So, you have invested time and resources in carefully growing marijuana bushes. You lovingly fulfilled all the requirements for growing, and here it is – the long-awaited harvest, which you so want to taste as soon as possible. This article will explain what happens at this stage and share important tips for drying cannabis.
Do not rush; there is still an incredibly important stage ahead – drying, which can significantly affect the quality of the crop. That is why American marijuana experts recommend that growers plan their marijuana drying process strategy at the stage of acquiring seeds and planting them.
Why Is It Essential to Properly Dry Cannabis?
In a plant that has not dried up, life continues. The vital juices circulate, the cells absorb energy, and for this, the remaining reserves of sugars and starch are broken down. Therefore, smoking humid buds is fraught not only with an unpleasant vegetable taste, but also with cough, pain in the throat and lungs, and other nasty sensations. Properly dried cannabis provides exactly the flavor and aroma you read in the strain description.
That is not all.
Cannabinoid compounds that influence the strength of the impact and useful properties of marijuana, including the medicinal ones, are produced through biosynthesis. During drying, some compounds pass into new formations. For example, as a result of the decarboxylation process, THCA converts into the intoxicating THC (and raw CBDA into aromatic and healing CBD).
Proper storage of the harvest enhances the process of converting non-psychoactive cannabinoids into THCA and greatly accelerates it. It turns out that the more responsibly you treat the drying process, the more high-quality buzz you will get at the output. Isn’t it a motivation?
During drying, water and other substances evaporate in large volumes from the kush. Beginners often askб how much weight does weed lose when drying? As a rule, at the end of the process, about 1/4 of the mass of the harvested crop remains.
How to Dry Marijuana Properly?
One of the important steps is preparation for drying. It includes several stages:
- Inspection: immediately after collection, you need to inspect all the buds carefully. If you find the mold and any other pathology, be sure to dispose of the affected part of the crop. It is necessary because the disease can go to the entire crop, even when creating ideal conditions for drying
- Space preparation: find a perfectly dark and dry place with the right temperature. Cannabis drying temp must be within 15-21 °C (60-70 °F) and humidity between 55-65%. To measure these parameters, you can purchase a cheap hygrometer
- Think about the equipment for drying. It can be a hanger, a stretched rope or wire, special devices for drying weed – for example, a drying rack
- Add a small fan, as well as a dehumidifier or air conditioner, to improve air circulation
You can dry marijuana in two ways: lay it flat or hang branches. In the first case, it is necessary to make the correct pruning and spread the buds evenly over the surface – so that they do not lie too close to each other.
The main advantage of drying cannabis with branches is the metabolic processes in the stems, which continue even after they are separated from the roots. Instead of chlorophyll and unnecessary cannabinoids, the percentage of THC will increase in the cut bush.
The maximum benefit from this can be taken out if the marijuana drying process takes place in compliance with all the rules.
- branches should hang cut up
- the stems should be the same length (30-45 cm) – so that they dry evenly
- to dry the stems, use a grow box that will be protected from bright light
- carefully monitor ventilation, temperature (21-22 °C), and humidity when drying weed
The disadvantages of this method are the risk of mold and the drying time.
On average, the drying process lasts from 6 to 8 days. Over drying is not a good idea – this is fraught with the same loss of taste and aromatic qualities as excessive moisture.
How to know when a weed is done drying? If the stems break when bent, drying is over. If the branch is elastic and bends, it is necessary to dry further.
Conclusion
Drying the crop is not as difficult as it might seem at first glance, and any beginner can do it perfectly. It is only important to show a little patience and care for the plant that you have been lovingly nurturing for two months. Then you can fully enjoy the wonderful result.