by Jorge Cervantes
Drying
Fresh green marijuana is not very potent. Drying converts THC into its psychoactive form and removes about 75 percent of the moisture from freshly harvested plants. Moisture evaporates evenly when plants are dried slowly over 5-7 days or longer. Buds are dry throughout so will taste sweet and smoke smooth. Buds dried too quickly retain chlorophyll and other substances within foliage. Such poorly dried cannabis tastes “green”, burns unevenly, and tastes bad.
The temperature in the ideal drying room is between 65 and 75F and humidity from 45-55 percent. Temperatures below 65F slow drying, and humidity is more difficult to control. Humidity above 8- percent slows drying and increases the chances of mold attacks. Temperatures above 75F may cause buds to dry too fast, and humidity can also fall below the ideal 50 percent level more easily. Always use an accurate maximum / minimum thermometer and hygrometer to ensure temperature and humidity are kept in ideal range.
Use a small circulation fan to keep air moving in the drying room, but do not train the fan directly on buds or they will dry unevenly. A ventilation fan may also be necessary to help control extreme humidity and temperatures.
Check for dryness by bending a stem. The stem should snap rather than fold when bent. The bud should be dry to touch, but not brittle. Dry buds burn well when rolled into a joint. Once dry, buds are ready to cure. Curing is essential!