Buds smelling like hay!

A hay-like smell during the drying process is relatively common and not necessarily a cause for concern. It's often associated with the initial stages of drying and curing cannabis. As the moisture content in the buds decreases, the plant matter goes through changes, and some undesirable smells can emerge temporarily. Here are a few things to keep in mind: Proper Drying Conditions: Make sure your drying conditions are appropriate. Hang the buds in a dark, well-ventilated area with a temperature around 60-70°F (15-21°C) and humidity around 45-55%. Avoid direct light, as it can degrade the quality of the buds and affect the aroma. Patience: The hay-like smell is usually a transient phase during the drying process. As the buds dry further and cure, they will develop their proper aroma and flavors. Be patient and give the buds time to reach the ideal moisture content. Curing: After the initial drying phase, it's essential to cure your cannabis. This involves sealing the dried buds in airtight containers (like glass jars) and burping them regularly to release excess moisture and allow the aroma to develop. Curing typically takes a few weeks to several months, depending on your preferences. Monitor Humidity: During curing, maintain proper humidity levels in your jars. The ideal humidity for curing is around 55-62%. Excess moisture can lead to mold, while too little can result in overly dry buds. Quality of the Buds: The quality of your cannabis at harvest can also impact the final aroma. Buds that were properly grown, flushed, and harvested at the right time are more likely to have a pleasant aroma during and after curing. Remove Any Moldy Buds: If you notice any moldy buds during the drying or curing process, remove them immediately to prevent it from affecting the rest of your crop. As long as you've been following proper drying and curing procedures and the hay-like smell is not accompanied by signs of mold or other issues, it's likely that your buds will improve in aroma as they continue to cure. Continue monitoring and adjusting the curing process as needed, and over time, you should experience a better aroma and flavor profile from your cannabis.

It dried too fast. Temps were too warm, and or humidity too low.

Buds may smell like hay, chlorophyll, or fresh-cut grass after drying too fast in a warm space without adequate ventilation or air movement.

This is usually a sign that the chlorophyll in your bud is breaking down. While not always, it can be an indicator that the weed is drying to fast. I'd reccomend checking your grow environment temperature and humidity range to ensure they are in optimal conditions. This doesn't mean your weed is ruined, but it can affect potency according to some. If you're not that picky, I doubt it'll make a difference smoking it. Enjoy your harvest my friend!