Drying marijuana is a very important process to get a high-quality final product. When dried properly, marijuana smokes smoother without any bitterness and harshness. The process, however, is typically a very slow and careful one. Many cannabis users are strong critics of any fast-drying methods as they believe that this process should not be rushed through to have a good batch of buds. However, knowing how to dry weed fast can come in handy in certain situations. In this article, we will give you the different ways that marijuana growers have tried experimenting to shorten the long process of drying marijuana while still ensuring the best possible results.
Importance of the Drying Process
Every cannabis gardener knows that the drying stage is as important as the growing phase and it can make or break the entire process. A bad drying process can ruin even the finest buds there is. An improper technique will lead to a loss of terpenes, the substances that contain the plant’s flavors, aromas, and effects. So, what does drying cannabis properly entail? And why is it so important?
Drying cannabis means removing at least 85% to 90% moisture content from the surface layers of the buds, depending on the desired crispiness of the final product. A successful drying process will take anywhere seven to 10 days and is dependent on several factors, including temperature, humidity, and airflow. It is not to be confused with curing, which entails deep drying and affecting the interior of the flowers while keeping them from decay.
Aside from enhanced taste and smoothness, the drying process has various benefits including eliminating any unpleasant odor from the grass, lowering the chances of inducing bouts of anxiety and paranoia on use, extending the buds’ shelf life, and increasing their levels of potency.
Methods of Drying Cannabis Quickly
There are several quick-dry methods for cannabis nowadays and we will give you a breakdown of the most popular techniques. Again, it is important to remember that the ideal and conventional drying method is a slow, careful process. These methods can cause your weed to taste a little harsher than usual, but the process is quick and easy, which is great if you are running low on weed and do not have the patience to slow-dry your cannabis.
Brown Bag method
The simple brown paper (not waxed) bags that you typically get from grocery stores and bakeries are perfect for drying weed quickly. Simply place a handful of freshly manicured popcorn buds into the brown bag, fold the bag up but not too tightly, and leave them to dry for two to three days. The bag traps humidity from within so make sure to avoid opening the bag during these days as it slows down the drying process. Just make sure to give the bag a shake now and then to promote proper circulation and airflow within the bag. Big and thick buds tend to dry out much longer than smaller ones and they are also more vulnerable to mold and mildew growth.
Next, take the half-way dried weed from the bag and place them on a paper towel in front of your computer fan. Make sure to move or turn the buds every 10 minutes or so to ensure consistent dryness across all the buds. This may take an hour or two until all the buds feel completely dry and brittle to the touch.
Sun-dried method
Drying weed under the sun was one of the oldest methods used by ancient civilizations, particularly in hot countries like India and Morocco. This method, of course, needs an environment that is dry and hot enough for the drying process to be successful. In damp environments, drying cannabis outdoors runs the risk of being infected with fungal pests. While this is one of the most traditional methods from ancient times, it certainly is not the most efficient. It is a well-known fact that heat and sunlight rob the weed of terpenes and degrades the quality of the buds. However, if you are in a hurry to dry weed fast for an emergency and desperate reasons, this drying method is worth a try.
For the sun-dried method, simply toss a handful of broken-down buds in a brown paper bag and find a place to set your bags of bud in the sun. Make sure to use a rock or some stones to weigh down your bag to avoid it from being swiped away by a gust of wind. Leave the bag under the sun for a day or two and your buds should be crispy enough and ready for a toke. Again, the downside of this method is the increased chances of destroyed terpenes.
Boiler room method
If you have a boiler room in your house, it is a great place to fast-dry your weed. Converting your boiler room into a drying box is perhaps one of the best methods known on how to dry weed fast without affecting its potency. In the boiler room, where the relative humidity is reduced, simply place small popcorn buds in a paper bag and turn up the heat by switching on the water heater. The bigger buds, on the other hand, can be hung on a string to dry. If you leave the hot water on throughout the day, your smaller buds should be completely dried in as short as three days while your bigger colas will be ready in four to five days. Take note that while this method will have the most minimal impact on your buds’ potency, it will substantially increase your utility bills.
Conclusion
Drying cannabis traditionally and correctly can take a long time that is why many marijuana growers continue to experiment with different methods on how to dry weed fast without affecting its flavors, aromas, and potency. The above-mentioned methods do not promise perfection but they will give you a fast stash of dried buds ready for any emergency smoke session.
