Bud Storage & Preservation with The Herbal Preserver – an Interview

At Cannabis News, we appreciate a quality outcome when it comes to bud. we have all acquired a taste for the finer things when it comes to cannabis, which is why we steer more towards the realm of indoor cultivation.

However, a good yield doesn’t end with harvesting. The curing process is actually one of the most important parts when it comes to preserving your cannabis and ensuring the highest quality outcome.

So we got in touch with Mike, aka The Herbal Preserver. A veteran of cannabis culture and cultivation, this man knows his stuff when it comes to preserving bud and curing it to perfection. We wanted to find out what he gets up to and find out a little more about his methodology.

What does The Herbal Preserver do?
We are an African Distributor for Boveda 2-way humidity control sachets for their Cannabis range (58% and 62%).

What is the purpose/importance of Humidity Packs?
Once properly dried flower is placed into jars, it is essential to provide the correct relative humidity (58% and 62%) in your container.
If there is too much moisture, mould will start growing. On the converse, a flower that is too dry has lost potency, smell and flavour.
Boveda 2-way humidity control sachets will add or remove moisture to provide the perfect relative humidity to keep Cannabis in its’ prime.

Is there a natural alternative to Boveda Humidity Packs?
Boveda is made up of natural ingredients. Salt is the brain that controls the relative humidity, something that has been tried and tested through the ages. Boveda is unique in what it does and knowing there may be alternatives nothing that can do what Boveda does with such precision and ease. No mess. No worries. Enjoy!

What’s more important – the drying or the curing process?
Both drying and curing are absolutely essential!

You find an old nug in your room – you don’t know what it is, where it came from or how old it is. Do you smoke it or toss it?
If the old nug is super dry, then most of the flavour and potency will be lost but I won’t waste. If the nug has been sitting in a high humidity room then it has a chance of being infested with mould and I will then toss it.

When did you get involved in the cannabis industry and how did your journey start?
Unofficially and for my own personal consumption, I have been playing with cannabis since a teen, but most of my learning started 12 years ago when I started helping my father in law grow his precious medicine. He tragically passed away and I planted his indoor crop outside. These plants grew into monsters and were harvested then dried while I was away. I received my jar of King’s Kush which clearly didn’t dry at the same rate as the rest so when I popped the lid and smelled ammonia I knew the bud was mouldy. This miffed me out and I started exploring the dangers of mould and how to get rid of mould. The simple answer was to not get mould because it is so dangerous and is near impossible to get rid of without sophisticated lab equipment. Boveda came to the rescue with its simple and effective 2-way humidity control sachets.
I was fortunate enough to get African distribution rights for Boveda 2-way humidity control sachets in July 2018. This marks the official start to my journey in the cannabis industry.

Of all aspects in this industry, what pulled you towards the preservation of bud? Cannabis is a precious medicine and if not preserved correctly, it becomes a dull medicine and potentially a danger to whoever consumes it. I was fortunate enough to be able to work with the happy Boveda team and be able to distribute an incredible product that can help everyone, from the granny with arthritis to the master growers of the Cannabis industry.

What is your least favourite aspect about the cannabis industry or community in South Africa?
The lack of clarity in legislation is the biggest hindrance and cause of frustration to the cannabis industry. This lack of clarity hinders ones ability to make informed decisions which affects planning and makes execution super tough.

What is the best cannabis strain you’ve ever smoked?
Blue Cheese. I haven’t found that specific cut for many a year.

Where can people find out more about you and get a hold of your products?
We are a wholesaler so the best bet is to check out the following website for a list of our retailer partners… www.nvrdry.co.za

If you want to know more from a similar sphere, see out articles on harvesting and curing. But for all your curing and preservation needs, check out The Herbal Preserver – Mike and his team will help you out!