Harsh Cannabis Buds: Common Causes And How To Fix Them

Ever taken a hit of cannabis and felt your throat burn, leaving you coughing and uncomfortable? That harsh smoke isn't just a random occurrence — it's a sign something's off. 

Whether it's old buds, improper drying, or even a sneaky bit of mold, there are plenty of reasons your cannabis might be harsh on your throat. But don't worry! In this article, look at some common reasons why your cannabis may be harsh to smoke and what you can do about it. 

Why are Cannabis Buds Harsh to Smoke?

Here are a few reasons why your buds may be harsh and make you cough. 

1. Your Cannabis Buds are Old 

If your cannabis buds are harsh to smoke, it might simply be because they're too old. While cannabis doesn't spoil the way your favorite cheesecake does, it can still go bad over time, losing its potency, flavor, and smoothness. Smoking old cannabis may not be dangerous but it is likely to be rough. 

When you store cannabis properly, it can stay fresh for around six months, sometimes even up to a year. But if you expose it to too much light, heat, or humidity, it might lose its quality much sooner — even within a month. 

The reason for this is that these environmental factors can break down the phytochemicals in the buds, especially the trichomes and terpenes, which are responsible for the plant's potency, aroma, and flavor. Over time, your cannabis will become dry, brittle, and harsh to smoke. 

So, how can you tell if your cannabis is past its prime? A harsh or strange smell and taste is often the first sign. Visually, your buds may even look dry, crunchy, or fall apart easily. And if your buds have developed a sweet smell or white, fuzzy spots, it could be mold — more on this later. 

2. It's the Genetics

Genetics plays a significant role in the smoothness of your cannabis, and unfortunately, this is something you can't control. Some strains are naturally harsher to smoke than others, no matter how you grow or store them. 

Take Strawberry Cough, for example. It's notorious for its harsh smoke — hence the name — but we love it for the unique strawberry aftertaste that follows. If you want a smooth smoking experience, it's best to avoid strains that are known to be harsh to smoke. 

On the flip side, you can check out other cannabis strains that are known for their smoothness. Strains like Purple Punch, Bruce Banner, Girl Scout Cookies, and Six Shooter are excellent options you can start with. 

If you enjoy experimenting with new strains, don't hesitate to ask your fellow growers about the flavor profile of a particular strain. You can even turn to online forums to get insights from other cannabis enthusiasts who are happy to share their experiences with different strains.

3. You Might Be Smoking Leaves, Too

If you find that your buds are a bit too harsh to smoke, it might be because you're still smoking leaves, particularly sugar leaves, which may not have been cleaned off properly.

Sugar leaves can be a bit of a double-edged sword. On the one hand, they're packed with trichomes, adding extra sparkle to your buds and enhancing their aroma and flavor. But on the other hand, they can also make your smoke harsher if left untrimmed.

Sometimes growers leave these leaves intact to bulk up the buds' weight, which can be tricky to notice, especially if they're frosty with trichomes. If your joints feel unusually harsh, it might be worth checking for any sugar leaves, which should be removed before your next session.

As a grower, it's a good idea to be mindful of how much sugar leaf you're leaving behind when trimming your buds. While some growers prefer to leave a few for their added benefits, trimming them back can lead to a smoother, less harsh smoke.

But don't toss those sugar leaves! They're full of cannabinoids and can be put to good use in creating cannabis concentrates like hash or cannabutter. Save them for extractions and enjoy only the buds for smoking.

4. Your Smoking Technique Might Be Off

If you've ever had a harsh smoke, it could also be due to improper smoking techniques rather than the quality of your buds. Even if the grower did everything right, how you smoke can make a huge difference in your experience. 

Here are some ways you can ensure you get a smooth smoke:

• Buy your cannabis from a reliable source, and if you're growing, make sure they are dried and cured properly 
• Smoking through water helps cool down the smoke, making it much gentler on your throat, so consider vaping or using a bong 
• Roll thinner joints as thicker joints push more smoke into your lungs, making it feel rough 
• Grind your buds properly — not too thin that it turns powdery and not too chunky that it may burn unevenly — both of which can make the smoke harsh 
• Take smaller hits as bigger ones can be harsh, depending on the strain you're using 

Lastly, give yourself time between tokes. Take it easy, enjoy the moment, and you'll find a smoother experience. Everyone's body reacts differently, so what works for others may not be your best approach. Find what feels right for you!

5. Your Buds are Moldy 

Most of the time, smoking harsh cannabis is more of an annoyance than a real danger. However, in one instance, the harshness could indicate a serious issue — mold.

Mold can invade your cannabis not only while it's growing but also post-harvest if the buds aren't stored properly. Remember, cannabis buds are made up of about 75% water. If they're exposed to excess humidity post-harvest, mold can easily take over, especially if they haven't been dried properly.

Buds affected by mold tend to be rough to smoke, and you may notice a sweet, unpleasant aroma with visible white spots. If your cannabis has a funky aroma or you see fuzzy white patches, it's time to toss it. 

Smoking moldy weed is never a good idea and can lead to serious health issues. For most users, smoking moldy cannabis may result in coughing, nausea, or vomiting. However, in more severe cases, moldy buds can cause lung inflammation, sinus infections, or even more serious respiratory conditions.

You may stumble upon advice on how to clean mold from cannabis buds — don't follow it. There's no surefire way to get rid of mold from cannabis that makes it safe to smoke. It's better to throw them out than to risk your health.

6. You Didn't Dry and Cure the Buds Well

One of the most common reasons cannabis buds feel harsh when smoked is improper drying and curing. If buds aren't dried well, they can either become too dry or retain too much moisture, leading to a harsh smoke. 

Drying cannabis in environments where the temperature exceeds 75°F or where humidity falls outside the 50-55% RH range can lead to these issues. Proper curing is just as important — it allows the buds to slowly release excess moisture and preserve their terpenes, which ensures a smoother, more flavorful smoke. More on this later. 

7. You Used Too Many Pesticides

Another culprit for harsh buds is the overuse of pesticides, foliar sprays, or plant growth regulators (PGRs). These compounds, when applied incorrectly or in excess, can leave harsh residues on your buds, negatively impacting their flavor. 

Even organic pesticides like neem oil, while effective, can lead to unpleasant flavors if they make direct contact with the buds.

If you're growing cannabis, minimize the use of sprays on your plants, especially near harvest time. Stick to mild, organic solutions when pest control is needed, and always apply them carefully. 

When purchasing cannabis, pay attention to whether the grower uses pesticides or sprays, and avoid buds with an unusual orange tint, as this may indicate PGR use. By properly drying, curing, and avoiding harsh chemicals, you'll ensure a smoother, more enjoyable smoke from your cannabis buds.

How to Avoid Harsh Cannabis Buds

To ensure you have the best smoking experience, you should take care of the plants throughout their entire life cycle from cultivation, harvesting, and post-harvest processing. Mistakes during these important stages are common but if you want to prevent smoking harsh cannabis buds, you should be cautious and do everything necessary. Here's what you should do:

1. Harvest at the Right Time

When it comes to harvesting cannabis, timing is everything as it affects the quality besides potency and flavor. The timing is important because the cannabinoids and terpenes can be affected if you harvest too early or late. 

The cannabinoids in a cannabis plant develop gradually. If you harvest before they are at their peak, THC, CBD, and other cannabinoids are still in their underdeveloped or acidic precursor forms (such as THCA and CBDA), resulting in less potent buds with diminished effects. It also means that the terpenes, which provide the aroma and flavor, could potentially be incomplete resulting in a not-so-pungent (not strong) grassy taste. As you're probably harvesting the buds too early in the plant's life, they tend to be smaller and harder due to a lack of chlorophyll decomposition.

On the other hand, if you overestimate when the best time to harvest is by waiting too long, not only will cannabinoids and terpenes degrade making for less potent medicine, but the effects will be altered as well. There's also a possibility of degradation over time ie: THC degrading into CBN (cannabinol), which is a little more sedative but isn't as potent as THC. In addition, a lot of the aroma and flavor are lost when the terpenes degrade. Buds harvested later in the season tend to taste more harsh and are less potent, but they provide a stronger couch-lock effect, thanks to all that CBN.

So, when is it the best time to harvest, you ask? Well, your best indicator to harvest lies in looking at the tiny resin glands on your buds, known as trichomes. But, since they are so tiny, you'll need a magnifying glass or jeweler's loupe. The trichomes go through several stages as well: 

Clear Trichomes: This means that the plant isn't mature yet and you need to wait a bit until they develop fully. 

Milky/Cloudy Trichomes: Most growers prefer buds that don't provide extreme psychoactive effects. On the flip side, buds that make you too sleepy and lazy aren't preferred as well. Thus, it's best to harvest when the trichomes are cloudy or milky as the cannabinoids will be at their maximum potency and the terpenes have also ripened to give their best effects. 

Amber Trichomes: This implies that the cannabinoids are beginning to degrade. Although many growers wait for a few amber trichomes to show up, too many of them can create overripe buds which eventually lower the potency and reduce the psychoactive component.

In addition, it is important to be very gentle with cannabis as the trichomes that contain the majority of cannabinoids and terpenes can be damaged if you mishandle them. 

When trichomes are crushed or broken off, the potency and flavor of your buds are ruined. In addition, terpenes are delicate and can evaporate or break down when exposed to too much heat, air, etc. Touch the buds as little as possible to avoid breaking trichomes and lose terpenes. 

Poor handling can also cause bruising and ultimately result in mold or mildew through the drying/curing phase. Damaging the buds can lead moisture to build up and might even encourage microbial growth, ruining not only their texture but also making them harsher to smoke.

Therefore, be gentle even during the trimming and drying process where you'll have to handle them constantly. 

2. Avoid Contaminants

If you're not careful, you can easily contaminate the buds when you harvest them. Not only can they make the buds taste weird, but they can be harsh as well. 

To prevent accidental contamination, clean and sanitize all tools (pruning scissors, trays for drying racks) before you start harvesting the buds. Typically, pruning shears will contain lots of bacteria and mold, especially if you've had other sick plants. Thus, it's imperative that you clean your tools as much as possible.

Also, consider where you want to harvest the plants as the area should be clean without any dust and debris. Dust can also make the particles cling onto the buds and alter your smoking experience and their aesthetic appeal as well. Contaminants in the form of pollen, dust, or spores may land on the buds if you haven't maintained proper ventilation too. So, make sure the area has a proper airflow when you're going to harvest the buds. 

3. Drying the Buds Properly 

The most important step in cannabis cultivation is drying and curing. If you rush this step or don't handle the buds properly, even impeccably grown plants can become harsh-tasting nasty buds. Not only does proper drying and curing create a more flavorful, smooth product, but it will also maintain the potency of your plant by preventing mold or harsh smoke. 

There are different drying methods and each has its own way of affecting the desired state in which cannabis needs to be dried until it reaches the optimal level. Drying too quickly or under bad conditions may dry the top layer but the internal part of the buds will still be wet. This is why some buds don't light up properly and tend to be harsh and irritate your throat. Moreover, while fast drying might speed up the process, it also ruins fragile terpenes that deliver most of the cannabis flavor and aroma.

Thus, to ensure an equal and faster drying process, you must see to it that they have the perfect environment. For instance, you can start with a cool, dark, and ventilated room. Also, remember that while cannabinoids and terpenes can be degraded by light, heat will speed up the drying process and dry them unevenly. 

While the temperature should be around 60-70°F (15–21°C), a humidity of 45-55% will be best. Once you strike this perfect balance, you'll notice that the moisture evaporates slowly and evenly while preserving the terpenes and cannabinoids of the plant. 

4. Airflow and Ventilation

Good airflow is important to help you maintain an even drying environment, as mentioned earlier. Lay the buds out on drying racks, or hang them in an area with a fan for circulation. Just make sure to avoid aiming fans directly at the buds, as it can cause them to dry too fast and unevenly, preventing the breakdown of chlorophyll, which contributes to a harsh taste. Proper ventilation also wards off mold and mildew, which love to grow in warm damp air.

But, make sure the buds don't dry too much as they lose most of their flavor and potency, and taste harsh as well. The buds will be brittle and break easily. Therefore, you should shift the buds to cure when the outer parts are dry while the inside stays a little damp. 

5. Curing for a Smooth Taste 

After you have fully dried out your cannabis, the next step is curing it which serves two main purposes to boost its flavor and also create a weed that burns smooth. However, you have to maintain it carefully to ensure that the fresh buds cure well so that residual sugars, chlorophyll, and other rough plant compounds break down gradually if they are not fully processed.

But, why is curing so important? Well, chlorophyll and other compounds that create that distinct "green" taste are responsible for that harsh sensation you experience when you smoke cannabis. Improperly cured cannabis has more of a chemical note, which comes from chlorophyll and makes the finished flower have that grassy or bitter flavor. Curing also helps retain valuable terpenes and cannabinoids while reducing moisture content to create a better smoking experience.

To cure the buds effectively, start by trimming if you haven't done it yet. Many growers trim their buds as soon as they are harvested, but you can do it after drying as well. 

Next, store them in airtight glass jars for curing. Remember to store the jars in a dark and cool area because light will degrade THC and other valuable cannabinoids.

The buds need to be in airy spaces, so fill up only half or 3/4th of the jars as cramping them up damages the trichomes. You don't want to tamper with the trichomes or you'll risk losing a lot of cannabinoids and terpenes that skew the potency and flavors. 

Once the buds are settled in the jars, you'll have to burp them consistently by opening them for 5-10 minutes a few times per day. It also allows fresh air to come in and lets excess moisture out, which will help prevent mold while maintaining an optimal curing environment. After the first week, you don't have to burp so much — just once every couple of days will suffice. 

You must cure the buds for about 8 weeks, but it won't hurt to do it longer as you'll only be doing yourself a favor with smooth, flavorful smoke. 

Also, remember that humidity is very important when the buds are drying and curing. The buds can get mold if the space lacks sufficient airflow while drying or curing, so carefully examine them every few days. Use a hygrometer inside the jars to measure relative humidity and ensure that you are curing at an appropriate RH. For drying and curing cannabis, 45-55% is again the perfect range of humidity and you can achieve this with Boveda packs. Just remember to have that perfect balance to bring out the flavors. 

How To Fix Harsh Marijuana Buds

Sometimes, even with the best cultivation and curing methods, cannabis buds can turn out harsh. Buds that are too dry will be brittle and harsh to smoke. Rehydrating will also allow for some moisture to be re-integrated into the buds, so you will enjoy a smooth smoke even if the buds are dry to begin with. 

Luckily, there are many ways to overcome or correct the harshness and enhance your smoke. Here are some strategies that give you the biggest bang for a limited amount of budget:

1. Use Humidity Packs

One of the simplest and most useful ways is to use a Boveda or Integra boost pack for moisture. They are designed to create a perfect environment for the buds in a container and you can rest assured that the buds will love it. Simply store the dry buds with a humidity pack in an airtight container and wait for several days. Over time, the pack will also release moisture into those buds, making them taste and feel better. 

2. Fruit Peel Method

By placing some peels of citrus fruit like an orange or lemon in the jar along with dry buds, you'll be able to reintroduce some moisture back into the buds. However, make sure that the peel is directly not in contact with the buds or they can develop mold. You can tape the peel to the top of the lid or just place it at the far end, away from the buds. Once sealed, check the container every day to prevent the buds from absorbing too much water. It may take several days for this method to yield results, so you'll have to change the peels every day to ensure everything goes well. 

3. Damp Paper Towel Technique

For a more controlled approach, you can use a damp paper towel. Remember, the key word is damp, and not dripping wet here. Simply place the damp towel on the lid and tape it so that the paper towel doesn't come in contact with the buds. Next, keep checking constantly to make sure the buds are slightly moist but not overly wet. Once you're satisfied, remove the damp towel. 

4. Water Curing Techniques

Water curing is a process that may help to reduce the unpleasant aspects of smoking cannabis. Through this method, you'll be able to reduce unwanted plant material and chlorophyll that gives smoke an acrid quality.

To do this, first trim the buds and remove all the extra leaves and stems. Put the clipped buds in a clean bowl of distilled water. The bowl must be big enough for the buds to submerge fully. Now, you need to change the water every single day to prevent mold and to ensure that the buds are cleaned properly. If the buds are extremely harsh, you can continue for about two weeks until you're satisfied. However, it's best to do it just for a few days and repeat the process after checking how the buds taste. 

Once you remove the buds from the container, gently dab them dry with a clean towel. Then, dry them like you dry your regular buds. 

This method is particularly effective because it reduces the harshness of the buds by getting rid of chlorophyll and extra nutrients that contribute to an acrid smoke. Additionally, it can even result in a more consistent burn throughout the buds.

However, it can also remove some of the terpenes and cannabinoids which can be a considerable kink in the flavor and potency. The end product could be less flavorful or potent, so keep this in mind before you proceed. 

5. Add Flavor Enhancers

Some growers add flavor enhancers like herbal tea leaves and even rolling papers with different flavors to enhance the flavor of their buds. If you do this, just make sure that the additives are clean and free of any residues and contaminants. Just add a bit but don't overdo it because you don't want it to overpower the natural flavor of your buds. 

6. Use a Humidifier

You don't need to do anything special if your buds are just a little dry. Simply place them in a room that has a good humidifier and it will take care of the rest. Just make sure that the room has enough ventilation. 

7. Add a Slice of Bread

For a quick fix, simply place a small slice of bread along with the buds in an airtight container. However, it shouldn't be completely in contact with the buds to prevent mold. Just place the bread at the far end of the container and you should be okay. Remove the bread once it's dry and continue until the buds are as moist as you want them to be. 

Through these methods, it's possible to rehydrate your cannabis buds and possibly reduce the harshness to a great extent. However, don't expect them to work as well as your natural drying and curing process. This is why it's important to get it right the first time as most of these methods can strip away some of the terpenes as well. 

Summary: Harsh Cannabis Buds: Common Causes And How To Fix Them

A harsh smoke can ruin the cannabis experience, but it doesn't have to. From choosing the right strain and storing buds properly to perfecting your smoking technique, there are plenty of ways to ensure a smooth, enjoyable session. 

Pay attention to the little details, and you'll learn to avoid harsh cannabis buds. Instead, you'll be greeted with a smooth toke every time. Just make sure the strain you're growing and smoking isn't popular for being harsh.