What Happened to Sticky, Smelly Cannabis Buds?
Over the years, one question keeps coming up: “Where did the sticky, aromatic buds go?” The answer is simple—most commercial cannabis today is either overdried or poorly cured.
A study by Samir A. Ross and Mahmoud A. Elsohly compared oils from fresh-frozen and air-dried Cannabis sativa. Fresh-frozen buds retained 92% monoterpenes, while air-dried ones lost a significant portion due to evaporation. This terpene loss directly reduces stickiness and aroma.
Further research revealed that improper drying and curing can eliminate up to 55% of beta-myrcene within just seven days. These losses add up, reducing both quality and profit—terpenes and moisture literally vanish into thin air.
Traditional HVAC systems and dehumidifiers often cause over-drying. Their inconsistent operation leads to environmental fluctuations, which expand and contract trichome heads, accelerating terpene and moisture loss. Once lost, terpenes can’t be recovered, and over-dried cannabis no longer benefits from curing.
Sometimes, producers intentionally over dry to prevent mold, but this compromises quality. Drying and curing are distinct processes—proper drying must come first.
Drying Without Over-Drying
A study on water activity found that buds dried to 0.65 aw retained the most terpenes and delivered cannabinoids effectively. In contrast, 0.85 aw reduced cannabinoid levels, while 0.45 aw led to significant weight loss—up to 20 grams per pound—impacting revenue.
Drying typically takes 10 days. Start by hanging plants in a sealed room at 45% RH and 65°F for three days. Then, raise RH to 55% and lower temperature to 60°F. Finish by increasing RH to 58% and turning off all systems for 24 hours. At this stage, stems should bend slightly, and buds should retain inner moisture, aiming for 0.62–0.63 aw.
Curing to Preserve Quality
Curing activates enzymes that break down starches, sugars, and chlorophyll, releasing gases like CO₂ and ethylene. However, without sufficient moisture and oxygen, this process halts. Over-dried buds won’t cure.
Ideal curing conditions include:
- Water activity: 0.58–0.62 aw
- VPD: 0.85 kPa
- Room temp: 60–65°F initially, rising to 70–72°F
- RH: 58–60%
- Room VPD: 1.0 kPa
Keirton’s trials using its Cure Puck show curing takes 5–10 days, depending on preference. Properly cured buds should feel like marshmallows—sticky, aromatic, and consistent throughout.
Protect Your Product
Even after curing, buds can over-dry in trimming and packaging rooms. To prevent this, maintain the same temperature and humidity used during curing. This ensures terpene and moisture retention, preserving both quality and value.