Harvesting, Drying & Curing
Drying
Drying is the process of slowly removing excess moisture from harvested cannabis plants after harvest. It prepares the flower for curing while protecting quality and preventing mold.
What Drying Is and When It Happens
Drying is a critical post-harvest stage in cannabis cultivation that takes place immediately after harvest and before curing. Its primary purpose is to reduce internal moisture levels in a controlled manner, making the flower safe for storage and further processing.
Moisture Removal and Quality Protection
After harvest, cannabis plants contain a high amount of water within their flowers and stems. Drying allows this moisture to gradually evaporate, preventing microbial growth while minimizing damage to cannabinoids and aromatic compounds. If drying occurs too quickly, quality can suffer, while drying too slowly increases the risk of mold.
Environmental Conditions During Drying
Drying is typically performed in a dark, climate-controlled environment to protect cannabinoids from light degradation. Proper temperature, humidity, and gentle air movement help ensure moisture is removed evenly throughout the plant. Drying is considered complete when stems snap rather than bend, indicating internal moisture has reached safe levels.
Why Proper Drying Is Critical
Successful drying creates stable flower structure and sets the foundation for effective curing. Errors during drying cannot be fully corrected later, making this stage essential for preserving potency, flavor, aroma, and overall product quality.
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