Whether you bought your cannabis or dried it yourself, there’s a good chance it got wet accidently. This might have happened by mistake or because the cannabis was washed purposely to eliminate contaminants and enhance its flavor. Regardless, it’s disheartening to devote time, money, or effort just to wind up with a useless product. But do not worry—there are solutions.
There is a narrow line between slightly moist buds and perfect stickiness, which some people prefer.
If your cannabis squishes when lightly squeezed, it’s likely overly damp. Buds should feel somewhat sticky because to the resin (which contains the cannabinoids), but they should bounce back slightly when squeezed rather than crush.
Wet cannabis may seem sticky, but it will not adhere to your fingertips. You’re seeking for buds with a honey-coated texture, comparable to baklava. If they feel wet or spongy, you have a problem.
Common Issues With Wet Cannabis
Difficult to Light
It’s no surprise that wet cannabis is hard to ignite. If you can’t light it, you can’t smoke it.
Mold Risk
Excess moisture, as explained in *How to Dry and Cure Cannabis*, complicates pot storage and can lead to mold. Smoking moldy cannabis is risky because it contains germs and fungus that can harm your respiratory system and increase your risk of pneumonia.
Bad Taste
If you somehow manage to smoke damp weed, it won’t taste great. It’s like smoking uncured cannabis—definitely not pleasant.
The Risks Of Wet Weed
While smoking wet pot is not always harmful to your health, the length of time the bud remains wet can make a significant effect. A damp atmosphere is ideal for mould, fungus, and bacteria. So, if you keep your cannabis wet for too long, you may get more than you bargained for. Smoking mouldy cannabis can cause headaches, lung issues, and even pneumonia. As a result, if your weed became wet, it is safer to dry it straight away.
Regardless of whatsoever drying method you use, it is critical to examine your marijuana for mold before and after drying. If it has a nasty odor—like leftovers from last week—or if you notice something clearly growing on it, it’s better to toss it away. Now let’s look at what you can do if your marijuana becomes moist.
How to Dry Out Wet Cannabis
To save your damp weed, dry it out with moisture-absorbing ways. Whether you’re a grower who didn’t properly cure it, it got caught in the rain, you inadvertently spilled something on it, or it’s just unusually humid outdoors, there are several reasons why your cannabis may be storing too much moisture. Fortunately, there are several solutions to the problem.
Rice Drying Method
If you’ve ever spilled a drink on your phone, you’re probably familiar with this trick. It turns out uncooked rice isn’t just for saving electronics—it can help with wet weed, too. Place your wet buds in a bowl or bag, then cover them completely with dry rice.
The rice will draw out the excess moisture, helping your buds return to their ideal state. Depending on how wet your weed is, leave it in the rice for at least 24 hours. If it’s still damp when you check, give it another day. Just make sure to seal the container, and let the rice do the work!
Put a Paper Over the Problem
If your marijuana became wet, don’t worry—you can easily repair it with a paper bag. Simply place your moist buds in a closed paper bag and store them somewhere cool and dry. If you have a dehumidifier, now is an excellent time to utilize it. The paper bag circulates air while protecting your blooms from trichome-damaging light.
To increase moisture absorption, wrap your cannabis with paper towels before placing it in the bag. The paper towels will help absorb the extra wetness. Replace the towels and rotate your weed every several hours, checking for mold. This also helps to remove any trapped dampness from the bag.
Revive Your Damp Weed
If you’re a grower, you’re no stranger to the challenges of battling moisture and mold. After a successful harvest, properly curing your buds is essential. The same curing tools can also help remove moisture from buds that have become too damp. If your weed is fully soaked, start with the rice method. But if it’s just a bit moist, try placing a humidipak in your airtight container.
Avoid Cutting Corners
It’s tempting to use heat to hasten the drying process of damp weed. Ultimately, you most likely want to smoke it as soon as possible. It’s important to avoid shortcuts that utilize heat or light, though.
Your weed’s quality can be diminished by using a blow dryer, an oven, or leaving it outside in the sun. Terpenes and cannabinoids are broken down by light and heat, which lessens their taste and efficacy. You might lose strength in the process of gaining time. Furthermore, you run the danger of over-drying your buds, which makes for a harsher, less pleasurable smoke.
Moisture Prevention: Proper Weed Storage
Wet weed can be unpleasant at best, and downright destructive at worst (hello, mold!). While accidents happen, there are steps you can take to prevent excess moisture from ruining your stash. The key is to keep it in the Goldilocks zone—not too wet, not too dry. Freshness starts with proper storage. Keep your cannabis in an airtight container, stored in a cool, dry, and dark place. Simple, right?
Mason jars are a solid option, but for optimal care, consider investing in a specialized container like the CVault. It’s airtight, blocks light, and comes with a humidipak to keep your weed fresh longer. Just avoid plastic baggies—you’re a cannabis enthusiast, and dime bags are a thing of the past.
Bottom Line
If your cannabis gets wet, it’s crucial to act quickly to dry it out to avoid mold and maintain quality. Use methods like the rice drying technique or paper bag with paper towels to absorb moisture. Avoid using heat sources as they can degrade the weed’s quality. Proper storage in airtight containers and maintaining a cool, dry environment will help prevent future moisture issues. Always check for mold and other contaminants before consuming. By following these steps, you can preserve your cannabis’s flavor and potency.