Terps & Temperature: How hot summer days affect your drying process
There is currently only a fine line between mold and straw. Because your terpenes really start to sweat in the summer heat. But what actually happens to the sensitive aromatic substances when the thermometer stays in summer mode? And how do you achieve high-quality cannabis drying despite the heatwave?
Why high temperatures are problematic for terpenes
Terpenes are volatile aromatic compounds – they make up the aroma and taste of your flowers. They are sensitive to heat: many terpenes begin to gradually volatilize at temperatures starting around 22 °C. Depending on the variety and composition, they are susceptible to varying degrees – but after a certain point, the aroma density decreases significantly.
The problem: At temperatures of around 25°C or more – as is currently the case in many homes – cannabis drying takes place too quickly. This is especially true if the humidity is low and drying takes place in an open system – for example, simply in the room or in a setup with permanent exhaust air. The outer cell layers of the flowers dry out rapidly, while the inside remains moist. In addition to terpene loss, there are two opposing but equally problematic scenarios:
Mold or straw? Two summer traps when drying cannabis in summer
- Mold due to heat + high humidity
- Warm, humid air drastically slows down the drying process, and moisture can build up in the flowers without controlled air extraction.
- The result: Moist on the inside, seemingly dry on the outside – the perfect conditions for hidden mold.
- Overdrying due to heat + low humidity
- The buds lose moisture too quickly and dry out on the outside before the moisture inside has been evenly released.
- The result: “hay aroma”, undegraded chlorophyll, hard consistency and loss of terpenes
Why a stable drying climate is important now
Admittedly: Certain terpene losses can hardly be physically avoided under such conditions. However, the extent of these losses – and whether there is a risk of mold or overdrying – depends heavily on how controlled the drying process is.
If you simply dry at 25 °C or more in the open room or with active exhaust air, you lose control over the microclimate – putting both quality and aroma at serious risk. This is exactly where DryRocket comes in: our system creates a constantly stable drying climate, no matter how the temperature it on the outside. The advantages:
- Slower, more even drying: The insulated, closed environment keeps evaporation under control. This allows the buds to dry more evenly.
- Preserved aroma, even in tough conditions: A stable and controlled climate helps maintain a fuller, more rounded flavor profile.
- Dual protection from mold and overdrying: Active humidity regulation prevents both excessive moisture buildup and overdrying.
Conclusion: Summer heat brings extreme conditions - control is crucial
Whether it’s too humid and stagnant or hot and dry – summer conditions can throw your drying process off balance fast. Passive drying risks turning your harvest into either moldy buds or flavorless hay. A closed, regulated system such as DryRocket cushions these extremes and ensures significantly better quality and aroma, even at higher temperatures.
