CBD is living matter: its molecules — cannabinoids and terpenes — react to light, heat and oxygen. A few good habits are enough to preserve their integrity.
CBD's enemies
- Light — UV first. It degrades CBD into CBN (cannabinol) within weeks, especially when hot.
- Heat — above 25 °C, oxidation accelerates. The most volatile terpenes vanish within days.
- Oxygen — each opening reintroduces it. The aromatic punch of a flower diminishes with every exposure.
- Humidity — above 70%, flowers mould; below 50%, they crumble. Sweet spot: 55-65%.
Best practices by format
Flowers
- Amber-glass jar or opaque metal tin, airtight seal.
- Hygrometer (62% humipack à la Boveda) to stabilize humidity.
- Cool place (not the fridge — thermal swings cause condensation), out of direct light.
- Storage: 6 to 12 months without major aromatic degradation.
Resins
- Parchment paper then airtight box, or opaque glass jar.
- Room temperature, away from heat sources.
- Sieved pollen is more fragile than pressed charas — consume it first.
Oils
- Amber opaque bottle as delivered, kept upright, cap closed.
- Storage: cool cupboard, no nearby radiator, no bathroom (humidity).
- Best-before date stated — typically 12 months after opening, 24 months sealed.
- If taste becomes bitter or rancid, discard: sign of carrier-oil oxidation (hemp, MCT, olive).
Reasoned dosage
No standard CBD dosage exists: sensitivity varies with metabolic profile, body weight, ongoing medications, and time of day.
- Start low — 5 mg/day for an oil, or a light infusion for flowers.
- Keep a journal — note dose, timing, observations. After 5-7 days, you'll have a reference point.
- Increase gradually — 2-3 mg steps, never doubled in one go.
- Watch for interactions — CBD may potentiate some medications (anticoagulants, anxiolytics). On treatment? Speak to your doctor first.
Safety & common sense
- Keep out of reach of children and pets.
- Avoid driving for some hours after consumption, especially of flowers or resins (residual THC up to 0.3%).
- Not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding.
- Health questions: doctor or pharmacist — not the internet, and certainly not your CBD shop.
What if I don't use it regularly?
No obligation. CBD is not a daily supplement, nor a routine to keep at all costs. Think of it as a plant: use it when you feel like it, the way you'd brew a tea or a herbal infusion after a busy day. Nothing more.