Drying cannabis after harvest removes excess water content from the plant material. Reducing this moisture is essential to preserve quality and prevent the growth of mold and mildew. This process prepares the buds for curing, which improves the final product’s flavor, aroma, and smoothness. The goal of drying is to reduce the flower’s moisture content to a range typically between 10% and 15% before final storage.
The Standard Drying Timeline
The time it takes for cannabis to dry generally falls within a range of five to fourteen days. This timeline is heavily influenced by external factors, requiring careful monitoring of the environment and the buds. A slower drying period is preferred because it helps preserve the delicate compounds that create the plant’s unique characteristics.
The size and density of the buds are primary variables, as larger buds hold significantly more moisture than smaller ones. The initial moisture content of the plant when harvested also plays a role in drying speed. Furthermore, the method of trimming—whether leaves were removed before (wet trim) or after (dry trim)—will influence the drying speed.
Optimizing the Drying Environment
Successful drying requires precise control over three environmental factors: temperature, humidity, and airflow. Maintaining a cool, dark environment ensures that cannabinoids and volatile aromatic compounds, known as terpenes, are preserved. If the temperature is too high, these compounds can degrade or evaporate quickly, resulting in a less potent and less flavorful final product.
The ideal temperature range for a controlled dry is between 60°F and 70°F (15°C to 21°C). Relative humidity (RH) should be maintained between 45% and 55% to facilitate a steady evaporation rate. If humidity is too low, buds dry too quickly, leading to a brittle texture; excessively high humidity creates a risk of mold and fungal growth.
Air circulation requires gentle, consistent movement to prevent stagnant, moisture-laden air from forming around the buds. Using an oscillating fan is helpful, but the air should never be directed straight onto the plant material, which causes the outside of the buds to dry faster than the inside. A steady exchange of air helps evenly remove the evaporating moisture.
Signs That Drying is Complete
Determining when the drying phase is complete requires a physical inspection of the buds and their stems. The most reliable method is the “snap test,” focusing on the structural integrity of the small branches. When a small branch is gently bent, it should snap cleanly with a slight audible break rather than simply bending or feeling spongy.
This clean break indicates that enough moisture has been removed from the plant’s internal structure, signifying the ideal moisture content for the next stage. The exterior of the buds should feel dry, and the smaller sugar leaves surrounding the flower should be crisp. If the main, thicker stem still bends without breaking, the buds need more time to dry.
The goal is for the outer layer to be dry while the inner part of the bud still retains a small amount of moisture. This prevents the buds from becoming overly dry or brittle, which results in harsh smoke and a loss of desirable compounds. This drying process typically results in the buds losing about 75% to 80% of their initial wet weight.
The Curing Stage
Once the buds are sufficiently dry, the process transitions to curing, an equally important phase for maximizing quality. Curing focuses on moisture equalization and the controlled breakdown of organic compounds, not further moisture removal. It takes place by storing the dried buds in airtight containers, such as glass mason jars.
During the initial phase of curing, the buds still respire, releasing trace amounts of moisture and gasses into the sealed environment. This moisture moves from the center of the bud to the surface, creating an even distribution of water content throughout the flower. This equalization is necessary for a smooth final product.
The most important step in curing is “burping,” which involves opening the containers daily for a few minutes, especially during the first week. This action releases excess moisture and gaseous byproducts, such as ammonia, while replenishing the oxygen inside the jar. Burping prevents the buildup of humidity that encourages mold growth.
The minimum recommended curing time is two weeks, but four to eight weeks is often necessary for optimal results. Over this longer period, compounds like chlorophyll break down, which removes the “grassy” or “hay-like” taste from the smoke. A well-cured product has a smoother smoke, a more distinct flavor profile, and enhanced aroma due to the preservation of terpenes.