Prevention is the Most Effective Method
Two of the most common reasons that cannabis plants will become excessively dehydrated is from either ineffective or improper storage, or over-drying after harvest.
Cannabis dries from the outside inwards, and its leaves may appear dry; however, its inner buds and stems may still contain significant amounts of moisture. It is therefore quite common for the grower to judge the level of dehydration using the so-called stem-snap trick. This is where you cut the buds for drying, and the stems will soon lose the majority of their stiffness and brittleness. If a stem is moist, it bends without breaking.
The general principle, is that when a bud stem breaks halfway through, it is dry enough. If the stem still bends, you still need time. While this trick works perfectly effectively for the more experienced of producers, it is by no means the most scientific or effective method for the less seasoned grower. In temperate climates with average humidity, slower drying times should always be expected. However, in dry climates, it is essential to keep the plants close to a humidifier.
Use Humidity Control Tools to Maintain Perfect Humidity
After harvesting, the buds must be placed in a properly sealed and airtight container for the curing process. One of the easiest ways to maintain perfect conditions is the process of vapour barrier packaging.
These great little packages - which work with both large and small crops – are highly effective, owing to the silicone gel in them, which take on the task of regulating the moisture within the air around the buds. The result is a perfectly maintained relative humidity of 58-65% - the ideal value for curing.
What to Do If the Buds Are Already Overly Dry
Fortunately, just as cannabis expels its moisture into the air, so it can return water molecules into its buds. The way to achieve this is fairly simple. All that is required, is a properly airtight container.
At this stage, airtightness is not yet essential for success, but hermetically sealed containers are required after fluid replenishment and long-term storage. The basic principle is that increasing the relative humidity within the container will create the right microclimate for moisture absorption.
There are a number of ways in which this can be done - some can be undertaken, regardless of whether there has been excessive drying or not. Almost all of the methods cited below will have only subtle differences in execution (except for the super quick methods, which work in a different way).
THREE METHODS FOR REHYDRATING CANNABIS
Using Either Bread, Lettuce or Moistened Paper
This isn’t a flavour-enhancing technique. Take a slice of bread and moisten it (do not soak).
Alternatively, lettuce leaves can also work very well. Gently moistened paper towels can similarly be used, but be careful to monitor the possibility of excess water content. First, place one of the above with the buds in a thickened plastic or freezer-style bag, seal tightly and leave to stand for around one or two hours. Following this, check the buds and stir them. Also observe how much drier the lettuce, bread or paper towel is. Their dryness will be a clear indication of how much moisture the buds have taken up. Dependent on the volume of product you have, it may be necessary to repeat this procedure a few times. The trick is not to rush. For example, don't wet the bread excessively, or leave the same salad leaf in the bag for too long – doing so can lead to mould forming, which will then speedily make its way onto the buds.
Inspect thoroughly and if satisfied, place the rehydrated buds in an appropriately sized, airtight container for extended storage
Using Fruit Peel
This trick is fun, useable with several different kinds of fruits or herbs, and an excellent way to rehydrate one’s crop, using the same procedure as mentioned above.
The key difference to note here is that fruit peel will also impart some flavour and aroma to the buds. The most often used fruits are oranges and limes, as they are very effective in rehydrating, whilst also giving a highly desirous citrus flavour. Fruit should not, however, be used as any part of the long-term storage and curing process, as they will almost certainly cause mould or bud rot. Close daily monitoring is always required to avoid the presence of fungi.
Changing the peel every few days will help prevent the above, as well as providing added flavour. Banana peel is another very popular choice. It works faster, but also rots much faster. Some growers insist that it also makes the effect of the weed stronger, although there is no scientific or concrete evidence to prove this. Generally, apple peel does not transmit its taste as effectively, but releases its moisture content slowly and consistently, which makes it an excellent choice for ensuring an even and balanced rehydration effect.
Regardless of the choice of fruit, the trick is to leave the peel wrapped around its buds for several hours. It can take from a few hours to a day for the buds to reach their best useable form. You can jazz things up, too, by adding such things as mint, coriander, rosemary, thyme, or any other herb that emits an intense scent.
Hot Steam Method
If you're in a rush and aren’t able to wait the lengths of time needed for the previous methods, there is a way in which to speed up the process. However, it does require having to pay constant close attention, because you run the risk of quickly over-cooking the buds or getting them too wet to consume.
To do this, fill a saucepan with water, bringing it to the boil. Then, cover the pan with some fabric or a piece of muslin and secure it around the rim. Place the dried buds on top of the cloth and allow the magical process of evaporation to do the rest. The hot steam will pass through the fabric and into the buds, maximising hydration in record time. Again, be sure to stir the buds regularly so that the steam reaches each of them evenly. After around half an hour, the buds will be ready for use.
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