You purchased a large packet of cannabis buds a couple of weeks ago, and you were saving some of it for the weekend with your friends. The weekend is here, the vibe is set, and your friends are excited to smoke that cannabis you've been raving about, but the moment you open the jar, you're met with the horror of dried-out buds. Uh, so embarrassing!
And if you didn't identify the problem, you will, once you light up the joint. Your cannabis buds will feel a lot harsher to smoke and lack the flavor and aroma you'd expected from them. The problem? Your buds have lost their moisture content and the terpenes have degraded.
This is not a harmful situation, but it is annoying nonetheless, and lest we forget, an expensive one if the buds are beyond repair. So, what should you do if your cannabis buds have dried out — can you still save them? Yes, you can save them — but, sometimes it's not worth it, though — and you can take certain measures to avoid this problem in the future.
In this article, we go over why your cannabis buds may have dried out, why that's an issue, and how you can fix it along with some tips on storing your buds properly so they don't dry out so easily. Read on to know all about rehydrating dried cannabis.
The short answer? Yes, you should rehydrate your cannabis if it has gone too dry.
The long answer? Here's it.
When cannabis buds or flowers are harvested, they are fresh and rich in moisture content. This “moist” bud can be difficult to smoke, and you don't get to enjoy the richness of those incredible buds, which is why growers cure and dry their cannabis buds over the course of a couple of weeks using various methods.
The most common method of drying cannabis is simply hanging the freshly harvested buds upside-down in a dark room with good ventilation. The temperatures in this drying room range between 60°F to 70°F (15.5°C to 21°C) with humidity levels ranging between 45% to 55%; the process usually takes one to two weeks, depending on the buds' size and conditions.
When the cannabis buds are dried, the unfavorable aromas and flavors are eliminated, leaving behind tasty buds that are a lot easier to smoke. This is because, when the buds dry, the starch in them is converted into reducing sugars, which then turn into carbon dioxide and water. Even the chlorophyll, which gives the plant its green color, degrades during this time.
The drying process is then followed by the curing process, where all the unwanted leaves, built-up salts, and leftover chlorophyll are removed. This process further dries out the buds, so they can be stored for longer without any risk of mold or degradation.
But sometimes, the buds can get too dry due to cold weather or, most commonly, improper storage. It's a relatively common problem many cannabis users face but few fix it. And when the buds dry too much, they start losing their terpenes, which can affect their flavor and aroma profiles.
When the buds are stored properly and not dried out too much, they retain the right amount of moisture (8% to 11%), which helps keep these aromas and flavors intact. Such a bud is also smoother to smoke. So, if you feel like your cannabis buds are losing their flavor or irritating your throat, you should consider rehydrating them.
Yes, you can still smoke dried cannabis buds (at least in some cases), but it's not really recommended. It's not worth it. The cannabis farmers who grow your buds spend weeks taking care of the plant and ensuring it grows well. Then, they spend a lot more time drying and curing it so you can have the best smoking experience.
The buds are also properly sealed in their package so they don't get harmed during the shipping, but the moment that package is opened, the buds are exposed to the environment and start a gradual degradation process. It's your responsibility to take care of the buds henceforth.
Many growers don't take care of their buds properly, which leads to them drying out — of course, there may be other reasons, too — but a dried cannabis bud is not fun. It's a waste of effort and money because the smoking experience will not be as good as you'd expect, even if you have the most expensive flower on hand.
Here are a few reasons why smoking dried-up cannabis buds is not fun.
One of the most noticeable differences between a properly maintained cannabis bud and a dried-out bud is the smoothness of the smoke. Think of it this way — would you use slightly moist branches to light a bonfire or completely dried-out ones? The former burns smoothly and consistently, while the latter burns quickly.
The same principle applies to cannabis buds, too. A slightly moist bud will burn smoothly and consistently, but a dried-out bud will burn fast and turn to ash, which will not only produce a burnt flavor but also a harsher smoke. If your cannabis joint feels too harsh to smoke, it's probably due to dried-out buds.
Cannabis buds dry out due to too much heat, light, or air exposure, and this evaporates the moisture from the flowers. Once this happens, the cannabinoids within the buds start transforming; the trichomes that were once packed with acidic and virinic cannabinoids convert and will no longer be potent.
For example, fresh cannabis buds contain THC-A and THC-V, which get activated when they burn, producing the high or other medicinal effects they are associated with. But if the buds dry out, this THC degrades and turns to CBN, a cannabinoid that often induces sleep but doesn't produce the same high as THC. So, smoking dried-up buds is like smoking tobacco with a bit more kick.
The reason you love Girl Scout Cookies more than Gorilla Glue (or vice versa) is due to the combination of various terpenes, cannabinoids, and other phytochemicals that make your favorite strain unique. These compounds are housed in the terpenes of the buds — they attribute different flavors and potency to different strains.
The terpenes' job on a growing plant is to attract pollinators, repel harmful pathogens, and even fight some diseases. But once the buds are harvested, they exist so you can have a wonderful experience with them. But if the buds dry out too much, the terpenes evaporate and disappear from the buds.
This is because these terpenes have evolved to evaporate easily, so they can disperse their aromas into the air to attract pollinators. They don't lose this property when the buds are harvested and cured. And once they evaporate from your cannabis buds, they lose their flavor and aroma.
Does that mean you can still get high? Not really. The primary reason why a dried-up bud will not be so potent is explained in the previous section, but potency can be affected by terpenes too. According to recent studies, terpenes play a major role in producing the entourage effect — an effect produced by the culmination of various compounds in the buds, not just the cannabinoids.
Your cannabis buds have dried up and you need to rehydrate them — is it possible? Yes, you can rehydrate your cannabis buds easily, and thanks to the massive community that's dedicated to enjoying the best cannabis, you have more than ten ways you can rehydrate cannabis buds. Let's take a look at some of the best methods for rehydrating cannabis buds.
Perhaps the most common and effective method for rehydrating cannabis buds is the citrus peel method. For this technique, all you need is a couple of strips of orange or lemon peels; place these peels in a jar with the buds and let them do their magic.
How does this work? Citrus peels are naturally moist — as you might have known if your sibling has ever pinched one in your face — and they are very good at transferring this moisture to the cannabis buds.
But before you proceed with this method, it is crucial to keep in mind that citrus gets its flavors from terpenes like limonene, which is also present in some cannabis strains. So, if you are rehydrating non-citrusy cannabis buds, they may take on some of the citrusy flavors and aromas from the peels. Some growers enjoy this but it may change the way your cannabis smells or tastes.
Follow these methods to rehydrate your cannabis buds using the citrus peel method:
That's it. Wait for a couple of days and your cannabis buds will be rehydrated again. Some growers tend to leave the peel of fruit skin along with the buds where they all sit happily in the jar together. But, then, remember that they may invite their moldy friends. Thus, it's important to monitor the buds every single day to ensure they aren't getting overly hydrated (which is also a problem) or worse — there's no mold.
The citrus peel is an excellent method to rehydrate cannabis but it's not for everyone, in which case, you can use humidity packs to rehydrate your buds. Many companies offer humidity packs that can help you rehydrate your buds (and even tobacco).
Since there are many products on the market, the method of using them varies. So, it's best to follow the manufacturer's recommendations on using humidity packs. These products are useful at not only rehydrating cannabis but also maintaining optimal moisture levels in the jar, so it's always a good idea to keep them handy.
This technique involves using a paper towel to add moisture to an airtight container along with your super-dry buds. For this, you'll need a clean paper towel that is slightly damp (not dripping wet), a clean and airtight glass jar or container, and your buds, of course.
To do this, moisten a paper towel under the faucet and then squeeze out any water. It should be damp but not overly wet. Make sure the paper towel is clean and free from any impurities. Next, place the paper towel flat at the base of your container, ensuring that it covers the bottom surface.
Now, add your buds on a small platform or rack above the moist paper towel inside the container. This will prevent contact between the buds and the damp surface preventing over-hydration.
Seal the container and close the lid to create an airtight seal to trap the moisture. That's about it.
Now, all you have to do is check cannabis frequently to determine its level of moisture. Depending on how dry your buds are and how moist you want them to be, this process can take anywhere from a few hours up to a couple of days. It's important to stay attentive and prevent extra hydration as it can invite mold.
Once the cannabis has reached your desired moisture level, remove the paper towel. The buds should become more flexible. Any harshness associated with dry cannabis should be gone.
This method is an accessible way to rehydrate dry cannabis. However, remember that achieving balance is key when rehydrating cannabis — neither much nor too little moisture should be introduced.
Citrus peels work so well because they are rich in moisture, which they leach out into the cannabis buds when placed in a jar with them. If you don't want the citrusy flavor but a similar effect, you can use cotton balls in much the same way.
Essentially, all you have to do is place the cotton balls in a jar with your dried-up cannabis buds and let them sit for a day. You can wrap them in a paper towel and tape it to the top of the jar to prevent any chances of mold; they should be moist but not dripping wet. Remove the buds when they are hydrated enough for you.
An alternative option for rehydration is using rehydration discs, also known as humidity stones or rehydration stones. These specialized products are designed specifically to add moisture to cannabis while helping maintain a consistent humidity level. They're really convenient and you can even reuse them to add some moisture back to the buds.
Remember to purchase high-quality rehydration discs or humidity stones from a trusted source like an accessory store. These products are specially designed to regulate humidity levels and come in options such as 62% or 58% humidity.
For this, you'll need some rehydration discs or humidity stones, a clean glass jar or container that can be sealed, and your buds.
Next, select a clean glass jar or container that can be sealed tightly and is big enough to hold the buds and the rehydration discs. Make sure it's completely dry before you start.
Place the rehydration discs at the bottom of the container. These discs gradually release moisture allowing your cannabis to rehydrate properly.
Now, carefully put your cannabis buds into the container ensuring they are placed on a small platform or rack above the rehydration discs. This setup prevents contact with the discs while helping maintain an ideal moisture level.
Seal the container so that any moisture released by the rehydration discs stays inside, effectively rejuvenating your cannabis.
Next, as always, make sure to keep an eye on the moisture level of your cannabis by checking it. Rehydration discs have been designed to ensure that the humidity level remains stable, allowing for a reliable process compared to other methods. Once your cannabis has reached the desired moisture level, you can remove the rehydration discs.
To maintain the improved moisture level and freshness, continue to store your cannabis in an airtight container. Always make sure to follow the instructions provided with your chosen rehydration discs for good results.
Perhaps the “purest” way of rehydrating dried-up cannabis is using fresh cannabis buds. Fresh buds have good moisture content, which they can lend to their dried-up cousins without any fuss, and if the buds are from the same strain, they may even recover some of the lost flavor and aroma.
Like cotton balls, place your dried-up buds with fresh buds in a jar for up to a day and take them out when they are moist enough.
Lettuce is another excellent way to add moisture back to your cannabis buds. Lettuce leaves contain up to 95% water, so pop a few leaves of it into the dried-up buds' container and they will get rehydrated within a day. Use a rack to place the leaves so they don't come in contact with the buds. This is a safe method and does not affect the flavor as much, but it's not the most common one out there. It's worth trying, though.
The next effective method is using a hot water pot — this method takes minutes and can be quite effective if used correctly. Caution can not be understated here as it is very easy to overhydrate your cannabis using this method. So, only use this method when necessary, otherwise, stick to other methods on this list.
For this method, you need to boil some water in a large pot. Then, take the pot off the stove and cover it with a washcloth — you can even use a large rubber band or clips to create a tight seal between the pot and the cloth.
Finally, place the cannabis buds on the washcloth; the vapor from the pot will start hydrating the buds. Don't forget to turn the buds around regularly, and after half an hour, take the buds off the washcloth and they should be rehydrated and ready.
Of course, you can always rehydrate cannabis buds, but is it worth the effort? Not always. So, before you proceed to rehydrate your cannabis buds using the methods mentioned above, you need to check if your buds are worth saving at this point or if they are beyond repair.
Sometimes, your cannabis buds may have dried so much that saving them is pointless. Yes, they will be moist again and easy to smoke, but the terpenes and cannabinoids within them would have degraded to a point where the buds would feel tasteless and not at all potent. This is a sign that it's better to accept fate and get a fresh set of buds.
As Gandalf said in The Lord of the Rings, when in doubt, follow your nose. So, do that. Your cannabis buds should still have some aroma left; if they don't smell like anything, or worse, smell like a wet shoe, they have lost all their terpenes and there's no point smoking them anymore.
Another sign of this is the shape and firmness of the buds. If your cannabis buds have retained their basic shape and don't snap with an audible crunch in your fingers, they are salvageable. If the buds have turned crispy, crumble easily, or break with an audible crack, it's time to toss them in the bin.
Your cannabis buds should be green in color, so if they have lost their green hue, look splotchy, or develop a brown or gray coloration, it's better to throw them in the bin. And if the buds display white, velvety patches, do not smoke it in any case, even as a joke — that's mold, which is terrible for your health.
Rehydrating is always a hit or miss, so it's better to not let your cannabis dry out in the future. This is fairly easy to do but something that not a lot of users keep in mind. They treat their cannabis buds like cigarettes when they should be treating them like the prized possession that they are!
Proper storage of your cannabis buds is the name of the game. Remember, biology is your enemy here, so light, air, oxygen, or low humidity will try to dry out your cannabis buds faster than you can smoke them. So, you need to keep a few tips in mind, such as the following, to protect your cannabis buds:
Regardless of the method you use for rehydrating your cannabis, learn from this mistake and use the above-mentioned tips on storing your future batch of fresh cannabis buds. Yes, it adds a layer of complexity (or annoyance) to the whole experience, but it is more than worth it. Waste enough buds to dry out and you'll quickly realize it's better to prevent this problem in the first place.
There you have it: your answer to how to rehydrate dried-up cannabis. To summarize, your cannabis buds may have dried out due to light, air, low moisture, or improper storage. Under these conditions, the delicate terpenes and cannabinoids start degrading, making your buds lose their flavor and potency.
If you are lucky, you can still save your buds. They will not be the same, but they will get you high and you will enjoy the flavor — as long as they are not dried beyond repair. If they are not, you can use one of the methods mentioned above, like the citrus peel or hydration pack methods, to rehydrate your cannabis buds.
And remember, when you get a new batch of buds, store them properly in glass jars away from light, low or high temperatures, and low humidity. It's best to store them in a dark glass jar with a sealable lid and place them in a cool, dark place for the best shelf life.
