How to Dry Weed in Paper Bags :A Complete Guide

Congratulations on your successful harvest of marijuana!!!

Now comes the crucial next step that'll make or break your hard work – drying.

I've tried countless methods over the years, and let me tell you, "How to Dry Weed" is much more convenient and cost-effective.

If you're looking for a straightforward, wallet-friendly technique that delivers outstanding results, the paper bag drying method might just become your new go-to approach.

Next, I will introduce to you the benefits of paper bag drying, what tools you need to prepare, how to dry in paper bags and common problems.

Let’s continue reading.

Drying in Paper Bag vs Hanging: Which Method is Right for You?

I've tried both methods extensively, and while traditional hanging has its merits, the paper bag technique offers unique benefits worth considering.

Let's break down the key differences between drying in paper bag vs hanging to help you decide which approach works best for your situation:

Why do I Like Using Paper Bags to Dry My Cannabis?

After comparing these methods, I still prefer paper bag drying for most situations, especially for home growers.The following are the main reasons why I chose this method：

• Balanced Moisture Control：Paper bags are nature's humidity regulators. They absorb excess moisture while maintaining just the right humidity level around your precious buds. 
• Budget-Friendly Approach：Paper bags are cheaper than drying racks, drying nets or climate control systems.
• Space-Saving Convenience：Not everyone has a dedicated drying room. For apartment dwellers or discreet growers, drying buds in paper bags is incredibly space-efficient. The bags take up minimal room.
• Better Flavor Preservation：The paper material creates a protective barrier that allows for gradual moisture release while retaining the aromatic compounds that give your cannabis its distinctive flavor profile.

Preparation: What to Do Before Drying?

Proper preparation is the first step to successful drying. Here's what you'll need:

1. Paper Bags

   • Choose unbleached kraft paper bags, like grocery store bags. They should be clean and breathable, free of printing or coatings that might introduce harmful chemicals.

2. Garden Shear and  Nitrile Gloves

   • Use Garden Shear scissors to trim excess leaves and branches. Nitrile Gloves help prevent contamination and keep sticky resin off your hands.

3. Drying Space

   • Select a cool, dry area like a closet or basement with good ventilation. Keep the temperature around 20°C (68°F) and humidity between 50-60%. Avoid direct sunlight, which can degrade cannabinoids.

4. Hygrometer (Optional)

   • If possible, use a hygrometer to monitor humidity and ensure optimal drying conditions.

Step-by-Step: How to Dry Weed Using the Paper Bag Method

1. Trim the Cannabis

Start by processing your harvested cannabis:

• Remove Large Leaves: Use scissors to trim large, water-rich leaves that can slow drying and increase mold risk.
• Keep Sugar Leaves: Smaller leaves around the buds, known as sugar leaves, contain cannabinoids and help prevent overly fast drying.
• Separate Buds and Branches: Cut buds off large branches to make them easier to fit into paper bags and speed up drying.

Proper trimming ensures neater, more uniform drying.

2. Prepare the Paper Bags

• Choose the Right Size: Medium-sized grocery bags work well. 
• Breathable Material: The bag's breathability allows moisture to escape while preserving aroma and flavor.
• Fold:Fold the tops of your paper bags down about 2-3 inches to create a sturdier rim. This makes the bags easier to handle and helps them stand upright.
• Ensure the bags are completely dry and free of any foreign substances that could contaminate your harvest.

3. Place Cannabis in Bags

Carefully place the trimmed buds into the bags:

• Fill them only about 1/3 to 1/2 full to ensure proper air circulation.
• Spread buds evenly across the bottom rather than piling them up.
• Avoid crushing or compacting the buds, which can create moisture pockets.
• Shake the bag gently to distribute the buds evenly and prevent clumping.
• Label each bag with the strain name and date if you're drying multiple varieties

The buds should have enough room to "breathe" for optimal drying.

4.  Position Bags in Your Drying Area

Place the bags in an appropriate location:

• Cool, Dark Area: Choose a spot away from sunlight, such as a closet, storage room, or a well-ventilated corner.
• Ensure Air Circulation: If possible, place the bags on a rack or shelf to allow air to flow around them. Avoid stacking multiple bags.

Maintain a consistent temperature of around 20°C and 50-60% humidity.

5. Daily Turning and Monitoring

This is perhaps the most critical step in the bag drying process:

• Turn the Buds: Gently shake or stir the buds daily to ensure even exposure to air and prevent moisture buildup.
• Check for Mold: Smell the bags daily and inspect the buds for any signs of mold. If you detect mold or excess moisture, move the bags to a better-ventilated spot.

6. Assess Dryness

The dry weed in paper bag process typically takes 5-10 days, depending on your environment and bud size.

• Smaller stems snap cleanly rather than bending
• Buds feel dry to the touch but not brittle or crumbly
• Buds retain some springiness when gently squeezed
• Properly dried cannabis has a rich, fragrant aroma, not a grassy or damp smell.
• Weight has reduced by approximately 75% from harvest weight

Don't rush this process—properly dried cannabis will burn evenly and deliver better flavor and effects.

Proper Storage After Drying budss in Paper Bags

1. Glass Jars with Airtight Seals
   

   • Transfer your dried buds to wide-mouth mason jars with rubber seals. Fill jars about 75% full to allow some air space. These containers protect your cannabis from oxygen exposure while preserving terpenes and cannabinoids.

    

2. Continue the Curing ProcessFor the first two weeks after transfer to jars:

   • Open each jar daily for 5-10 minutes to release moisture ("burping")
   • Inspect buds for any signs of mold or excessive moisture
   • If you detect dampness, remove buds briefly to dry further
3. Long-term Storage
   • Store jars in a cool, dark place at around 60-65°F (15-18°C)
   • Keep humidity between 58-62% using humidity control packs if necessary
     

Conclusion

Mastering how to dry weed using paper bags offers an accessible, effective method for preserving your cannabis harvest.For growers seeking high-quality storage solutions after the drying process, these specialized cannabis storage containers offer excellent protection against light, oxygen, and humidity fluctuations.

FAQs

1.How Much Cannabis Can I Dry Using Paper Bags?

The paper bag method works best for small to medium harvests—typically 1-3 plants or up to a few ounces. For larger harvests, you might need multiple bags or consider supplementing with other drying methods like hanging or drying  net.

2.Why is it better to use paper bags?

Paper bags offer several advantages over other methods: they absorb excess moisture gradually, provide protection from light that degrades THC, allow proper air circulation, and prevent rapid drying that can ruin terpenes. They're also inexpensive, widely available, and discreet – perfect for small-scale growers who want to maintain quality without specialized equipment.

3.Does the paper bag method work?

Absolutely! The paper bag method has been proven effective by countless home growers. When done correctly, it creates an ideal microclimate that allows moisture to escape gradually while preserving essential terpenes. Research shows proper paper bag drying achieves results comparable to professional techniques, though it requires regular attention and rotation to ensure even drying and prevent mold.

4.Will weed go bad in a bag?

Cannabis can definitely go bad in bags if improperly stored. In plastic bags, trapped moisture promotes mold growth within days. Even in paper bags, leaving buds too long (beyond the drying phase) can cause staleness and potency loss. For long-term storage, transfer dried buds to airtight glass containers to preserve terpenes and cannabinoids.

5.What to Do in High-Humidity Environments?

• Use larger, more open bags to increase air exposure
• Spread buds more thinly within each bag
• Rotate and check buds more frequently (twice daily if necessary)
• Consider using a small dehumidifier in your drying space
• Replace paper bags more frequently as they absorb environmental moisture