offset-4 transition-colors hover:underline" title="Learn more about Water activity">Water activity (aw) measures the free moisture in a product, affecting its shelf life and safety.
Also called / Category:
Relative humidity / Harvest, Dry & Cure
Key takeaways:
- Essential for determining shelf stability and microbial growth.
- Measured on a scale from 0 (completely dry) to 1.0 (pure water).
- Low water activity helps prevent mould and bacterial growth.
- Important for the drying and curing process of cannabis.
- Impacts flavour, texture, and potency preservation.
What it is / How it shows up:
Water activity (aw) is commonly mentioned in Certificates of Analysis or product testing reports in the cannabis industry. It refers to the amount of free water available in a product, which can influence microbial growth and shelf life. In cannabis, controlling water activity during the Harvest, Dry & Cure stages is crucial for maintaining product quality. A well-balanced aw level ensures the final product is safe, potent, and maintains its aromatic profile.
How it’s measured or identified:
- Measured using a water activity meter.
- Expressed as a decimal value between 0.00 and 1.00.
- Ideal aw for cannabis is typically around 0.55 to 0.65.
Use in context:
- "Our dried flower has an aw of 0.60, ensuring optimal freshness."
- "Adjusting the drying process can help achieve the right water activity level."
- "Monitoring aw is crucial for preventing mould during storage."
Safety & compliance in Canada:
- Ensures cannabis products meet health and safety standards.
- Helps comply with Health Canada's microbial safety guidelines.
Related terms / See also:
FAQs:
What is the ideal water activity level for cannabis? The ideal water activity level for cannabis is typically between 0.55 and 0.65, which helps maintain freshness and prevent microbial growth.
How does water activity affect cannabis storage? Water activity influences the likelihood of microbial spoilage, affecting the shelf life and safety of stored cannabis products.
Sources:
- Health Canada
- PubChem
- Journal of Food Protection