If you have found some virtually mummified cannabis, there are ways that you can restore moisture. Chances are you already have the things you need to successfully rehydrate weed at home, like the fruit peel method.
Having a few rescue plans to revive your dried-out cannabis is a good thing. But an ounce (or two) of prevention is worth a pound of cure. We will also share some tips to help make sure you store your medical marijuana properly. And hold on to those valuable terpenes and cannabinoids.
How Long Does it Take for Cannabis to Dry Out?
Cannabis processors use a variety of methods to dry marijuana flowers. In most cases, it can take from 5-15 days (depending on the method) for a cultivator or processer to remove enough moisture that mold and mildew will not develop on the bud.
While there are a variety of methods medical cannabis producers use to dry cannabis, hanging the plants upside down remains popular. That is because the stem and leaves continue to nourish the plant (even after it has been harvested).
Hang-drying is a longer process, but some feel it preserves the cannabinoids better when slow-dried for up to fifteen (15) days. When the stem can be bent (and does not snap), the hang-drying for that batch is complete.
Other cultivators and processors prefer to separate the flower from the stalk and leaves, and then the bud is air-dried in a dark, humidity-controlled room for about 4-7 days. With this method, the buds are not always trimmed.
Some feel the trim should be delayed until the flowers are ready to be displayed and sold in the dispensary, as the extra sugar leaves and fan leaves may help retain moisture.
If you have your cannabis flower exposed to air and sunlight, it could go from sticky and herbaceous smelling to potpourri in just a few days. This is why storing your cannabis properly and monitoring humidity levels are so important.
Does Dried-Out Cannabis Have Less THC?
When cannabis flower is stored properly, it can remain smokable for up to a year. Some of the THC and terpene content may be lower, but it can still be very useable. But it may not smell or taste as good as it did when it was sticky fresh weed.
Tetrahydrocannabinol, or THC, can be stored for long periods of time. How long? Let’s just say that Archaeologists found some pipes that belonged to William Shakespeare. If you have ever read “A Midsummer Night’s Dream,” you may have suspected that the renowned Shakespeare was definitely smoking something indeed.
Turns out, it was cannabis. The THC molecules were still detectable as he was smoking weed in his pipes. We’re not suggesting that you would want to smoke cannabis from the year 1616, but the ability of THC to survive is pretty impressive.
Cannabis must be decarboxylated in order to activate all cannabinoids (including THC). In the meantime, the THC remains dormant in the herb. But it can degrade in terms of potency over time.
Some studies have suggested that cannabis flower loses 16% THC after one year. After two years, clinical studies showed a loss of 26% THC content. But very little is lost between six months to one year if cannabis is stored properly.
Can I Smoke Cannabis That Has Mold?
No. Mold makes you sick. If you have found an old cannabis flower that has developed mold, tragically, it cannot be saved. There is no healthy way to remove mold from the cannabis flower. Even if you pick off the parts of the dried flower that has mold, the entire bud will be infected with mold or mildew molecules.
If you happen to accidentally smoke cannabis with mold, you can experience some temporary but uncomfortable symptoms. You may notice coughing, vomiting, and nausea, as well as inflammation of your sinuses and pain. Some people are allergic to mold, which can lead to a life-threatening allergic reaction if consumed.
However tempting it may be, if you find moldy cannabis at home, safely discard it. But don’t consume it. Also, remember that decarboxylation of cannabis bud with mold is no guarantee that mold will be completely destroyed. But mold does naturally degrade cannabinoid and terpene content. So it is not worth the risk.
What Should You Do if Your Dispensary Cannabis Molds Quickly?
Mistakes in relative humidity during the drying process can result in cannabis mold. If you have purchased your cannabis recently (within 1-2 weeks) and stored it properly, there should be no reason for your flower to get moldy.
Contact the dispensary right away. Medical cannabis dispensaries keep track of every batch they produce. In most cases, the dispensary will know there is a problem and refund your money or issue a store credit. Or they may replace your ounces with the same strain. But definitely report moldy cannabis to your dispensary if you find it shortly after purchasing your bud.
How Do You Rehydrate Dried-Out Cannabis Buds?
Rehydrating weed is much easier than most people think. And it is not expensive because many of the best ways to rehydrate weed require no special devices. In fact, you may have everything you need already in your kitchen for your dried-out cannabis rescue mission.
Cannabis flowers can be rehydrated effectively. It is simply a matter of applying relative humidity to the bud. Depending on how long your dried-out buds have been sitting, it can take anywhere from 1-5 days to successfully rehydrate your cannabis.
Here are four of the best ways to restore the optimal moisture level in your dried-out stash:
1. Use Humidity Packs
Coping with the tragedy of dried-out cannabis is not a new problem. But the good news is that there are many companies that manufacture humidity control solutions. Not only can new storage containers keep your bud fresh and sticky, but you can get humidity packs with variable levels of moisture.
For example, most humidity levels in these specialized packs (such as Boveda or Integra Boost) average around 58% to 65%. They are easy to use. Simply open the package, and drop one or two into a mason jar or other airtight container with your bud. Check the moisture levels and remove them when your cannabis is rehydrated to the right level.
2. Try Fresh Citrus Peels
Do you like the scent of citrus? Limonene is one terpene that is present in high quantities in fresh citrus fruit. And you can use fresh citrus peels as natural humidity control packs. Again, place your dried-out weed in an airtight container with about 1/3 cup of fresh citrus peels, but don’t allow the fruit peel to touch the bud.
You can place the peels on the bottom of a mason jar and put a small container with the peels on top. Don’t forget to tighten the lid of the airtight container and check periodically. In as little as 1-2 days, your cannabis buds could be rehydrated naturally with a nice citrus fruit scent as a bonus for using the fruit peel method.
3. Loaves and Lettuce Method
What do a slice of bread and a large iceberg lettuce leaf have in common? They both have moisture that can be used to rehydrate weed. It is cheap and easy to rehydrate cannabis using this method. But there is so much moisture in both bread and iceberg lettuce that you run a higher risk of bringing mildew or mold molecules into your airtight container.
If you are careful and check on the moisture levels diligently, it is one of the easiest and most affordable ways to rehydrate weed. Just make sure to carefully inspect your bud to ensure that you haven’t started a new (and potentially hazardous) colony on your herb.
4. Terra Cotta and Moisture Stones
You’ve probably seen a TikTok or Facebook reel showing you how a moisturized terra cotta stone can rehydrate spices and brown sugar. This method can also be used to safely bring dried cannabis back to life.
Simply soak the terra cotta piece in water (for about thirty minutes), then pat dry. Place your bud in a bowl, place the terra cotta stone underneath, and seal it up for your home humidor. And the best part? You can keep reusing your terra cotta stone indefinitely.
Tips for Properly Storing Medical Cannabis
Bringing your bud back from the brink of herb death isn’t hard. But your best bet is to make sure you are storing your cannabis properly, to maintain moisture. As well as the potency of your cannabis and flavonoid and terpene content.
Here are some tips for preserving your medical cannabis so that it remains the high-quality bud you bought from your local dispensary:
Always Use Airtight Containers
They don’t have to be fancy or expensive. Most dispensaries sell cannabis in resealable containers that are designed to store marijuana safely. But a mason jar with a rubber seal or special airtight package will work just as well.
Maintain Proper Humidity Levels
Store your cannabis at a relative humidity (RH) level of 60% to 63%. Any lower than that humidity level, and you risk losing valuable terpenes and flavanoids. But high humidity levels can result in mold or mildew, which is unhealthy to consume with your cannabis.
You can purchase an affordable moisture meter to help monitor humidity levels. And if you want to get extra fancy? There are many different types of cannabis humidors to choose from that take the work out of creating a perfect moisture-controlled environment for your flower.
Store Cannabis at Room Temperature (In a Dark Place)
Store your cannabis at room temperature and in a dark place. If you do not have a dark place to safely store your medical marijuana, you can purchase dark or amber glass that is UV resistant. When cannabis is exposed to light, it degrades both cannabinoid and terpene content. Excessive heat causes cannabis to lose moisture quickly, and too much humidity can result in mold growth.
Hands-Off Your Bud
Try not to handle your cannabis very often. Remove the portion you want to consume, and immediately return the rest of your bud to an airtight container. Every time you expose cannabis to air, you are degrading the cannabinoid and terpene content of your flower.
Never store your cannabis in the refrigerator or the freezer (even if you have it stored in an airtight container). The humidity levels of your fridge or freezer are too high, and you increase the risk of ruining your flower due to mildew or mold growth.
What is your favorite method to rehydrate your weed? Share your comments with us on social.
Aaron Bloom, an experienced healthcare attorney, serves as the CEO of DocMJ and Medwell Health and Wellness Centers, where he has overseen the organizations’ mission and growth since 2016. In addition to his leadership roles, Aaron serves on the Board of Directors for Waterfall Bank, bringing his expertise in healthcare, compliance, and strategic growth to the financial services sector.
Aaron’s passion for improving patients’ lives stems from more than 20 years of owning, operating, and representing traditional healthcare organizations. Throughout his career, he has remained committed to finding better ways to relieve suffering and expand access to innovative, patient-centered care. As CEO, Aaron works each day to help patients achieve better health and wellness through the therapeutic benefits of medical cannabis and other evidence-based alternative medicines.