The Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) is the regulator for private retail of cannabis in the province. Minimizing public risk and ensuring safety are priorities in the regulation of cannabis.
According to the AGCO, all cannabis “must be stored securely at all times” and can only be accessed by staff from the time it is received until the time it is sold.
Keeping products stored securely in retail locations is part of controlling who can access them, as they aren’t appropriate for children.
In addition, standards can also be followed to preserve quality and freshness, making sure that products are free of mold and maintain their quality for customers. Factors that can influence quality and freshness include:
- Temperature
- Moisture
- Light
The Importance of Safety in Storing AGCO Cannabis
It’s important to keep cannabis out of reach of children at all times. This applies to both retail locations and consumers taking the product home. You can advise customers to keep cannabis safely stored away from youngsters, with the following tips.
- Keep cannabis in locked containers
- Store products in places that children are unable to reach or access
- Follow these tips if children are in your home from time to time, not just if you are a parent
- Keep these tips in mind for pets as well, who may be able to access more areas
Keep cannabis out of reach of children to protect them from harm
Tips for Proper AGCO Cannabis Temperatures
Even after purchasing cannabis from an AGCO cannabis retail location, it is best kept in a cool, dry location. You can advise customers that this is important because:
- Excess heat can lead to the cannabis drying out, which can make the product harsher when consumed. This is due to both the plant material being drier and the loss of oils that contain cannabinoids and terpenes.
- Cooler temperatures will also lessen the development of CBN in the plant. This is what THC degrades into when cannabis ages or is stored in less than ideal temperatures. If this happens, the profile of the product is changed and its effects are altered.
Oils can be stored at room temperature, but some can be refrigerated, depending on the product.
Humidity can breed mildew or mold, so keeping the products dry is key for quality and preservation. Keeping an eye on humidity is important, with a general tip to keep the relative humidity between 59% to 63% RH. This will preserve:
- Colour
- Flavour
- Scent
Keeping cannabis in airtight containers will help it stay dry and fresh, protecting it from moisture in the air. Hot air holds more moisture than cold air, so temperature and moisture go hand in hand.
Humidity breeds mold and mildew, which can threaten the health and safety of consumers
How to Control Light for Optimal Cannabis Storage
Clear packaging allows light to enter, which can be detrimental to the quality of cannabis. An advantage of Ontario regulations is that AGCO cannabis must be kept in opaque packages, blocking light.
At home, customers may choose to store their products in different containers, such as glass jars. Keeping these containers away from direct light will offer many benefits, such as:
- Reduced degradation from harmful UV rays
- Increased control over temperature and less exposure to heat
- Prevention of interior “sweating” within containers caused by too much warmth, which can encourage mold to grow
Many people store their cannabis in mason jars for their airtight quality, but this can let in sunlight
Are you interested in an AGCO cannabis application?
Contact AAPS for more information!