🌾Hay/Grass Smell
Cause: Dried too fast (chlorophyll didn't break down)
Prevention:
- Slow dry at 60°F / 60% RH (7-14 days)
- No direct fans on plants
- Dry trim (leaves protect during drying)
- Complete darkness
Fix: Extended cure (4-8 weeks) MAY reduce hay smell, but it's partially irreversible. Add Boveda 62% and wait.
🍄Mold (Botrytis, Bud Rot)
Cause: Too humid (>65% RH), poor airflow, dense buds
Prevention:
- Maintain 55-62% RH during drying
- Increase airflow (indirect circulation)
- Space plants out (don't let buds touch)
- Trim away dense/wet foliage
Fix: Discard moldy material (DO NOT smoke). Reduce RH to 50-55%, increase fans, trim affected areas 1" beyond visible mold.
💨Over-Dried / Crumbly
Cause: Dried too long, RH too low, excessive airflow
Prevention:
- Monitor daily (stem snap test)
- Jar when stems snap (not when brittle)
- Reduce airflow (indirect circulation only)
Fix: Rehydrate with Boveda 62% packs. Place in mason jar with hygrometer for 5-7 days. Will restore some moisture but NOT terpenes (those are gone).
🔥Harsh Smoke
Cause: Not cured long enough (chlorophyll remains)
Prevention:
- Cure minimum 2-4 weeks (ideally 6-8)
- Maintain 58-62% RH during cure
- Burp jars properly (first 2 weeks daily)
Fix: Continue curing. Burp weekly. Wait 2-4 more weeks. Harsh taste will mellow over time.
💩Ammonia Smell During Cure
Cause: Jarred too wet (anaerobic bacteria growing)
Prevention:
- Dry until stems snap (not bend)
- Place hygrometer in jars — should read 58-62% within 24 hours
- Burp daily first week
Fix: IMMEDIATE action! Remove all buds, spread on drying rack for 6-12 hours. Re-jar when RH stabilizes at 58-62%. Check smell — if still ammonia, repeat drying.
⚖️Uneven Drying
Cause: Large/dense buds, direct airflow, poor circulation
Prevention:
- Break large colas into smaller pieces (4-6" branches)
- Rotate drying racks every 2-3 days
- Indirect airflow only (fans blow past, not at plants)
- Trim dense foliage that traps moisture
Fix: When jarring, check RH after 12 hours. If >65%, remove buds and dry another 6-12 hours. Separate over-dry buds (add Boveda) from under-dry buds (continue drying).