The potency and freshness of cannabis can be affected by many factors after it is harvested and makes its way to the consumer. Most of us know that once you buy your bud from a dispensary it’s important to handle it carefully. Keep cannabis in an airtight container away from light and heat, preferably in an opaque glass jar —it will degrade more quickly if exposed to either of these elements. But what are some of the things that can affect it on its journey to you from the farm it was cultivated on? Things that you have no control over and in some cases have no way of knowing about

Temperature
Temperature can affect the potency of cannabis. When exposed to temperatures below freezing, cannabis will start to lose its potency, as the trichomes that contain the active compounds break off due to the cold. Temperatures above 80°F (27°C)s can also reduce the potency of cannabis, as the heat will cause the active compounds to evaporate. Products can sometimes be exposed to these temperatures while being shipped from the farm to the retail store.
“Tracking a product from the farm to the consumer gives both the cultivator (producer) and the consumer information about how that product was handled on its way to them.”
Light
Exposure to light can affect the potency of cannabis. The UV rays in sunlight can cause the active compounds to break down, reducing the potency of the cannabis. It’s best to store cannabis in a cool, dark place to ensure its potency. Products stored in clear packaging left out under bright lighting can have a negative effect on the benefits of your cannabis.
Time
The longer cannabis is stored, the more likely that its potency will decrease. Over time, the active compounds will break down, reducing the potency of the cannabis. It’s important to know if the cannabis you are ingesting has sat around for months in storage or at a retail store.
“A cultivator wants to make sure that its product has not been tampered with or altered in any way during its journey from farm to store shelf to ensure its brand’s good reputation stays intact.”
Packaging
The packaging of cannabis is important in ensuring its potency. Cannabis should be stored in airtight, opaque containers in order to protect it from light and keep the active compounds from evaporating and keeping any moisture out.
How can these issues be addressed or corrected?
Blockchain technology is being used to ensure the safety and quality of cannabis products. Tracking a product from the farm to the consumer gives both the cultivator (producer) and the consumer information about how that product was handled on its way to them.
The consumer might want to know that the product they are purchasing has been handled with care so that it arrives at their door as fresh as possible. A cultivator wants to make sure that its product has not been tampered with or altered in any way during its journey from farm to store shelf to ensure its brand’s good reputation stays intact.
The blockchain is an open ledger, which means that anyone can view its contents. This ensures transparency between all parties involved in a transaction, including consumers, cultivators, and regulators. Cultivators using the Efixii Blockchain solution can ensure their products stay as potent as possible when they leave the farm. Customers can know what they are putting in their body is top quality whether it be for recreational, medical…or a little bit of both.
Want to learn more about how the Efixii blockchain can help cannabis cultivators?
FAQs
Q: What is cannabis potency?
A: Cannabis potency refers to the concentration of cannabinoids (such as THC and CBD) in a cannabis product, which determines its psychoactive and therapeutic effects.
Q: What are the four factors affecting cannabis potency from farm to the consumer?
A: The four factors affecting cannabis potency from farm to consumer are genetics, cultivation methods, processing, and storage.
Q: How does genetics affect cannabis potency?
A: Genetics plays a significant role in determining the potency of cannabis strains. Some strains naturally contain higher levels of THC or CBD than others, and selective breeding can enhance these traits.
Q: How do cultivation methods affect cannabis potency?
A: The cultivation method used to grow cannabis can affect its potency. Factors such as light intensity, nutrient levels, and temperature can all impact the concentration of cannabinoids in the plant.
Q: How does processing affect cannabis potency?
A: The processing method used to extract cannabinoids from the plant material can affect the potency of the final product. Different extraction methods can result in varying levels of potency and cannabinoid profile.
Q: How does storage affect cannabis potency?
A: The way cannabis is stored after processing can also affect its potency. Exposure to light, heat, and air can all degrade cannabinoids, reducing the potency of the product over time.
Q: Why is it important to understand the factors affecting cannabis potency?
A: Why is it important to understand the factors affecting cannabis potency? A: Understanding the factors affecting cannabis potency can help consumers make informed decisions about the products they choose to use. It can also help growers and producers optimize their processes to create high-quality, potent products.