Cannabis Packaging Matters: Glass vs. Plastic [Infographic]
The main purpose of cannabis packaging is to protect and enhance the quality of the product. For flower, this means packaging should ensure the cannabis is neither damp nor dry, free from mold, particulates and contaminants, and appropriately flavored and potent. Inappropriate containers can lead to stale flower, which is less pleasant to consume and may lack the potency it had when cured properly.
While distributors have long delivered flower in plastic containers, glass is a much better way to maintain the potency, flavor and longevity of your cannabis products. Glass cannabis packaging ensures a higher quality product and better user experience. Plastic containers are prevalent, but they can lead to leaching chemicals, dried out products, and improper storage.
Plastic vs. Glass Cannabis Packaging
Plastic cannabis packaging is not designed for long-term storage. When cannabis flower is exposed to air and light, the THC oxidizes and degrades, creating more CBN. CBN contributes to the sleepy feeling some people get when using cannabis, as opposed to the cerebral effects of THC. A better option for cannabis packaging is something that is airtight, protected from UV rays (or stored in a dark area) and without chemicals that can affect the taste or aroma of cannabis.
Some benefits of glass cannabis packaging include:
- Airtight
- Chemical-free
- Easily recyclable
- Keeps cannabis fresh longer
- Deters mold growth on cannabis
For more information on the differences between glass and plastic containers, please see the infographic below.
CANNABIS PACKAGING: GLASS VS. PLASTIC FAQ
The main purpose of cannabis packaging is to protect and enhance the quality of the product. For flower, this means packaging should ensure the cannabis is neither damp nor dry, free from mold, particulates and contaminants, and appropriately flavored and potent.
When it comes to safely storing cannabis flower, there are plenty of options. Be sure to always keep the four natural enemies of the cannabis flower in mind:
- Light
- Temperature
- Humidity
- Air
Glass jars are ideal for cannabis flower storage, since glass is neutral, air-tight, and affordable. From mason jars to sophisticated smell-proof containers, glass is a time-honored classic.
Air-tight glass containers also prevent oxygen from affecting the cannabis, which can cause it to dry out and lead to harsher smoke.
Plastic containers are porous, which can dry out flower and decrease potency. Research also suggests that plastic can leach chemicals like bisphenol A (BPA) that can cause cancer.
Opting for glass containers can help you avoid these critical health issues while also ensuring your cannabis stays fresher longer.
When cannabis flower is exposed to light, the THC oxidizes and degrades, creating more CBN. CBN contributes to the sleepy feeling some people get when using cannabis, as opposed to the cerebral effects of THC.
It can be helpful to store your cannabis in something that is protected from UV rays or opting to keep it in a dark area to ensure its quality. Ideal storage options include drawers, opaque containers, and cabinets.
With proper storage, cannabis products can keep their potency between one and two years, according to the Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmacology. Like any consumable product, cannabis has a shelf life, which is affected by the environment in which it is contained.
