9/2 cut off the biggest buds, left one tiny baby just to see if she’ll grow. When I asked questions, some said she wasn’t close to ready, another said she was ready don’t wait another second. The day I cut her was because one of these pictures looked like all the trichomes had turned amber. Maybe it was all the trichomes on a sugar leave, maybe it was the lighting, who knows. It this is my first time growing so I have to build my experience. Please comment with opinions or advice based on the photos and we’ll see how she smokes up soon!
If I can get just one good high and watch a movie I’ll be ecstatic.
I feel bad giving a strain score because I’m not experienced enough to do that, so let’s compromise with an 8 to ensure fairness. If she smokes up well, I’ll bump it to a 9.
3 branches, washed in lemon/baking soda, hung up to dry. She’s in an antique wardrobe (only the best for my baby) in a dark bedroom I don’t use, there’s a fan near the door to the wardrobe blowing against the wall and a dehumidifier (the room was around 70%), the door to the wardrobe is open a crack for airflow.
Please comment to give me corrections to this guide, otherwise I’m following chatGPT advice:
Step-by-Step Guide to Drying Cannabis (for Smoking)
GOAL:
To slowly remove moisture from the buds without degrading cannabinoids (like THC) or terpenes (which give flavor/aroma).
What You’ll Need:
* A dark room or closet
* String, drying rack, or hangers
* Scissors (for final trim if needed)
* Hygrometer (optional but helpful – monitors humidity)
* Fan (indirect airflow only)
* Dehumidifier/humidifier (optional, for climate control)
Total Time: 7–14 days [day 1 = 9/2; day 7 = 9/9; day 14 = 9/16]
???? Step 1: Initial Prep (Right After Harvest)
* Trim large fan leaves (optional: trim sugar leaves too if you want faster drying)
* Hang whole branches or individual buds upside down using string, wire, or drying racks
* Keep some stem on to make hanging easier
Time: Same day as harvest
️ Step 2: Set Up Drying Environment
* Temperature: 60–70°F (15–21°C)
* Humidity: 50–60% RH
* Airflow: Gentle, indirect airflow to prevent mold
* Darkness: Keep the room dark to preserve THC
Tip: Use a fan pointed at a wall, not directly at buds.
Maintain this for the entire drying period.
Step 3: Monitor for Doneness (Day 5–10+) [day 5 = 9/7]
Start checking around day 5–7:
Ready to cure when:
* Small stems snap (not bend)
* Buds feel dry to the touch, but not brittle
* Outer parts are dry, but inner parts still have slight moisture
Typical drying time:
* 7 days in dry climates
* 10–14 days in humid areas or for thicker buds
Tip: Don’t rush drying — slow is smooth, smooth is tasty.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
* Don’t dry in too much heat or light (kills THC & terpenes)
* Don’t dry too fast — harsh smoke
* Don’t dry too slow — risk of mold
What’s Next? Curing
Once drying is complete, buds should be moved into jars for curing (another essential step for best smoke quality). Want a step-by-step curing guide too?
Let me know and I’ll lay it out just as clearly.
Awesome — curing is just as important as drying. Done right, it will dramatically improve your cannabis: smoother smoke, stronger aroma, better potency, and longer shelf life.
️ Step-by-Step Cannabis Curing Guide
What You’ll Need:
* Glass mason jars (wide-mouth, quart-size is ideal)
* Hygrometer (mini ones fit inside jars — optional but very helpful)
* Dark, cool storage space
* Patience
Total Time: 2–4 weeks minimum (up to 8+ weeks for top quality) [day 1 = TBA]
Step 1: Check Dryness One Last Time
Before curing, buds must be dry enough — if they're too wet, they’ll mold in the jar.
Do this:
* Bend the small stems. If they snap, you’re good.
* Buds should feel dry on the outside but still a little spongy inside.
Too wet? Leave them to dry another 1–2 days.
???? Step 2: Jar It Up
* Loosely fill glass jars about 70–75% full
* Don’t pack too tight — buds need air circulation
* Optionally, put a mini hygrometer in each jar to monitor humidity
Time: Same day you finish drying
Step 3: “Burp” the Jars (First 1–2 Weeks)
This releases moisture and refreshes air inside the jar.
Days 1–7:
* Open jars for 5–10 minutes, once or twice daily
* Gently shake or rotate buds to avoid flat spots or mold
Days 8–14:
* Burp jars once every other day
Humidity Goal:
58–62% RH inside the jar = perfect curing range
If you don’t have a hygrometer:
* Buds feel dry but still slightly springy = good
* If they feel too wet or sticky → leave jar open longer or go back to drying for a day
Step 4: Long-Term Curing (Optional but Recommended)
After 2–3 weeks, buds are smokable — but:
* 4–6 weeks = much better flavor/smoothness
* 8+ weeks = max terpene development for connoisseur quality
During long-term curing:
* Burp once a week
* Store jars in a dark, cool place (60–70°F / 15–21°C)
Signs Something's Wrong:
* Ammonia smell = mold/mildew — buds too wet, open jar ASAP
* Harsh smoke = probably dried or cured too fast
When Is It Ready to Smoke?
Anytime after 2 weeks, but peak flavor, aroma, and potency hit around 4–8 weeks.
You’ll know it’s ready when:
* Buds break apart easily but aren’t dry/dusty
* Smell is strong and pleasant
* Smoke is smooth and flavorful
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3d ago