If you’re a true stoner or just sparking up from time to time, you’ve likely heard of kief, the powdery substance that is extracted from the cannabis plant. In short, kief is a form of cannabis concentrate. It’s often used to make edibles, and moonrocks or just sprinkled on top of buds in the bowl and smoked. However, like any other cannabis product, kief has a shelf life.
What is Kief?
Kief, also known as dry sift or pollen, is a powdery substance that is extracted from the trichomes of the cannabis plant. These trichomes act as a natural defense mechanism against insects, animals, and extreme weather, and also signal the maturity of the cannabis buds during the cultivation process. Kief is typically collected using a three-chamber herb grinder or a mesh screen.
Although its history is unclear, kief is said to have originated in either ancient Persia or India. It has been smoked by itself or in combination with tobacco. In a variety of places and has been used both medicinally and recreationally. When smoked, kief burns quickly and produces strong effects.
Why Is Kief So Potent?
Kief is a highly concentrated form of cannabis made up of the resin glands (trichomes) that break off from the buds. This results in a potent substance that is rich in cannabinoids and terpenes. Trichomes contain the majority of these compounds, and their high density in kief produces a strong and intense experience.
Kief is versatile and can be easily consumed by adding it to joints, bowls, or vaporizers. It is also ideal for creating even more potent edibles or extracts. The combination of high potency, ease of consumption, and abundant compounds are what make kief so powerful.
How Potent Is Kief?
Kief potency varies just like different strains of cannabis. Although typical cannabis flowers usually range from 12% to 25% THC, kief tends to have a much higher potency level ranging from 50% to 80%. In fact, some experts can even collect a form of kief known as “99% sift,” which is composed almost entirely of the heads of trichomes, making it the purest and most potent form of kief.
Additionally, different producers may use various methods to extract their kief, so if you are buying your kief instead of making it, make sure to research the product thoroughly.
Can Kief Go Bad?
Kief, like any other cannabis product, has a limited shelf life. It won’t spoil like edibles but its potency will degrade over time. Even though its shelf life is indefinite, it can be potentially dangerous for your health if it gets contaminated with molds or bacteria.
Factors Affecting the Shelf Life of Kief
The shelf life of kief can be affected by several factors, including:
- Moisture: Kief that is exposed to moisture can quickly degrade.
- Temperature: High temperatures can cause kief to dry out and lose potency, while low temperatures can cause moisture to build up and increase the risk of mold.
- Light: Exposure to light can cause kief to degrade and lose potency.
- Air: Kief that is exposed to air can quickly oxidize impacting the potency negatively.
How to Store Kief
If you want your kief to stay fresh and potent for as long as possible, here are the best ways to store it:
- Store in an airtight container: Using a mason jar with a tight-fitting lid is a good container for kief storage. This will prevent moisture and air from getting in prolonging its shelf life.
- Keep in a cool, dark place: In order to preserve its potency it’s best to store your kief in a dark and cool place. It doesn’t have to be anything fancy, a pantry or cupboard is a perfect option for storage.
- Avoid storing in the fridge or freezer: Keeping kief in the refrigerator or freezer may seem like a smart idea to keep it fresh, but it’s actually not. Doing so might increase the chances of your kief getting moist, thus the likelihood of it getting moldy will also increase.
- Use desiccant packs: Desiccant packs, which absorb moisture, can be added to the storage container to help keep kief staying dry.
How To Tell If Your Kief is Good?
To ensure that your kief is of good quality, there are three criteria you can use to evaluate it: color, smell, and texture.
Color
Depending on the strain of cannabis from which it was extracted, kief might vary in color, although it is often brown or greenish. If your kief appears too pale or too dark, it could be a sign that it was not processed correctly or may even be contaminated.
Smell
The smell of kief is the strongest indicator of its quality. Premium quality kief should have a pleasant, flowery aroma that is naturally present in the cannabis it was derived from. If you detect any harsh or chemical-like scents, it may suggest that your kief is of low quality.
Texture
A thin, consistent texture that is moist but not too wet is a sign of high-quality kief. Low-quality kief can be overly dry, which would make it more powdery. If your kief is overly wet, the cause may be a poor extraction method that exposed the kief to too much moisture.
Can You Get Sick From Kief?
Consuming kief itself will not make you sick, but it will definitely make you high or intoxicated if it contains enough THC. It’s crucial to be aware of the potency of your kief before using it.
However, as we already mentioned kief can get moldy and contaminated. Consuming contaminated kief can make you sick. You will most likely start feeling bad from the mold or contamination and not from kief itself. To avoid this, it’s crucial to ensure that your kief is sourced safely and free from any kind of contaminants.
Final Word
Kief is versatile and can be easily consumed by adding it to joints, bowls, or vaporizers. Its potency varies just like different strains of cannabis, and it can degrade over time. The shelf life of kief can be affected by several factors such as moisture, temperature, light, and air. That’s why it’s important to store your kief properly. By following the guidelines provided in this article, you can ensure that your kief stays potent for as long as possible.