Mylar Bags vs TerpLoc: What is the best way to store cannabis in Thailand?
So, you’re looking for the best way to store your cannabis in Thailand. Maybe you’re a grower, maybe you’re a seller, or maybe you just have some extra buds lying around that you would like to keep fresh. Anyone who wants to preserve the potency, flavour, and overall quality of their cannabis knows that proper storage is non-negotiable. And if you’ve done your research, chances are you’ve come across two popular options: Mylar bags and TerpLoc.
Mylar bags have long been the go-to for enthusiasts and professionals alike, but recent advances in storage technology, like Grove Bags’ TerpLoc, have sparked debate. Are Mylar bags still the reigning champions, or is TerpLoc the better solution? More importantly, which one is the right fit for your needs? Below, we’ve outlined the details to help you make an informed choice.
What are Mylar bags?
Let’s start with the basics. Mylar bags are made from biaxially oriented polyethene terephthalate (BoPET) film, often referred to simply as polyester film. Developed by chemical company DuPont in the 1950s, these bags are smell-proof, lightweight, and inexpensive. They’re widely valued for their ability to protect food, cosmetics, medicines, and even electronics from external factors like light and moisture.
Mylar bags benefits and drawbacks
For many years, countless people have sworn by Mylar bags for storing cannabis. These bags boast high tensile strength, so the chances of tears and punctures are minimal. They also provide a great barrier against moisture, light, and gases to extend the shelf life of stored items.
The addition of aluminium foil in some Mylar bags improves the bags’ features as they offer better protection against environmental factors like UV radiation, oxygen infiltration, and temperature fluctuations.
However, while Mylar bags do a decent job of protecting cannabis from external damage, they aren’t particularlydesigned to handle the specific needs of cannabis.
The limitations of Mylar bags for cannabis storage
Mylar bags fall short when it comes to regulating gases like oxygen and carbon dioxide, the two key elements that influence the curing process and long-term storage quality of cannabis. Although they create an excellent seal, the lack of breathability often leads to a static environment inside the bag. This limitation can result in several issues, including:
- A stale environment: Without adequate airflow, the bag’s headspace can become stagnant, negatively affecting the plant’s overall quality.
- Trichome degradation: Trichomes, which house valuable cannabinoids and terpenes, are prone to damage in unregulated conditions.
- Humidity control problems: Mylar bags are not designed to maintain an ideal relative humidity. This causes a greater risk of over-drying or moisture build-up that can damage the product.
Another significant disadvantage of Mylar bags is their failure to preserve terpenes. Terpenes are highly volatile compounds that contribute to the unique aroma, flavour, and effects of cannabis. These compounds are particularly sensitive to environmental changes and can degrade or evaporate in the wrong conditions.
Mylar’s limited airflow and potential to trap excess moisture exacerbate this problem. Therefore, the cannabis stored in Mylar bags may lose its distinctive qualities over time and reduce the user’s experience.
What is TerpLoc?
Made and patented by Grove Bags, TerpLoc is a storage technology that combines Modified Atmosphere Packaging (MAP) with custom-designed Proprietary TerpLoc Film to create an ideal microclimate for cannabis. This microclimate actively regulates the internal environment to optimise conditions for curing and preservation. As a result, Grove Bags are not only lightweight and smell-proof but can also improve your cannabis quality and extend its shelf life.
TerpLoc’s unique advantages over Mylar bags
Mylar bags were originally created for applications like photographic film and balloon construction. On the other hand, TerpLoc was specifically engineered for the unique physiology of cannabis by passionate growers.
This difference in design translates to superior functionality. For instance, Mylar only protects cannabis from UV damage when fully opaque, which limits product visibility. TerpLoc, on the other hand, safeguards against harmful UV rays even if the pouch includes a clear viewing window.
But how does it work, exactly?
The science behind MAP involves maintaining the ideal balance of gases within the packaging. It allows unwanted gasses like excess oxygen to diffuse out but retains beneficial gases like elevated levels of carbon dioxide.
MAP has been widely used in the food industry. For cannabis, TerpLoc adopted this approach to reduce oxidative stress, preserve terpene profiles, and prevent volatile compound loss during storage and curing.
Why oxygen and carbon dioxide control matters
Cannabis, like all plants, continues to ‘breathe’ (release gases) after harvest through a process called respiration. Excess carbon dioxide generated during this phase is typically lost in conventional storage methods. However, TerpLoc captures and retains these gases.
A 12-week study conducted by Veda Scientific showed that an elevated carbon dioxide environment can help cannabis retain water by reducing stomatal conductance, the process by which water escapes through tiny pores (stomata) on the plant’s surface. This reduction in moisture loss preserves the weight and texture of the buds, which helps them maintain their freshness over time.
Additionally, increased carbon dioxide levels create a less hospitable environment for mould and pathogens. This plays a critical role in maintaining the safety and quality of cannabis, keeping it in pristine condition for longer periods.
What about oxygen? Well, it plays a dual role in cannabis storage. It’s needed in small amounts for plant respiration but becomes harmful when present in excess. Prolonged exposure to oxygen accelerates oxidation, degrading terpenes and cannabinoids.
According to the study by Veda Scientific, TerpLoc created an environment with significantly reduced oxygen levels compared to traditional options like mason jars. Due to this controlled oxygen environment, cannabis stored inside Grove Bags experienced slower terpene degradation and greater retention of THC and other cannabinoids.
Terpene preservation without the hassle of burping
Perhaps more importantly, TerpLoc’s ability to regulate oxygen and carbon dioxide levels contributes to the preservation of volatile compounds like terpenes and cannabinoids.
As we’ve mentioned before, terpenes are the compounds that give cannabis its distinctive aroma and flavour. Unfortunately, they are also the first to degrade under improper storage conditions. While Mylar bags simply seal cannabis, TerpLoc actively creates an environment that supports polymerisation, the process by which terpenes evolve into more complex profiles over time.
Another benefit of TerpLoc’s stable and self-regulating environment is that you don’t have to worry about ‘burping,’ a common practice with traditional storage methods like mason jars and Mylar bags.
Burping involves periodically opening the container to release built-up gases and regulate humidity, but this process has drawbacks. Each time the container is opened, oxygen floods in, accelerating terpene evaporation and risking oxidation.
Thus, aside from allowing terpenes to develop fully, TerpLoc saves time and effort for both cultivators and consumers. You can rest assured that your cannabis stays fresh and aromatic without constant monitoring.
Which should you choose, Mylar bags or Grove Bags’ TerpLoc?
In order to answer that question, let’s first see the direct comparison of Mylar bags and Grove Bags’ TerpLoc technology.
| Features | Mylar Bags | Grove Bags’ TerpLoc |
| Material | BoPET film | Multilayer MAP technology |
| Oxygen Control | Basic, lacks fine-tuned regulation | Optimised for low-oxygen conditions |
| Carbon Dioxide (COâ‚‚) Management | No control over COâ‚‚ | Elevates COâ‚‚ to improve moisture retention |
| Terpene Preservation | Moderate | Superior, preserves more terpenes and cannabinoids |
| Moisture Retention | Moderate | High, reduces dehydration and weight loss |
| Effects on Cannabis Quality | Decreases over time | Preserves full spectrum of compounds, enhancing quality |
| Ideal for Long-Term Storage | Not optimal | Yes, designed for long-term freshness |
From this comparison, we can see that TerpLoc outperforms Mylar bags in many ways. Still, the choice between Mylar and TerpLoc depends on your priorities.
Mylar bags are a solid choice if you’re simply looking for a budget-friendly and short-term storage that offers odour control and protection from light. However, if you’re serious about maintaining the full spectrum of cannabis quality, Grove Bags with TerpLoc technology are worth the investment. Their advanced technology ensures a stable microclimate, preserving terpenes, cannabinoids, and moisture better than Mylar bags.
Not all bags are created equal. While Mylar bags have their place, the science behind Grove Bags’ TerpLoc for cannabis storage in Thailand is undeniable.
For those in Thailand, Grove Bags are now available through Grin Goodness, the official distributor.
Visit Grin Goodness’ website to make your purchase or learn more about the benefits of TerpLoc. For the latest updates and promotions, follow them on Facebook and Instagram.
Latest Thailand News
