Drying and curing cannabis properly after harvest is one of the most important steps to ensuring high-quality buds While there are several methods for drying buds, using paper bags is a popular technique among many growers. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about successfully drying your cannabis buds in paper bags
Why Use Paper Bags for Drying Buds?
Paper bags allow for a slow, controlled drying process that helps preserve terpenes and cannabinoids. Here are some of the key benefits of using paper bags:
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Absorbs Moisture: The paper absorbs excess moisture from the buds while still allowing airflow. This prevents mold growth.
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Controls Humidity: Paper bags create a microclimate with stable humidity around the buds. Ideal humidity levels can be maintained.
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Preserves Terpenes: Slower, controlled drying retains more terpenes and aroma compounds compared to quick drying methods.
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Space Efficient Bags use less space than hanging whole branches to dry. This works well for small harvests
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Easy Monitoring: The buds can be easily checked through the open tops of the bags for even drying.
Step-by-Step Guide to Drying in Paper Bags
Follow these steps for flawlessly dried buds using simple brown paper bags:
1. Harvest at Peak Maturity
- Harvest when 50-70% of the pistils have darkened and curled in.
- Trichomes should appear milky white or amber.
- Buds should feel firm with a slight snap when bent.
Harvesting at the right time ensures maximum potency and terpene development.
2. Prepare the Drying Area
- Find a cool, dark, dry room with temperatures around 60-70°F.
- Use dehumidifiers or ventilation to maintain relative humidity under 55%.
- Ensure no light reaches the buds to avoid THC degradation.
Controlling the drying environment is crucial for preserving quality.
3. Cut Buds Into Smaller Pieces
- Carefully trim off individual buds from the branches.
- Cut any large buds in half or into smaller pieces for more even drying.
Smaller pieces dry faster and more evenly than whole colas or branches.
4. Select Appropriate Paper Bags
- Choose uncoated brown kraft paper bags with no inks or dyes.
- Look for bags that are large enough to hold buds without squeezing.
- Sturdy grocery bags, lunch bags, or shopping bags will work well.
High-quality, food-safe paper bags help protect terpenes.
5. Place Buds in Paper Bags
- Spread out a single loose layer of buds at the bottom of the bags.
- Avoid overcrowding buds to allow proper airflow.
- Leave space at the top and do not seal the bags completely.
Proper spacing prevents uneven drying and potential mold issues.
6. Check Bags Daily
- Inspect buds closely for any mold, rot, or sticking.
- Gently turn buds to promote even drying and air circulation.
- Remove any buds with mold immediately and adjust conditions.
Frequent checks are vital to catch any problems early.
7. Monitor Humidity Levels
- Use a hygrometer to track humidity inside the bags.
- Optimal drying humidity is around 60-65% until buds feel dry.
- Humidity should reach 62% before moving buds to cure.
Keeping humidity in check ensures buds dry thoroughly but slowly.
8. Dry For 2-3 Days
- Allow buds to dry in the bags for 2-3 days, depending on humidity.
- Buds are ready when dry on the outside but still slightly sticky inside.
- Expect drying times to take longer in higher humidity environments.
Patience is necessary; rushing drying risks degrading quality.
9. Transfer to Curing Jars
- When buds reach 62% humidity, transfer them into airtight jars for curing.
- Ensure buds are dry enough to prevent mold in the jars.
- Open jars daily to control humidity during the curing process.
Proper curing further enhances terpenes, smoothness, and aroma.
Tips for Optimizing Drying in Paper Bags
Follow these tips for getting the highest quality dried buds using the paper bag method:
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Gently turn or shake bags daily to rotate bud positions for even drying.
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Add or remove bags as needed to adjust humidity based on hygrometer readings.
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Use appropriately-sized bags to avoid having too much extra space around buds.
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Keep bags partially open to allow ventilation while preventing light exposure.
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Maintain optimal temperatures around 60-70°F which slow terpene loss.
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Check noses of buds in the bags to ensure smells are being preserved.
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Avoid reusing old bags which may contain dirt, dust, or contaminants.
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Add humidity packs if ambient conditions are very dry to slow the process.
With attention to these details, you’ll be rewarded with perfectly dried, terpene-rich, smooth-smoking buds using this simple brown paper bag technique. Enjoy your harvest!
Frequently Asked Questions about Drying in Paper Bags
What are the benefits of drying buds in paper bags?
Paper bags allow for slow, controlled drying that helps retain terpenes and aromas. The bags also absorb moisture and control humidity during the drying process.
Should I trim buds before putting them in paper bags?
Yes, it’s best to remove buds from branches and trim off excess leaves before drying in bags. Trimming helps buds dry evenly.
How long does it take to dry buds in paper bags?
Expect the drying process to take around 2-3 days. Exact timing depends on factors like humidity, density of buds, bag size, etc.
How do I know when buds are ready for curing?
Check bud humidity levels. Buds should feel dry on the outside but still be slightly sticky inside, around 62% humidity, before moving to curing jars.
Can I reuse paper bags for drying multiple harvests?
It’s best to use new, clean bags each harvest to prevent any contamination from dirt or dust. Reusing old bags risks lowering quality.
What humidity level should I aim for when drying in bags?
Ideal humidity is around 60-65% while buds are drying in the bags. At 62% humidity, they are ready for curing. Use a hygrometer.
How much cannabis should I put in each paper bag?
Fill bags with a loose single layer of buds, leaving plenty of space for air circulation. Overcrowding can lead to uneven drying.
Should I burp the bags like I burp curing jars?
Burping isn’t necessary during drying in bags. Leaving bags partially open provides plenty of airflow. Burping becomes important once buds are curing.
Can I use paper bags to dry full cannabis branches?
Branches may be too large and will not dry evenly. It’s better to cut down branches into smaller pieces first.
With the proper techniques, drying in simple paper bags can reward you with perfectly preserved terpenes, smoothness and quality in your finished cannabis buds. Follow this guide for flawless results. Let us know if you have any other questions!
