The Complete Guide to Boveda Packs: How to Use Humidity Packs for Perfect Cannabis Storage

What Are Humidity Packs?

Humidity packs (commonly known by the brand name Boveda) are two-way humidity control devices that maintain a specific relative humidity (RH) level inside sealed containers. Unlike traditional desiccants that only absorb moisture, these packs both release AND absorb water vapor to maintain equilibrium.

For cannabis storage, this technology is revolutionary. Proper humidity preserves potency, flavor, and texture while preventing mold and excessive dryness. In this guide, we'll cover everything you need to know about using humidity packs effectively with your custom stash jars and storage containers.

How Two-Way Humidity Control Works

The Science Inside

Most quality humidity packs contain a saturated salt solution encased in a permeable membrane:

Saturated salt solution - Different salts create different equilibrium humidity levels
Permeable membrane - Allows water vapor to pass in or out
Purified water - The medium that transfers through the membrane

When the air inside your container is too dry, the pack releases moisture. When it's too humid, the pack absorbs excess moisture. This continues until the air reaches the pack's designated RH level.

Why This Matters for Cannabis

Cannabis is hygroscopic - it naturally absorbs and releases moisture based on its environment. Without humidity control:

Dry conditions - Flower loses moisture, terpenes evaporate, texture becomes brittle
Humid conditions - Moisture enables mold growth, flower becomes soggy

Humidity packs create a stable microenvironment that keeps your cannabis in the sweet spot, regardless of external conditions.

Choosing the Right RH Level

58% RH Packs

Best for:

Consumers who prefer slightly drier flower
Arid climates where over-hydration is rare
Cannabis that will be ground and smoked quickly
Vaporizer users (drier flower vaporizes better)

Characteristics:

Crisp texture
Easy grinding
Even burning
Slightly reduced terpene preservation vs. 62%

62% RH Packs

Best for:

Maximum terpene preservation
Humid climates where drying is a concern
Long-term storage
Connoisseurs focused on flavor and aroma

Characteristics:

Slightly softer texture
Fuller aroma
Better flavor preservation
Optimal for aging

Which Should You Choose?

Most experts recommend starting with 62% for storage and preservation. If you find your flower too moist for your preferences, try 58%. Personal preference plays a role - experiment to find your ideal.

Important: Never mix different RH levels in the same container. They'll work against each other and neither will function properly.

Sizing Your Humidity Packs

Match Pack Size to Container

Using the wrong size pack is a common mistake. Too small and it can't maintain humidity; too large is wasteful.

| Container Size | Cannabis Amount | Recommended Pack Size | |----------------|-----------------|----------------------| | Small jar | 3.5g (1/8 oz) | 4 gram | | Medium jar | 7-14g (1/4-1/2 oz) | 8 gram | | Large jar | 28g (1 oz) | 67 gram | | Extra large | 454g (1 lb) | 320 gram |

Considerations for Your Container

Air space matters: More empty space in the container means the pack works harder. Ideally, use containers sized appropriately for your quantity.

Container quality: Packs work best in truly airtight containers. Glass stash jars with quality seals are ideal. Poor seals mean constant air exchange and faster pack depletion.

Access frequency: If you open the container multiple times daily, the pack works harder than in long-term storage.

Proper Placement and Use

Where to Place the Pack

Do:

Place on top of the flower
Position along the side of the container
Use the included placement paper if provided

Don't:

Bury the pack deep in the flower
Let the pack directly contact the cannabis
Block airflow around the pack

Using Multiple Packs

For larger containers or faster humidity correction:

Multiple packs of the same RH work together
Position them spread throughout the container
This accelerates equilibrium and extends life

First-Time Use

When adding humidity packs to cannabis for the first time:

Check your flower's current condition
Choose appropriate RH level (62% for most situations)
Select correct pack size for container
Place pack and seal container
Wait 24-72 hours for equilibrium
Check and adjust if needed

Pairing with Quality Containers

Why Container Quality Matters

Humidity packs only work in sealed environments. Poor containers waste pack life and fail to maintain humidity:

Glass stash jars:

Excellent seal capability
Non-reactive material
Easy to monitor contents
Ideal pairing with humidity packs

UV glass jars:

All benefits of regular glass
Added light protection
Premium preservation
Best for long-term storage

Smell proof containers:

Quality options have excellent seals
Humidity packs work well inside
Travel-friendly combinations

Avoid:

Containers with poor seals
Plastic bags (not airtight)
Containers you open constantly

Monitoring Pack Life

Signs Your Pack Needs Replacement

Physical indicators:

Feels completely rigid or hard
Has noticeable hard spots
Feels like a solid brick rather than flexible gel
Significantly thinner than when new

Performance indicators:

Cannabis seems drier than usual
Pack hasn't changed feel in weeks (could be depleted)
Container RH varies (if using hygrometer)

Average Pack Lifespan

With quality containers and moderate use:

| Condition | Expected Lifespan | |-----------|------------------| | Excellent seal, rare opening | 4-6 months | | Good seal, weekly opening | 2-4 months | | Average seal, frequent opening | 1-2 months | | Poor seal or daily opening | 2-4 weeks |

Extending Pack Life

Use quality airtight containers - Glass stash jars with proven seals
Minimize opening - Organize so you don't search through containers
Right-size containers - Less air space means less work for packs
Proper initial humidity - Don't ask packs to do extreme corrections

Advanced Tips and Techniques

Rehydrating Over-Dry Cannabis

If your cannabis has become too dry:

Use 62% packs (not higher)
Be patient - rehydration takes days, not hours
Check daily to prevent over-hydration
Use larger or multiple packs for faster results

Note: While humidity packs can restore moisture, they cannot restore lost terpenes. Prevention is better than cure.

Curing with Humidity Packs

During the curing process:

Use packs to maintain consistent RH
Stabilizes the curing environment
Reduces need for "burping" jars
Ensures even curing throughout

Seasonal Adjustments

Environmental humidity affects pack performance:

Summer/humid seasons:

Packs absorb more, may deplete faster
Consider extra packs
Monitor for mold risk

Winter/dry seasons:

Packs release more moisture
May extend pack life
More critical for preventing over-drying

For Dispensaries and Brands

Inventory Management

Humidity packs help dispensaries:

Maintain product quality on shelves
Reduce weight loss from drying
Extend sellable shelf life
Ensure customer satisfaction

Customer Education

Include humidity packs with sales and educate customers:

How to use properly
When to replace
Storage best practices

Branded Storage Solutions

MunchMakers offers custom branded storage that works perfectly with humidity packs:

Glass stash jars with your logo
UV glass jars for premium products
Complete kits with packs included

Request a mockup to see branded options.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Mistake 1: Mixing RH Levels

Never use 58% and 62% packs together. They fight each other and neither works properly.

Mistake 2: Using Expired Packs

Hard, crispy packs are depleted. Replace them - they're not helping.

Mistake 3: Poor Container Seals

The best humidity pack can't compensate for a container that leaks air.

Mistake 4: Wrong Size Packs

Too small = poor humidity control. Match pack size to container size.

Mistake 5: Direct Product Contact

Packs should sit beside or on top of flower, not buried in it.

Alternative Humidity Solutions

DIY Options

Some users try homemade solutions:

Orange peel (risky - can introduce mold)
Wet cotton (imprecise, mold risk)
Damp paper towel (same issues)

Our recommendation: Commercial humidity packs are inexpensive and precisely calibrated. DIY methods introduce risks not worth the minimal savings.

Other Brands

While Boveda is the most recognized brand, other quality options exist:

Integra Boost
RAW Hydrostone (different approach)
Various generic two-way packs

Look for two-way humidity control, precise RH ratings, and food-grade materials.

Building Your Humidity-Controlled Storage System

The Complete Setup

Quality containers - Glass stash jars or UV glass jars
Appropriate humidity packs - 62% for most storage needs
Hygrometer (optional) - Digital for precise monitoring
Cool, dark storage location - Completes the preservation triangle

Organization Tips

Label containers with strain, date, and pack replacement date
Keep replacement packs on hand
Check packs monthly
Rotate stock appropriately

Conclusion

Humidity packs are an essential tool for serious cannabis storage. When paired with quality glass stash jars and proper storage conditions, they preserve potency, flavor, and texture for months.

The key is choosing the right RH level, sizing packs correctly, using quality containers, and monitoring for replacement needs.

Explore our storage collection to find containers that maximize the effectiveness of your humidity control system.