Fresh cannabis is potent cannabis, but retaining that freshness is often easier said than done. Cultivators know this all too well, as fresh cannabis can quickly lose moisture and dry out for any number of reasons.
Maybe it wasn’t stored properly, the weather was bad, or perhaps it was something else entirely; the result is much less flavorful and far less fun to use. To fight back against this quality loss issue, take some time to learn more about why cannabis dehydrates and how to rehydrate it to make the most of your harvest.
Why Does Cannabis Dehydrate?
Keeping cannabis fresh is a constant challenge. Dehydration happens when cannabis loses its moisture, often due to improper storage. If cannabis isn't stored in airtight containers or is exposed to fluctuating temperatures and humidity, it can dry out fast. Environmental factors also contribute significantly to the drying process. Direct sunlight or high heat speeds up moisture loss, while low-humidity environments can leave cannabis brittle and less potent.
Dehydration affects cannabis quality by stripping away moisture, terpenes, and cannabinoids, all of which are crucial for its aroma, flavor, and effects. This can result in a harsher smoking experience and reduced potency. In other words, you don’t want it to happen.
How to Rehydrate Cannabis: Effective Methods
If your cannabis has dried out, don’t lose hope. Rehydration can restore terpenes and cannabinoids, enhancing flavor and potency to their optimal levels. Here are some practical methods you can use to bring your cannabis back to life:
1. Using Humidity Packs
Humidity packs are a go-to solution for rehydrating cannabis. These packets maintain a specific humidity level, usually between 58% and 62%, which is ideal for cannabis. Just place one in your storage container, and it will gradually release moisture, restoring your cannabis to its original state. Choose packs specifically designed for cannabis to prevent over-saturation or mold.
2. The Citrus Peel Method
The citrus peel method is a classic and one of the simplest. Place a small piece of citrus peel, like orange or lemon, in the container with your cannabis. The peel releases moisture that slowly hydrates the cannabis. This method can add a slight citrus flavor to your buds, but that’s hardly a problem. However, don't leave the peel in too long, or it might get moldy and ruin your entire container.
3. The Damp Paper Towel Technique
For a quick fix, try the damp paper towel method. Lightly moisten a paper towel and place it in a small, open container or plastic bag inside your cannabis storage, ensuring it doesn't touch the cannabis directly. Seal the container and let the towel release moisture. Check regularly to prevent overhydration and mold.
4. The Bread Slice Method
Using a slice of bread is another common method. Place the slice of bread in your storage container with the cannabis. Much like when you do the same to keep fresh-baked cookies soft, the bread releases humidity into the air, keeping the cannabis from drying out. Monitor closely to avoid overhydration, and mold. Remove the bread once the cannabis reaches the desired moisture level.
Preventing Cannabis Dehydration
Like with most things, prevention is the best medicine. Preventing cannabis dehydration is better than relying on rehydration methods. To do this, you’ll want to adopt effective storage practices that maintain your buds’ moisture and protect them from fluctuations in temperature, light levels, and humidity as much as possible.
Airtight containers are a must. Many people use glass jars with rubber seals that lock in the humidity and shield them from the outside. Store them in a cool, dark place away from direct sunlight and out of range of heat sources. You can also incorporate a hygrometer to monitor the humidity levels within your storage environment. Shoot for a humidity level between 55% and 62% for optimal quality preservation.
Even if you do everything right initially, there’s still the potential for something to go wrong. That’s why it's important to regularly inspect your storage containers and their conditions for any issues. Maybe a jar wasn’t fully sealed, the surrounding air has warmed for the summer, or other subtle changes have occurred. Spotting them early can give you the chance to fix things and stop the dehydration process.
Enjoy Your Buds at Peak Potency by Rehydrating Your Cannabis
Cultivators should know a thing or two about rehydrating cannabis. Dehydration can wreck your buds’ flavor and potency, putting all your hard work growing them to waste. Master the different methods for rehydrating cannabis so you can restore your plants to their proper state. Remember to store your buds properly after harvest, as preventing dehydration is better than rehydrating them.
