Cultivators & Retailers, Is Your Flower Weight Compromised?

It turns out that flower loses its weight at an alarming rate because of overall moisture loss 

Moisture loss can occur along any part of the supply chain—from cultivator and processor to distributor and retailer. Once you find the root cause, you can correct the problem. After all, every gram lost in transit is equal to money that your business is losing. 

Boveda is a leader in the cannabis space and is as dedicated to preserving flower quality as you are. That’s why for the last few years, we have been studying water activity in buds. 

We took our talents (and our patented 2-way humidity control) to Colorado and Nevada’s maturing herbal markets. Through testing, we tracked the weight of several different batches of flower–from harvest to retail. 

What Boveda has learned about moisture loss is vital information for cannabis professionals. Just check out last year’s crucial findings to see what we mean: 

• 67% of flower (prepackaged) sold in Colorado was underweight 
• 75% of flower at a single chain was underweight 
• The average container was light by 22% 
• The worst offender was light by 40%

Preserving Profit In The Cannabis Industry 

Water activity is a factor at every level of cannabis production and sale. Without proper humidity control, water in the buds naturally evaporates over time. At a fairly constant rate, growers, processors, manufacturers, distributors and retailers are losing profit into thin air. 

Losing valuable flower weight is a huge and mostly unnoticed loss in the cannabis industry. From the date of packaging, many manufacturers place a one-year shelf life on their product. Because of evaporation, many cannabis enthusiasts aren’t getting the flower weight they paid for. 

Cultivators and retailers try many different strategies to build customer loyalty-from touting organic growing techniques to creating exclusive branded cultivars for a customized high. However, the ultimate tactical approach is to control the water activity in product. Keeping flower fresh preserves its potency, which benefits both cannabis patients and rec consumers–while leading to happy, repeat customers. 

Growing Quality Cannabis Then Keeping It That Way 

The cannabis industry is facing a massive push for quality improvement. As the product makes the transition from the streets to industrial status, the cultivation techniques are evolving to become more high-tech and efficient, producing the maximum amount of flower in shorter amounts of time. 

Unfortunately, over the years, many cannabis buyers have grown used to consuming substandard product due to the popularity of mass-produced flowers. 

When consumers are used to poor quality, it’s much harder for craft growers to price their flower at a premium. Dispensary customers, accustomed to dried-out buds, often can’t distinguish a quality strain from one that has lost its basic contents since harvesting. We can do better. 

Controlling Moisture In Cannabis From Cure To Sale 

• Heavier nugs are always better for the bottom line-and the consumer. 
• Growers can sell bulk harvest for much more-a must in today’s heavily taxed environment. 
• Retailers can price more advantageously since properly moist flower holds its weight much longer than dried out bud. 
• Customers can get what they pay for– accurately weighed flower with enhanced flavors, aromas and psychoactive effects.