Cannabis that’s dried will burn more easily, more cleanly, and more completely than cannabis that’s not dried.
Plenty of cannabis consumers wonder if they can safely smoke freshly picked buds or ones that have gotten wet. There are good reasons why cannabis is dried and cured. But can you smoke wet weed?
Soggy Weed vs. Wet Drugs: An Important Distinction
Cannabis that’s gotten wet (such as from rain or condensation) is very different from “wet” cannabis.
“Wet” cannabis is the slang term used for cannabis that has been laced with other substances, such as PCP or formaldehyde. “Smoking wet” is never recommended, as it carries a significant risk and can bring about dangerous and unpredictable effects and health consequences.
“Wet” (laced or contaminated) cannabis is one of the main reasons why it’s important to purchase your products from a licensed dispensary. Buying from licensed shops only ensures you’re purchasing products that have been tested for purity and potency, so you don't need to worry about any unwanted substances in your next bowl or edible. Many cannabis brands have websites that provide more information about their practices and methods, which can be another helpful way of understanding the products that you’re purchasing.
When we talk about whether you can smoke wet weed, we’re referring to cannabis that’s gotten wet or soggy.
Why is Weed Dried and Cured?
Most cannabis that you purchase will have already been dried and cured. But why is this so important?
Cannabis naturally contains 70-80% moisture, which needs to be reduced in order to aid the smoking process.1 Another significant benefit of reducing moisture content in cannabis is that it can prevent the cannabis itself from molding or growing unwanted biological contaminants.2
Drying cannabis can make cannabis easier smoke and longer lasting.
Curing cannabis is not only essential for its preservation, but it can heighten the quality of certain compounds as they mature. Cannabis that hasn’t been cured properly could potentially lead to discomfort or throat irritation while smoking due to the starches and other biological components that haven’t been broken down.
What Happens if Weed Gets Wet?
If your cannabis stash gets wet, that doesn't mean you have to throw it out. It is possible to dry cannabis that has gotten wet. However, when weed that’s already been dried and cured gets damp and isn't properly re-dried, it may cause mold growth during storage.
My Weed Got Wet: Can I Still Smoke It?
Smoking wet weed can be irritating to the lungs and throat, and you may notice a change in the flavor profile and harshness.
While there may not be any major health concerns that can come from smoking damp weed, mold is more likely to form after cannabis gets wet. And smoking moldy weed can be harmful to your lungs and health. For that reason, it's often safest to discard wet cannabis and start again with a dry option.
But can you dry weed after it gets wet?
Can You Smoke Wet Weed After Drying It?
To dry cannabis after it gets wet, you'll first need a drying area. This is a place where you can safely hang up your weed to dry out completely. You’ll want to make sure that this is a safe and secure spot where no children or pets could accidentally come into contact with your bud. In an ideal situation, your drying area would be well-ventilated and kept between 60°F to 70°F and 55% to 65% humidity.
Next, find a fan to keep the air moving. You’ll also need a thermometer and a hydrometer so that you can keep an eye on the area’s temperature and humidity.
With the right area and a fan in place, set up a hanging line from which you can hang your buds. Now you’re ready to hang your buds up and let them dry!
If you only have a small amount of moist weed, you may be able to re-dry your bud with less intensive methods, such as placing the flower in rice to soak up the moisture. Some consumers have applied heat or left their flower in the sun to dry out. However, this is typically not recommended because it can lead to degradation of the plant’s cannabinoids.
If you’re in a hurry, it may be best to head to your local dispensary for a dry cannabis option that doesn’t require any preparation.
Alternatives to Smoking Wet Weed
If you have cannabis that’s gotten wet or hasn’t been cured yet, there are options other than smoking. Making edibles or rosin can be a great way to put wet cannabis to use without the extra steps to dry and cure.
Some people choose to flash freeze their uncured cannabis. This means that you’ll be able to make “live” extracts from it, such as live resin and live rosin. If you use flash-frozen cannabis or live extracts to make edibles, you’ll still need to go through the decarboxylation process.
References
- Das PC, Vista AR, Tabil LG, Baik OD. Postharvest Operations of Cannabis and Their Effect on Cannabinoid Content: A Review. Bioengineering (Basel). 2022;9(8):364. Published 2022 Aug 3. doi:10.3390/bioengineering9080364 ↩︎
- AL Ubeed HMS, Wills RBH, Chandrapala J. Post-Harvest Operations to Generate High-Quality Medicinal Cannabis Products: A Systemic Review. Molecules. 2022; 27(5):1719. https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules27051719 ↩︎
The information in this article and any included images or charts are for educational purposes only. This information is neither a substitute for, nor does it replace, professional legal advice or medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have any concerns or questions about laws, regulations, or your health, you should always consult with an attorney, physician or other licensed professional.
