Photo via Shuttershock
My weed got wet, and so did my eyes.
I quickly thought the good times were over, but I would still give it my all to save my precious bud.
While not all wet cannabis flower can be saved, it’s definitely worth the effort to try.
Before you toss your soggy stash, consider some of these effective methods below to rescue and restore your wet weed to its former glory (a fan and some patience did wonders for me).
Resist the temptation to quickly dry your wet cannabis using a microwave or an oven. High temperatures can seriously damage your buds by degrading the essential cannabinoids and terpenes—those critical compounds that define the quality and intensity of your high.
Instead, opt for gentler drying methods that preserve these important elements.
Quickly figure out how wet your cannabis is. If it’s completely soaked or you’re unsure how long it’s been wet, it’s safest to throw it out to avoid the risk of mold. However, if it’s just slightly damp, you still have a shot at saving it.
Start by gently wrapping your damp buds in paper towels. This helps absorb extra moisture without too much pressure, which could damage the buds’ delicate trichomes.
After blotting, lay the buds on a fresh set of paper towels in a dark, dry area. Use a fan or a dehumidifier to circulate air, but position these devices at a moderate distance to avoid disrupting the buds.
Using a fan can help speed up the process of drying out your wet cannabis flower.
Lay the buds on paper towels and turn them every 10 minutes to ensure even drying. This method helps speed up the drying process without using excessive heat.
Typically, you can expect your cannabis to be dry and ready to use again within 3 to 7 days, depending on the initial level of moisture and your drying conditions.
During the drying process, keep a close eye on your buds for any signs of mold growth.
Here’s how to thoroughly monitor your buds:
Regularly examine your buds for any unusual spots or fuzzy growths. Mold can appear as white, grey, green, or black spots that may look web-like or powdery.
Stay alert to any changes in the aroma of your buds. Moldy cannabis often has a musty, stale, or earthy odor, distinctly different from the fresh, herbal scent of healthy buds.
Use a good light source to inspect your buds; natural light is best. Sometimes, small mold spores can be hard to see under dim lighting.
If you suspect any bud of having mold, immediately isolate it from the rest. Mold spreads quickly and can contaminate other buds if not promptly addressed.
If you think there might be mold on your cannabis, it’s best to throw it out. We know a painful reality. But not as painful as the potential respiratory or other health issues associated with consuming moldy cannabis.
Photo via Mehmet Keskin
No fan on hand? There are plenty of alternative techniques that can be just as effective:
First, there’s the tried-and-true air-drying technique. This method involves hanging your cannabis or spreading it out on a drying rack in a well-ventilated, dark room.
The key here is ensuring consistent air circulation naturally, without direct airflow, which might disrupt the drying process.
This can take several days, but it’s a gentle way to preserve the integrity of the cannabinoids and terpenes in your buds.
Just like rice can be a lifesaver for a soaked phone, it can also rescue your wet cannabis. Silica gel packs work the same magic. Simply toss some rice or a few silica gel packs into the bottom of a container, cover them with a paper towel, and then lay your buds on top.
This setup keeps your weed from directly touching the rice or silica gel, avoiding any mess and contamination. It’s a neat and tidy way to pull moisture from your buds and get them back to their prime.
This method is especially useful for smaller amounts of cannabis.
Similar to when flower gets wet, depending on how soaked your joint is, you might still be able to salvage it.
If your blunt fell in water, follow these same steps.
As we mentioned, not all wet weed can be saved to the point that it still smokes enjoyably.
If your bud got slightly damp, it should dry out enough to maintain its flavor and potency.
if your bud was thoroughly soaked, the risk of mold and mildew growth spikes dramatically. Plus, the flavor, potency, and smoothness of the smoke will be compromised; only time will tell by how much.
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