important as cannabis must be stored at a relative humidity of 59% to 63% to maintain its quality over time.

Light and UV Protection

Exposure to light, especially UV light, can have a detrimental effect on cannabis, breaking down its cannabinoids, particularly THC, into less potent compounds like CBN (Cannabinol). Since Mylar can be made opaque or with a reflective coating, it serves as a barrier against this harmful light, preserving the chemical integrity of the cannabis.

Temperature Stability

While Mylar itself doesn’t regulate temperature, its barrier properties can help maintain a stable temperature when used in conjunction with a controlled environment. Fluctuations in temperature can affect the humidity levels around cannabis and accelerate the degradation process.

Security and Discretion

Mylar is also favored for its ability to seal in odors, providing a discreet storage solution that won't betray the presence of cannabis through its distinct aroma. This feature adds to the overall freshness by preventing the terpenes, which are responsible for the smell, from dissipating.

For those also interested in how Mylar preserves edibles, check out our detailed blog: The Role of Mylar Bags in Preserving Edibles: Freshness You Can Taste.

Best Practices for Using Mylar to Store Cannabis

To harness the full potential of Mylar for cannabis preservation, it's important to follow some best practices:

Vacuum Seal: If you have access to a vacuum sealer, use it to remove all the air from the Mylar bag before sealing. This process minimizes the oxygen inside the bag, thereby reducing the rate of oxidation and prolonging the freshness of the cannabis.
Proper Sealing: After vacuum sealing, use a heat sealer to create an airtight seal on the Mylar bag. This ensures that no air can get in or out, preserving the cannabis’s terpene profile and potency.
Correct Sizing: Use an appropriately sized Mylar bag for the quantity of cannabis to minimize the air space around the buds. Mylar Bags Sizes and Options.
Keep Cool and Dark: Even with the protective properties of Mylar, it’s important to store the bags in a cool, dark place.
Labeling: Properly label each Mylar bag with the strain of cannabis and the date of storage. This will help you keep track of the freshness and ensure you use the oldest stock first.
Regular Inspection: Periodically check your stored cannabis for any signs of degradation or failure of the Mylar bags. Look for punctures, tears, or a loss of vacuum.
Legal Compliance: Be aware of the laws and regulations in your area regarding cannabis storage. Some regions may have specific requirements for child-resistant packaging or other storage guidelines that must be followed. For California's Compliance, check out California Cannabis Law's and Regulations page.

Check Regularly: Regularly inspect the storage conditions and the cannabis itself to ensure no breaches in the Mylar's integrity.

Conclusion

The science behind Mylar’s effectiveness in preserving cannabis comes down to its superior barrier properties. By blocking light, oxygen, and moisture, Mylar bags help maintain cannabis freshness for extended periods.

Whether you need small, personal-use packaging or bulk storage solutions, Mylar bags provide an efficient and reliable option. With proper storage techniques, cannabis enthusiasts can ensure their products stay potent, flavorful, and enjoyable.

At Xoticpacks, we understand the importance of high-quality cannabis packaging that extends freshness and shelf life. Our premium Mylar bags are designed to offer maximum protection, discretion, and compliance for both personal and commercial use. Learn more about our latest packaging solutions by visiting Xoticpacks.