How To Rehydrate Old Cannabis

If you’ve ever reached into your container of cannabis only to find your leaves dry and brittle, you know how disappointing it can be. Dry cannabis simply isn’t as enjoyable and can ruin a perfectly good stash. Luckily, there are some simple methods to prevent this situation entirely or rescue dried-out leaves and enjoy them as usual. Our team at UpLift in Ohio has put together this helpful guide.

The Science Behind Dry Cannabis

When cannabis plants are first harvested, they’re fresh and contain a lot of moisture. If this moisture isn’t removed, it could lead to the growth of mold over time, making the cannabis unsafe for consumption.

There are several popular methods for drying out cannabis. One of the most common options involves hanging the trimmed branches upside-down in a dark and well-ventilated area. For five to 10 days, the cannabis plants sit in an atmosphere that’s between 60 and 65 degrees Fahrenheit and 50% to 60% humidity. During this time, the moisture drains from the plants, helping the flowers to dry correctly and preventing undesirable aromas.

During this drying process, chlorophyll inside the plant degrades, and starches within the plant convert into reducing sugars. These reducing sugars then degrade further, becoming carbon dioxide and water. After this happens, growers cure the plant to remove any remaining unwanted chlorophyll and built-up salts. This curing process dries the cannabis plant even more, which allows it to be stored for longer periods of time.

The Effect of Dehydration on THC Levels and Overall Potency

While dehydrating cannabis can help it last longer, if the plant dehydrates too much, it can have a few negative impacts. Cannabis flowers that become too dry will lose a portion of their terpenes, which are a key component in the plant’s aroma and flavor. Keeping these terpenes intact requires cannabis flowers to have the perfect amount of moisture. Ideally, your cannabis flowers should have around 10% to 12% inner moisture.

In addition, when cannabis has been dried out over time, the cannabinoids will degrade, which results in a less potent high. This can happen if your cannabis flowers are exposed to oxygen and light for an extended period. This is why it’s important to store your flowers in a cool, dark location. Finally, smoking weed that’s too dried out typically results in a harsher inhale. If you find that you’re getting an increase in throat and lung irritation, it could be due to dried-out flowers.

Innovative and Safe Methods To Rehydrate Your Weed

In some cases, it’s possible to save your cannabis and safely rehydrate it. There are a few methods that you can try.

Fruit Peel

To rehydrate weed with fruit peel, cut off a strip of orange, lemon, or other citrus fruit peel and place it inside a jar with your cannabis. Then, tightly seal the jar and wait. Citrus peels are naturally moist and do a great job of transferring the right amount of moisture back to your flowers.

Just be aware that the fruit peel may also transfer some of its flavors to your plant as well. After placing the strip of citrus peel inside the jar, you’ll want to wait about a day before you enjoy your rehydrated weed. It’s also a good idea to “burp” the jar once or twice over the next day by opening the lid and resealing it.

Bread Slice

Another option is a slice of bread. Grab a piece of bread and moisten it slightly (don’t soak it). Place it on top of your weed inside a sealed plastic bag, then let it sit for an hour or two. Check your leaves to determine if they’re ready to go or need a little more time.

Depending on how much cannabis you’re trying to rehydrate, you may need to repeat this process a few times. Don’t rush the process by using too much water or leaving the same piece of bread inside the bag for too long, as this can result in mold.

Hot Vapor

For a faster but riskier method, you can try using hot vapor. Fill a large pot with water and bring it to a boil. Once it’s boiling, take the pot off the heat and place it on a safe surface. Cover the pot with a piece of fabric, such as a dish towel, and secure it around the pot’s rim. Be sure to use oven mitts to prevent burns.

Next, place your dehydrated cannabis on top of the cloth and wait for the evaporation to do its work. The hot vapor will pass through your plants, quickly providing moisture. Turn your buds regularly to distribute vapor evenly. After about 30 to 60 minutes, your buds should be ready to go. While this method is fast, it also poses the risk of cooking the weed or making it too soggy to smoke.

Preventive Measures To Keep Your Cannabis Fresh

Rather than rehydrating your cannabis, it’s better if you can simply keep it fresh. The key is to store your cannabis properly. Never store your flowers out in the open or in direct sunlight. Use an opaque, airtight container, and keep it in a cool, dry location.

Another method you can use involves moisture packs. These tiny packets to keep weed moist contain silicone gel, which exchanges moisture with the air around your plants. Simply buy a few of these packs and place one inside your cannabis container. A humidity control pack will keep the atmosphere inside your jar perfectly balanced for curing and help your cannabis last longer.

Finally, if you want a more upscale storage solution, explore cannabis humidors. While humidors are commonly used for cigars, there are specialized ones made for cannabis. They’re a stylish and effective way to protect your plants. Explore our range of cannabis accessories at UpLift for more safe storage options.

Maintaining the Optimum Quality of Your Cannabis

To enjoy your cannabis, it needs to remain at optimum quality. Moisture level is a key factor, and if you’re not careful, your cannabis will dehydrate over time. Take steps to properly store your plants and keep moisture at the right level. But, if you find that your plants are dehydrated, you can use one of the above methods to safely attempt to restore the moisture levels and rescue your bud. For more information on protecting or storing your weed, contact our team at UpLift in Ohio with any questions.

person making cannabis joint  by Thought Catalog is licensed with Unsplash License