If your weed is damp, don’t worry. Whether you spilled a beverage or your cannabis is just a bit on the soggy side, we’re here to assist. Here’s how to determine if your weed is too damp, what occurs if you smoke it, and how you can dry it safely.
When it comes to keeping cannabis, you want to maintain that sticky-icky sweet spot. Not too arid, not too humid, but just right. In service of perfectly preserved flower, many articles focus on how to keep your cannabis from drying out. But, what should you do if your weed gets damp? And, how can you determine if your flower is just sticky, or too moist altogether?
Now, let’s dive into what you can do if your weed is too damp. If you are seeking to purchase marijuana, Herrble cannabis delivery might be the ideal choice for you.
Is your weed really damp or just sticky?
It can seem like a fine line between moist flowers and sticky perfection. Here’s how you can tell whether your weed is questionable:
If it squishes when you gently press it, your weed is likely too humid. Of course, you want a little stickiness. Perfectly cured flowers feel sticky because they’re covered in resin (where the cannabinoids reside). But they should still have a bit of bounce (not squish).
While damp weed might feel somewhat sticky to the touch, it won’t actually adhere to your fingers. But that’s what you want—flowers that feel like they’ve got a bit of syrup on them.
What happens if you smoke damp weed?
Smoking weed that’s too damp isn’t typically harmful. It won’t cause you to dissolve into a puddle, Wicked Witch of the West style. But just like smoking dried-out flowers, smoking damp weed can be irritating and unpleasant. You’ll likely find that it’s challenging to grind, doesn’t burn properly, and tastes harsh. Crucially, it’s also possible that damp weed won’t get you as lofty.
Why would damp weed be less effective? It’s not so much that moisture reduces its strength on a chemical level. The issue is more that overly humid flowers are hard to ignite. Also, needing to relight your bowl or joint repeatedly means you’ll inevitably waste more of your supply just trying to keep it burning.
If you purchased weed that was already too humid, you could also be getting cheated. Obviously, damp weed is heavier than flowers that are perfectly cured. That means you might have paid a water surcharge on your recent purchase. The point is, damp weed equals more effort, more waste, more expense, and less enjoyment. Overall, this is clearly not ideal.
The risks of damp weed
While smoking damp weed isn’t necessarily bad for your well-being, how long the weed stays moist can definitely make a difference. So, if you leave your weed damp for too long, you might end up with more than you bargained for. Smoking moldy weed can lead to headaches, respiratory issues, and even pneumonia. For that reason, if your weed got damp, it’s safer to dry it out immediately.
Whatever drying technique you use, you should inspect your weed for mold before and after the drying process. If you notice it smells a bit like last week’s leftovers, or if it has anything visibly growing on it, it’s probably safer to cut your losses and discard your stash. On that note, let’s get into exactly what you can do if your weed gets damp.
How to dry damp weed
Maybe you’re a grower and didn’t cure it correctly, maybe it rained while your weed was in your bag, or perhaps you spilled a beverage. Honestly, maybe it’s just incredibly humid outside. There are several reasons your weed might be holding a bit too much moisture. Fortunately, there are a few steps you can take to rectify the situation.
Rice to the rescue
If you’ve ever spilled a beverage on your cell phone, you’re probably familiar with this method. Well, it turns out uncooked rice is good for salvaging more than electronics. If your weed is damp, place it in a bowl or bag and cover it with rice.
The dry rice will absorb the excess moisture, returning your flowers to their full splendor. Depending on how damp your weed is, you should leave it in the rice for at least 24 hours. If it’s still too humid when you check it, give it another day or so. Just seal the container so the rice can absorb the moisture, and you’re good to go!
Paper over the problem
Got damp weed? Don’t worry—you’ve got this in the bag. In other words, if your weed is a bit too humid, you can leave it to dry in a closed paper sack. Put the bag in a cool, dry location. If you have access to a dehumidifier, now is the time to activate it. The paper will allow air to circulate, while safeguarding your flowers from trichome-damaging light.
You can also try wrapping your cannabis in paper towels before placing it in the bag. Similar to rice, the paper towel will help soak up some of the moisture. Change the paper towel and turn over your weed every couple of hours, ensuring to check it for mold. This will also allow any leftover humidity to escape from the bag.
Cure your soggy supply
If you’re a grower, you’re probably familiar with the battle against moisture and mold. After a successful harvest, it’s crucial to cure your flowers properly. The equipment used for curing can also be used to eliminate moisture from previously perfect flowers. If your weed is fully damp, you might want to try the rice method first. If it’s just a little too humid, try adding a humidipak to your airtight storage container.
Products like the Boveda Humidipak 62 are designed to maintain your flowers at an optimal 62% humidity. They not only remove excess moisture but add it back in when your weed gets too dry. That’s an added advantage as it ensures you won’t accidentally dry out your weed too much in the process of saving it from a soggy demise.
Avoid shortcuts
When weed gets damp, it can be tempting to use heat to dry it. After all, chances are you want to smoke it sooner rather than later. Despite this all too natural impulse, it’s important to avoid shortcuts that involve light and heat.
Using a blow dryer, an oven, or spreading your weed out in the sun can leave you with a lower-quality supply. That’s because light and heat will degrade cannabinoids as well as terpenes. What you save in time, you could lose in potency. Not only that, you risk over-drying your flowers, leading to a harsher, less enjoyable smoke.
Moisture prevention: store your weed right
Damp weed is unpleasant at best, destructive at worst (hello mold!). While accidents happen, there are some steps you can take to prevent excess moisture from threatening your supply. The goal is to stay in the Goldilocks zone: not too much, and not too little. Fresh is best, and it all starts with storing your cannabis properly. Keep your weed in an airtight container and place that container in a dry, dark, and cool location. Easy enough, right?
Mason jars work well, but if you really want to treat your weed right, invest in a specialized storage container. The CVault is both airtight and light-blocking. It also comes with a humidipak to really help your supply last. Just stay away from plastic bags.
