Dealing with wet cannabis can be a hassle, but it becomes much easier once you know how to effectively remove the moisture.

Whether you buy cannabis from a dispensary or grow your own at home, you’ll do everything in your power to store it safely. You likely treat it with great care, valuing it highly.

This is entirely understandable. After all, you’ve either invested your hard-earned money or spent months cultivating some excellent cannabis. However, despite your best efforts and precautions, accidents can happen, and your stash may get wet.

Whether you’ve accidentally spilled water on it or it’s become damp from prolonged exposure to humidity, this is a common issue faced by many cannabis users. If you’re here to learn what to do if your cannabis stash gets wet, you’re in the right place.

What happens when cannabis gets wet?

While many growers wash their buds after harvesting to remove any chemicals, making them wet isn’t initially a big issue. This practice is quite common among experienced cultivators. However, wet cannabis presents several challenges.

Firstly, it becomes nearly impossible to light wet cannabis in a bowl or smoke it as a joint. Grinding wet cannabis is also problematic as it tends to stick in the grinder, making it difficult to break down into smaller particles. Properly ground cannabis is essential for rolling joints, and the process is far from enjoyable when the buds are wet.

Additionally, smoking wet cannabis results in a terrible taste. This isn’t due to the terpene profile or flavour, which remain intact, but rather the water vapour mixing with the smoke, creating an acrid taste similar to uncured weed.

Another significant concern with wet cannabis is the risk of mould. If you leave your buds in a humid environment for too long, mould and fungi can develop. Smoking mouldy cannabis is not only unpleasant but also harmful to your lungs.

Conversely, there are times when you might need to add moisture to overly dry and brittle cannabis. A popular method involves using lemon slices to enhance the fragrance and rehydrate the buds. However, this technique should be limited to about 12 hours to prevent ruining the buds.

Remember, cannabis is most enjoyable when it is properly moist – not too wet and not too dry, but somewhere perfectly in between.

What to do if your hash or kief gets wet?

Hash and kief are fantastic concentrates, but handling them can become tricky if they get wet. There’s nothing worse than settling down after a long day, only to find your hash or kief stash is damp. Here’s how to salvage them:

1. Prepare Your Oven: Set your oven to the lowest possible temperature. Leave the oven door slightly open to allow excess heat to escape.
2. Use Parchment Paper and Baking Trays: Spread your hash and kief in thin layers on parchment paper, ensuring there’s space between each chunk.
3. Drying Process: Place the trays in the oven without preheating. Check every ten minutes to monitor progress. Once the hash and kief are slightly warm to the touch, they should be ready.

Important: Do not leave your hash and kief in the oven for too long, as this can cause decarboxylation. Decarboxylation activates cannabinoids, which is essential for edibles but not for smoking or vaping.

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How to dry cannabis buds?

First and foremost, handle your cannabis buds with care to avoid damaging the trichomes, which are crucial for maintaining THC levels. Placing the buds under a powerful fan or using a blow dryer is not advisable, as this can cause the trichomes to fall off, leaving you with diminished potency. Here are a few methods to save your wet cannabis:

Use Paper Towels:

A highly effective method for removing moisture from cannabis buds is to wrap them in paper towels. Follow these steps to ensure your buds dry properly:

1. Wrap Carefully: Gently and tightly wrap the buds in a few layers of paper towels. Be cautious to avoid crushing the buds.
2. Monitor and Replace: If the paper towels become too soggy, replace them with fresh ones to continue absorbing the moisture. Check the buds every few hours and replace the towels as needed.
3. Avoid Forgetting: Do not leave the buds wrapped in paper towels for too long, as this can create an environment conducive to mould growth.

Ensure Proper Ventilation:

After wrapping the buds in paper towels, place them in an open area with adequate ventilation. This step is crucial to prevent mould. Avoid placing the wrapped buds in ziplock bags, as this will trap moisture and encourage mould development.

By following these careful steps, you can effectively dry your cannabis buds and prevent mould while maintaining their quality.

Do Not Use the Microwave:

Using a microwave to dry cannabis buds is a disastrous idea. Microwaves are designed to heat and cook, not just to remove moisture. Placing your buds in a microwave will cook them, leading to a loss of potency and quality.

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Avoid Areas with Excessive Light:

Another common misconception is that placing wet cannabis buds under harsh sunlight or grow lights will dry them out effectively. In reality, strong light can ruin the buds, making them overly dry and brittle. Additionally, excessive heat from the light can activate the THC, causing decarboxylation. This process is typically used to make edibles and will render your buds unpleasant to smoke.

Use Humidity Packs like Boveda:

Once you have dried your buds using paper towels, place them in glass jars with humidity packs such as Boveda. These packs help maintain the right moisture levels. Regular silicon sachets can also be used, but ensure you check the buds regularly to prevent mould growth since they are in a closed environment.

Use Rice Grains:

Rice grains are highly effective in absorbing moisture from cannabis buds. This method is widely used for drying out electronics that have been dropped in water. Here’s how to do it:

• Prepare a Container: Use a large container filled with enough rice to cover the buds completely.
• Submerge the Buds: Place the buds in the container, ensuring they are fully covered by the rice grains.
• Be Patient: Leave the buds in the rice for about 5-6 hours. The rice will gradually absorb the moisture from the buds.

Be careful not to leave the buds in the rice for too long, as this can make them overly dry. If the buds are still not dry enough after the initial period, repeat the process with fresh rice. One minor drawback is that the buds may be covered in rice flour. Simply dust off the excess flour, and your buds will be ready for use. This method works well because the flour helps further dry the buds.

Drying in the Oven:

If you need to dry your cannabis quickly, you can use the oven method. However, caution is crucial to avoid burning the weed, which would degrade the cannabinoids and terpenes, resulting in a hay-like smell and reduced potency. Here’s how to do it:

1. Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to around 80°C (176°F). If your oven doesn’t go this low, keep it at the lowest setting and leave the door slightly open to let some heat escape.
2. Prepare the Baking Tray: Spread your cannabis evenly on a baking tray.
3. Monitor Closely: Place the tray in the oven and check the buds every 5 to 10 minutes. Remove them as soon as they are dry enough. Over-drying will evaporate the terpenes and cannabinoids, reducing quality.

Using a Blow Dryer:

A blow dryer can be an effective tool for drying soggy cannabis, but it requires careful handling:

1. Set the Dryer: Use the lowest heat setting on the blow dryer.
2. Maintain Distance: Keep the blow dryer at least 12 inches (30 cm) away from the cannabis to prevent overheating.
3. Dry in Chunks: Break the buds into smaller chunks to ensure even drying. Place the chunks in an oversized bowl lined with paper towels to prevent them from flying away.
4. Duration: Run the blow dryer for 20-30 minutes, checking regularly to ensure the buds are drying evenly.

Using a Standing Fan:

A standing fan is a safer and simpler option than a blow dryer:

1. Break Down the Buds: Break the cannabis nugs into small-sized chunks for quicker and more even drying.
2. Prepare the Bowl: Line a large bowl with paper towels and place the broken-down buds inside.
3. Position the Fan: Place the bowl about 50 cm from the fan.
4. Dry Time: Leave the buds for about 20 minutes, after which they should be sufficiently dry.

How to avoid getting your weed stash wet?

To prevent your cannabis stash from getting wet, proper storage is essential. Good storage practices ensure your weed stays dry, fresh, and free from mould, ultimately extending its shelf life. Here are some tips to keep your cannabis in top condition:

Use Airtight Jars:

Store your cannabis in airtight jars and keep them in a dry, dark place. This prevents moisture from getting in and protects your weed from light and air, both of which can degrade its quality.

Take Only What You Need:

When preparing to smoke, only take out the amount of cannabis you plan to use. This reduces the risk of accidental spills or exposure to moisture.

Avoid Ziplock Bags:

While ziplock bags might seem convenient, they do not provide adequate protection against moisture. Instead, use small airtight jars when travelling with your cannabis.

Check Your Pockets:

Before heading to places like the beach or pool, always check your pockets to ensure you’re not carrying your stash. This simple step can prevent accidental exposure to water.

Store with Care:

Proper storage is just as important as the growing, drying, and curing processes. By taking good care of your cannabis after these stages, you can maintain its quality and avoid accidents like getting it wet.

By following these guidelines, you can keep your cannabis safe, dry, and in excellent condition, ensuring a longer shelf life and a better smoking experience.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can You Still Smoke Weed That is Wet?

You can try, but it’s not advisable. Smoking wet cannabis results in unpleasant throat irritation due to water vapor and might be impossible depending on the wetness level.

Can You Vape Wet Weed?

Vaping wet weed produces excessive water vapor, making the experience akin to vaping through a swimming pool. The vapor will taste bad and be unpleasant.

What is the Best Way to Dry Weed?

The best way to dry weed is with a standing fan. Break your nugs into small chunks, place them in a bowl lined with paper towels, and position the bowl about 50 cm from the fan. Monitor the buds to prevent over-drying.

My Weed is Showing Signs of Mold. Can I Still Smoke it?

No. Never smoke weed that shows signs of mold. Mildew and mold can cause serious health issues, including respiratory problems. Dispose of moldy weed and start fresh. If weed is expensive, consider growing your own; it’s easier than you might think and can yield high-quality buds within ten weeks with the right seeds.

Tips for avoiding wet weed

• Use Airtight Jars: Store your weed in airtight jars in dry, dark places.
• Only Take What You Need: Only remove the amount you plan to use immediately.
• Avoid Ziplock Bags: Use small airtight jars instead for travelling.
• Check Pockets: Ensure your pockets are empty before going to places like the beach or pool.

Proper storage and handling can prevent your weed from getting wet and keep it in top condition. By following these guidelines, you can enjoy fresh, potent cannabis every time.

Conclusion

Growing, drying, and curing cannabis are crucial steps, but how you store your weed afterwards is equally important. Proper storage ensures your weed stays fresh, potent, and free from mould, while also preventing accidents like getting your stash wet.

Key Storage Tips:

• Airtight Containers: Always store your buds in airtight containers, such as mason jars or, even better, UV-protected jars designed for medicinal cannabis.
• Cool, Dark Places: Keep your containers in a cool, dark place to avoid exposure to light and moisture.

Handling Wet Weed:

If your weed does get wet, there are several methods to dry it out safely:

• Blow Dryer: Use a low-heat setting and keep the dryer at least 12 inches (30 cm) away from the buds.
• Standing Fan: Break the buds into small chunks, place them in a paper towel-lined bowl, and position it about 50 cm from a standing fan.
• Oven for Hash or Kief: Spread them on parchment paper on a baking tray and place in an oven at the lowest setting with the door slightly open, checking every ten minutes.

By following these guidelines, you can ensure your cannabis stays in top condition, providing a better smoking experience and extending its shelf life. Proper storage and careful drying methods will help you maintain the quality and potency of your stash.

 

Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is for educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before using any THC product.