How Long Does It Take To Dry Weed?

There are a number of ways to dry weed, and the method used affects the time it will take to fully dry. Some of the factors that influence drying time include ambient temperature, humidity, how densely the plants are packed while they dry, and how many leaves are left on the plant. The marijuana buds are ready once the stems snap when bent and the buds are dry to the touch.  In ideal conditions, this natural method of dehydration takes between three to seven days.

Most growers recommend slow drying in order to maximize the quality of the weed. Drying is the first step in the curing process, and properly cured weed tends to be more potent and better tasting. In dry areas, weed should be stopped from drying too quickly. In humid areas especially, caution should be taken so that mould doesn’t begin to grow.

There are many ways to dry weed quickly, but most people agree that quick drying reduces the quality of the cannabis considerably. Marijuana can dry is as little as ten to twenty minutes in the oven or in the microwave. Marijuana should never be dried in temperatures hotter than 65 degrees Celsius, as this can damage the THC, reducing the potency of the drug.

Here are some of the factors that can be modified in order to achieve an ideal drying time.

Humidity: The ideal humidity for drying weed is about 50 per cent. If humidity is under 30 per cent or over 60 per cent, growers may choose to use a humidifier or dehumidifier. The way in which weed is dried can also help compensate for high or low humidity.

Temperature: Weed dries best when the temperature is around 21 degrees Celsius. Drying weed in temperatures above 30 degrees can negatively affect the taste and quality of the final product.

Space: How closely packed the weed is while it’s drying will affect the time it takes, so the plant can be given more or less space depending on how humid the room is. Weed should be given lots of space in a humid area, preferably on a drying rack designed explicitly for marijuana. In dry areas, weed plants can be dried close together so that they do not dry out too quickly.

Cut: Plants can be cut and hung upside down while still whole. Other growers prefer to cut and hang individual branches. Weed buds can also be dried individually on a mesh screen — this is best in humid areas.  In general, the more stem that is left, the slower the marijuana will dry.

Leaves: The amount of leaves left on the plant while it dries also affects drying time. Most growers prefer to trim the big fan leaves, but they can be left off in a dry area. In humid regions, even the small leaves growing on the buds can be removed. In very humid areas, growers may wish to remove the buds from the branches and dry them on their own.