Weed too dry? Don’t despair, there are solutions.
Is your weed too dry? An old Chinese proverb wisely explains: “the best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago, but that the second-best time is now.” We’ve all had that feeling of pity when picking the last of our stash out of the bottom of a jar. We wonder just what we might have done differently as we hold those dried out buds in our hands. You know, the kind that turn to dust once ground and make us cough when smoked. Fortunately, there is something you can do.
Is Your Weed Too Dry?
Harvested cannabis hates the very things we humans thrive on — UV light and oxygen. If we had stored it correctly, then perhaps we’d still have those potent smelling green buds. That Chinese wisdom tells us we should have acted sooner. But let’s spare the lecture and discuss the second best thing.
The good news is that you can bring your cannabis back to life. Those potent-smelling, terpene-infused fluffy buds can once again live to be smoked another day. It’s surprisingly straightforward. Solutions stem from something as simple as using an orange peel to the more sophisticated process of cannabis humidors.
Method 1 – Use Fruit Peels to Rehydrate Your Cannabis
Fruit peels can work wonders for solving this ‘weed too dry’ problem. The preferred fruit for the job is an orange peel. Orange works well as it’s the flesh itself that holds the majority of the moisture, while the skin contains essential oils and helps to infuse a subtle fruity flavor into the dried cannabis.
To rehydrate your cannabis, take a couple of peels and place them in a ziplock bag or in a glass jar with the bud. Be careful not to allow the peel to touch the cannabis. Place the peel in a perforated bag if needed.
Within 1-4 days, your cannabis should be sufficiently rehydrated. When it comes to rehydrating, a little moisture goes a long way. With too much moisture you run the risk of forming mold, and that’s the last thing you want to burn and inhale. One scientific study showed that smoking moldy cannabis resulted in bronchopulmonary aspergillosis — a condition that exaggerates the response of the immune system. You’ve been warned!
Method 2 – Rehydrate Your Cannabis Using Paper Moistened With Bottled Water
You’ll need to use chemically pure water for this method – tap water won’t do. Simply moisten a paper towel with distilled water and place it in the airtight container or plastic bag with your cannabis. The paper should not be thoroughly wet; aim for 70 percent damp.
In as little as 45 minutes you should begin to notice your buds rehydrate. However, depending on the quantity of cannabis, and its condition, it may take up to 12 hours to rehydrate it to acceptable levels.
If you want to rehydrate your batch of cannabis several times, then be sure to replace the paper towel each time and clean out the jar. Cannabis is extremely susceptible to mold and great care should be taken during the rehydration process.
Method 3 – Using a Boveda Humidity Pack to Rehydrate Cannabis
For those who want the quick and easy, tried and tested solution, then the Boveda Humidity Packs are a great option for rehydration. They come in a variety of grades specially adapted for different products. For the purposes of cannabis, they have a product tailored for herbal medicine.
Engineered to maintain a relative humidity around the 60 percent mark, these devices ensure the immediate environment adapts to that specific humidity. The exterior packaging allows moisture to pass through, which in turn affects the relative humidity inside the jar. Simply pop a Boveda package in the jar with your cannabis and let it work its magic. Unlike paper towels or fruit peels, you don’t need to be concerned with how long the package is left inside with the cannabis. Simply leave it inside until the package hardens and then replace it.
Method 4 – Weed Too Dry Not a Problem For Cannabis Humidor
For those who have a little more money to spend, or are simply looking for a more technologically advanced solution, then cannabis humidors are the best option available.
At the time of writing, the Cannador is the most advanced solution on the market. It’s a wooden box that isolates your cannabis from outside conditions. Inside, the electronic feedback circuitry maintains the right relative humidity while a neutral mahogany interior helps ensure that moisture levels are not effected. A beveled case edge ensures a firm seal from the outside for precise control.
You can purchase these devices in different sizes with differing numbers of containers inside the box to allow you to store your strains separately. Some models can even connect to your phone via Bluetooth for up to date humidity readings!
How to Tell if Your Cannabis is Ready
There are a couple of simple methods you can use to test your cannabis buds for hydration levels. One is to simply press the bud lightly between two fingers. Cannabis that’s sufficiently hydrated will hold its shape much better than dehydrated cannabis. Another simple method is to check that the stems snap off when bent forcefully. If the stem doesn’t break, then you may have rehydrated your cannabis too much.
These tests are important to do before smoking. If you want the most from your bud, then you need properly hydrated cannabis. Fortunately, like most other aspects of cannabis culture, these easy DIY tips will help you get the biggest bang for your buck.
