Once the marijuana plants are harvested, the buds must be dried and cured. Doing this ensures the best quality of aromatic and potent cannabinoids and terpenes. Drying the buds on stainless steel drying racks is the preferred method.
Drying and curing the freshly harvested buds will help get rid of the high chlorophyll content and improve the taste of buds. It also helps get rid of the 'cut grass' or 'fresh hay' smell and brings out the flavor of the cannabis strain. It also reduces the growth of mold and bacteria and increases potency.
The drying process should neither be too long nor too short. So what is the ideal way to dry the Cannabis plant?
The drying of the wet cannabis plants is usually achieved in the open air. Drying can take about two to seven days.
Freshly harvested plants can be hang-dried to preserve the shape of the bud. This can be done by drying whole plants on hanging stainless steel drying racks. Complete plant drying is usually done for large harvests, is labor-intensive, and can damage the crop if not correctly done.
Wet-bucking flowers off the plant using a Harvest Supply Bucking Machine: If wet trimming is done, it may take less time as most of the plant, i.e., the stick, branches, stem, and leaves, are cut off, leaving more miniature plants to dry.
How to Dry Weed Without Hanging It?
Drying weed without hanging it traditionally can be done with a bud dryer or a dedicated cannabis drying room:
1. Use a Bud Dryer: Invest in a bud dryer for efficient drying.
2. Prepare Buds: Trim and load trimmed buds into the dryer.
3. Set Conditions: Adjust temperature (70-75°F) and humidity (45-55%).
4. Monitor: Regularly check buds for color, texture, and aroma.
5. Rotate if Needed: Ensure even drying by rotating the drying buds.
6. Store After Drying: Transfer dried buds to airtight containers for curing.
7. Consider a Drying Room: For larger harvests, create a dedicated drying room with controlled conditions and ventilation.
8. Monitor and Wait: Keep an eye on the drying progress, then store in airtight containers for curing.
Dried On Stainless Steel Cannabis Drying Racks
Check the buds and branches by bending the stem with any drying process. If it snaps, then the buds are fully dry.
The equipment required for the drying process includes:
- Stainless Steel Hanging Racks
- Hygrometer for maintaining humidity and temperature
- Dehumidifier
- Fan or AC unit
One can find excellent cannabis drying racks in Canada. They're readily available online. The best option is stainless drying racks.
What You Need to Know About Setting Up A Cannabis Drying Room
Harvest weed in a dark place between 60-70°F and 55-65% humidity. Keep an eye on the moisture with a cheap hygrometer.
Get a small fan and add a dehumidifier or air conditioner if you need to. It might be time to adjust the humidity or temperature in your space if it's taking too long for your buds to dry.
Equipment for Drying Cannabis
- Stainless Steel Drying Racks or Hanging Racks
- Thermometer and humidifier
- Fan
- Air conditioner (optional)
- And dehumidifier
Here Are Some Tips on How You Can Dry Buds Without Hanging Them Up to Dry
During wet trimming, a bucking machine is used, then you will require a stainless steel drying rack with trays to store the trimmed individual buds - you cannot hang them because there will be too many trimmed buds. Airflow is improved with stainless steel trays, which have holes right to the top.
After a couple of days, if the dry buds have not squished enough, you can check on them by giving them a little squeeze. It may be necessary to leave them overnight and check them the following morning if they are still too wet.
If you're looking to buy yourself the perfect cannabis drying supplies, find them at Harvest Supply Canada.