Silica Gel Packets to help dry buds....

[trogdor4564]

Does anyone know if it is ok to put silica packets with your drying bud. Does it have any negative effects? Silica packets are those little packets that you would get with beef jerky that say DO NOT EAT! They are moisture absorbers so i was wondering, say if you had a couple drying buds in a droor or something and it wasnt well ventilated, might silica packets help??

[aregan35]

i think so, hmm thats a good idea brother might wanna give it a shot

[Enuff4All2Share]

I've heard of it (I think from a Cervantes book), never tried it. Should be no harm in it and it should work fine.


E4A2S

[spastic]

It would work, but it might be a bit more harsh then letting it try for a longer time on its own.

Ive dried in the oven before, i would turn it on to like 250. I dried a huge bud in one night and it worked but tasted like crap.

If your just wanting to get high by all means quick dry the crap out of it, but if you want a more smooth smoke try letting it dry for a few days on its own.

Supposidly, not sure, but the idea is that a bud that is wetter longer relesaes more chloriphil as it dries making it smoother. One that is quick dried doesnt get that chance to release it making it more harsh.

Good luck with drying.

[dangermouse]

I think the best way to dry your bud is the patient one.

Hang the whole thing upside down for a week to 11 days or so (or until the stems crack instead of bending)

Then trim.

[trogdor4564]

i wasnt gonna do it just wondering if it can be done with no bad effects. And its not like those things will make the buds dry faster they just keep the humidity down. So all the moisture that is released from the buds doesnt hang around it goes into the packets. So they dont effect how fast they will dry.
So im guessing its an ok thing to do. Wont do any harm. Thanks guys

[buzb8lvr]

Originally Posted by trogdor4564

And its not like those things will make the buds dry faster they just keep the humidity down. So all the moisture that is released from the buds doesnt hang around it goes into the packets. So they dont effect how fast they will dry.

If they are absorbing moisture and keeping the humidity down then it will definitely make the buds dry quicker. The silica will wick the moisture from the air which will in turn absorb more moisture from the buds. The whole point of the recommended drying/curing procedures is to allow the bud to dry as slowly as possible without getting mold. Silica packs will probably expedite the drying process at the expense of flavor and aroma.

[trogdor4564]

Originally Posted by buzb8lvr

If they are absorbing moisture and keeping the humidity down then it will definitely make the buds dry quicker. The silica will wick the moisture from the air which will in turn absorb more moisture from the buds. The whole point of the recommended drying/curing procedures is to allow the bud to dry as slowly as possible without getting mold. Silica packs will probably expedite the drying process at the expense of flavor and aroma.

So your saying that good ventilation will dry buds too fast? Because good ventilation will keep the humidity down. I have read everything saying when drying buds, good ventilation is a necessity as well as low humidity.

[Hashmouf]

Silica packets will not dry your buds it actually does the opposite , silica packets are designed to absorb oxygen to keep things fresh. if you are attempting to dry and cure buds you need oxygen.

If your buds are properly dried and cured the silica packets will help them remain fresh without over drying.

[Hashmouf]

Originally Posted by trogdor4564

So your saying that good ventilation will dry buds too fast? Because good ventilation will keep the humidity down. I have read everything saying when drying buds, good ventilation is a necessity as well as low humidity.

When drying buds you want about 30-40% humidity with slight air circulation around the buds but not directly on the buds. I use a dry box with great results.

[buzb8lvr]

Yes you need some air circulation. But too much ventilation will dry the buds out too fast. You just need a dark, relative cool area that isn't hermetically sealed.

"In this form, it is used as a desiccant to control local humidityin order to avoid spoilage of some goods. Because of poisonous dopants (see below) and their very high absorption of moisture , silica gel packets usually bear warnings for the user not to eat the contents."

[trogdor4564]

hmm.... now im kinda confused bc hash says they consume oxygen... which i know is true. So that is bad in that respect. But then buzb8 shows that they do control humudity and soak moisture. My guess is that if you HAD to dry buds in a sealed small area with very little or no ventilation then they can assist in drying. But of course i already knew it is best to dry buds in a ventilated area with lower humidity. Thanks a lot guys..... i was just kinda pondering on this subject anyways as a what if situation.

[hashcookie]

a bowl or bed of rice grains (uncooked of course) will absorb moisture in a small drying area,but dont think the difference of doing it or not makes that much difference