How to Dry Weed and Cure It for Best Potency

How to Dry Weed Correctly

As the first step after harvesting cannabis, the primary goal of drying weed is to reduce the moisture content of the freshly harvested cannabis plants. High moisture can lead to moldy weed and bacterial growth, and that’s definitely not the thing you want to consume. What’s more, the drying process helps in the conversion of non-psychoactive cannabinoids like THCA into psychoactive THC. Without proper drying, the weed fails to achieve its desired potency.

Now let’s get back to the track. Successful weed-drying requires efforts in quite a few aspects, starting from the temperature and humidity levels in the dry room to the lighting conditions. Take it easy, we’ll sort them out one by one. 

How Long Does It Take to Dry Weed

When you can finish drying weed depends on another cannabis treatment, trimming, which is the process of removing the excess foliage and non-essential parts from the harvested cannabis plant. 

• Wet Trimming: By practicing wet trimming, most of the cannabis material is trimmed away before drying, which means there is less plant material to dry. This often results in a shorter drying process, approximately 2-7 days, as the trimmed buds have less moisture overall. 
• Dry Trimming: When dry trimming, harvested plants or branches are hung upside down on a line or hanger. This can be done with either whole plants or individual branches. Hanging the plants preserves the shape of the buds, preventing them from getting flattened or misshapen as they dry. The drying process in this method takes a bit longer and is typically completed within 7 to 14 days.

Regardless of the trimming method, the best way to test if the buds are dry enough is to bend a branch or stem after about two days. If the stem snaps cleanly, the buds are fully dry. Otherwise, give it more time. 

Dry Room: Temperature, Humidity, and Lighting

We both know how cannabis smells, and the weed smell can last for days in your room. So a room with good air circulation is preferred. When unavailable, a small fan can help facilitate gentle air movement. Then, when picking up the ideal dry room, three things need to be considered: temperature, humidity, and lighting conditions. 

• Temperature: A suitable drying room should have a temperature maintained between 60-70°F. 
• Humidity: The humidity should be kept within a range of 55-65%. Consider using a plant humidifier or even dehumidifier when in extreme conditions. 
• Lighting: To start with, the dry room needs to be dark and to some extent, light-tight. If you dry weed in light, it can cause UV light to degrade the integrity of cannabinoids and terpenes in the marijuana. You can open the door to check on weed-drying status but do avoid prolonged light exposure. 

In conclusion, to set up the best dry room for your weed, the list includes:

• A drying rack or a line to hang the buds.
• A hygrometer for monitoring temp and humidity levels. 
• A fan for air circulation.
• A humidifier or dehumidifier. 

How to Dry Weed by Hanging Upside Down

1. Choose large branches or even whole plants for hang drying. In this way, you don't have to collect buds off the branches one by one. 
2. Hang the selected weed upside down. Ensure that each branch has enough space around it for air to circulate freely and also avoid moldy weed, especially when you are in damp or humid regions. 
3. Since there's more plant matter, including branches, stems, stalks, and fan leaves, the drying process may take 2 weeks or longer to finish. 

How to Dry Weed Buds

Alternatively, you can wet-trim the cannabis before drying it. Trimmed buds take up less space compared with dry hanging, however, you won’t be able to hang them in a line. That’s when racks come into play. 

1. Use a flat drying rack when working with wet-trimmed buds. These racks are circular with multiple layers of mesh, which is ideal for ensuring good airflow around the buds.
2. Spread the trimmed buds evenly across the rack. Make sure they are not overlapping or piled on top of each other to allow for even drying.
3. Check the buds after 2-3 days by gently pressing them. If they still feel too wet, leave them to dry further and check again the next day.

How to Cure Weed Properly

Curing weed is an essential yet overlooked step in cannabis processing that follows drying. By storing dried weed in airtight containers, curing breaks down the chlorophyll and other plant materials that can impart a harsh or 'green' flavor to the buds, leading to a smoother, more refined flavor and a more pleasant aroma. Moreover, well-cured weed can maintain its quality and potency in sealed containers for up to two years without worrying about mold, cannabinoid, or terpene degradation. 

How Long Does It Take to Cure Weed

Typically, a proper weed-curing process takes about 4 to 8 weeks. A period of at least 4 weeks is required for basic curing. However, experienced growers prefer a longer curing time, around 6 to 8 weeks or even longer. Extending the curing process allows for the development of a more complex flavor profile and can potentially increase the potency.

Curing Cannabis

Similar to drying weed, successful weed curing also relies on the right temperature and humidity level. So, don’t throw away the hygrometer since you still need it in the following procedures. 

1. Use airtight containers for curing, such as glass mason jars. Don’t use plastic bags or containers as they can affect the flavor and aroma of the cannabis.
2. Fill the jars with your dried buds, but don't overpack them. The buds should loosely fill the jars to about 3/4 full to allow for fluent air circulation.
3. Place the jars in a cool, dark place. The ideal storage temperature is around 60-70°F (15-21°C). Anything below 50°F is likely to degrade or evaporate the cannabis. As for the humidity level in the jar, keep it around 55-65%. 
4. During the first week of curing, open the jars once or twice a day for about 10-15 minutes to let fresh air in and excess moisture out. After that, burp the dried weed every few days. The burping process allows gases from the curing process to escape.

Note: If the buds are overly dry, a simple humidity pack can rescue your weed. On the contrary, for excessively moist buds, keep the lid of the container open for either half a day or a full day before closing it again. 

How to Store Dry Dill Weed 

After proper drying and curing, the last stop for cannabis is storage. Well-placed cannabis can last for at least 1 year with decent flavor and potency. How to store dry dill weed? Here are some pro tips to master cannabis storage. 

• An airtight glass container is a must. Glass jars with tight-fitting or vacuum-sealed lids are ideal. 
• Place the container in a cool, dry place, similar to where you store the wine. A pantry or a cupboard away from heat sources (like stoves or ovens) and out of direct sunlight is a good location.
• Minimize the dill’s exposure to air. Each time you open the container, close it as quickly and tightly as possible. Oxygen can cause the herbs to lose their potency more quickly.
• If you live in a humid environment, consider adding a small packet of desiccant (like silica gel) to the storage jar to absorb any excess moisture.

One more reminder, it's helpful to label the container with the date of storage. While dried dill weed doesn’t necessarily go bad, it’s better consumed within one year of drying. Don’t miss the peak potency!

Conclusion 

Properly drying weed, whether by hang drying or using flat racks, is crucial for reducing moisture and enhancing potency. The subsequent curing process refines the flavor and aroma, extending the shelf life. By giving a complete guide on how to dry weed, this post endeavors you master post-harvest cannabis care. These steps ensure your cannabis retains its quality and potency, providing an optimal experience. Have a question when drying weed? Leave a comment below and we’d like to help!