Exacting Conditions for Hemp Drying

Over the last several months, hemp growers have worked hard to plant, grow, and harvest hemp plants. Now, it’s time to prepare the product to be processed into the thousands of products available on the market today. But first, the hemp plants have to be dried. This requires a very specific climate. In a time of year where the weather can be unpredictable, achieving the conditions necessary to successfully dry hemp plants can be extremely challenging.

Ideal Conditions for Drying and Curing Hemp

Following harvest, hemp growers need to move plants inside a structure where the plants can be away from direct sunlight and with ample ventilation. Temperature and humidity must be controlled. If the hemp dries too quickly due to high temperatures and low humidity, the quality of the product deteriorates. Ideally, the plants should dry in between 60 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit with a relative humidity of 60%. If proper conditions are achieved, the plants will dry slowly and maintain a better cannabinoid and terpene spectrum. As a result, the grower can sell the product at a higher price and turn a higher profit. This is why it’s so important to keep the conditions inside the drying space in the proper range.

Incorrect Climate Leads to a Low-Quality Product

As previously mentioned, high temperatures and low humidity can lead to the hemp plants drying too fast and losing highly sought-after medicinal properties. On the other hand, high humidity can delay products from reaching the market or worse, lead to mold and mildew. Mold can cause irreversible damage to the product and eat into profits.

Polygon Helps Growers Control Climate

With harvesting and drying occurring after summer, weather can be unpredictable. Severe storms and unpredictable temperatures can make it tough to keep temperatures between 60 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit and relative humidity at 60%. In order to guarantee conditions, advanced climate control systems might be necessary. While it might not be an efficient use of money or space for growers to buy this equipment and equip their drying facility themselves, Polygon offers temporary engineered solutions. We can set up drying rooms with dehumidifiers and temperature control equipment to make sure that drying is successful and results in the best final product possible.

As a hemp grower, you work hard to reach this point. Get the most out of your efforts and partner with Polygon to achieve the ideal conditions in your drying room this fall. Contact us to speak with an expert and get started today.