Wet Trim vs Dry Trim: Which is Better and Why? (2024)

Learning how to trim marijuana plants with the intent of producing quality marijuana is not an easy process. Of the many steps involved, one of the most important is trimming. Marijuana trimming or trimming cannabis is where you harvest the flower and prepare it for use.

As straightforward as this might seem, there are two trimming methods used by cannabis growers: wet trimming, and dry trimming. Both methods, wet or dry trim, have their pros and cons. At this point, cannabis experts and our customers here at The Trimmer Store, can’t seem to agree on wet trim vs dry trim and which is better. So, we wrote a little guide to explain the basics.

Let’s learn about the basics when it comes to the topic of Wet Trimming vs Dry Trimming

Deciding between wet trim vs dry trim is critical because how you trim your cannabis plant can affect potency, smoothness for smoking, looks, and potential for mold. Ultimately, the best trimming process depends upon the individual grower, their level of experience, and their personal preference.

To determine which will benefit you, you’ll first need to understand the difference between dry trimming and wet trimming.

Wet trimming is when the cannabis harvest is trimmed before drying it. This means you immediately cut the leaves off after you harvest the buds. Dry trimming is when you cut the plant down and hang it to dry for a few days, leaves, and all, before you begin trimming.

Benefits of Wet Trimming

In general, cannabis industry experts find that wet trimming is the more efficient method. Here are some of the pros of trimming wet.

Wet trimming is easier. It is easier to remove the fan and sugar leaves while they are wet. When those leaves are left to dry, they shrivel up.
Easier trimming means it takes less time to trim.
Cannabis buds dry faster without all the leaves attached, as the leaves retain moisture.
Because of the faster drying, there is less chance for mold to form between the stalk and the flower. This is more of a concern in humid climates. Remember that mold ruins the harvest and makes it unviable.
Wet trimming takes up less space, as you remove all the foliage off the buds before drying instead of hanging up the entire plants to dry.
Wet trimming allows the buds to puff up, making them more visibly attractive. For growers selling flower, this is important, as consumers often buy based on how the buds look.
Some growers have pointed out that wet trimming allows the trichomes to stay intact thanks to the stickiness of the plant. This can preserve the terpenes (flavor) of the final product.

Disadvantages of Wet Trimming

Trimming wet also has some notable downsides. It’s best to consider them before deciding between wet trim vs dry trim.

Benefits of Dry Trimming

The dry trimming process also has a lot of advantages, which is why there isn’t an easy answer to the dry trim vs wet trim debate. While it is generally thought to be less efficient than wet trimming, many view it to be more effective. Here are the benefits of dry trimming.

Dry trimming allows cannabis growers more control over the drying speed, as the exterior foliage retains moisture. This ensures the buds won’t dry too quickly.
Dry trimming typically means better quality marijuana in the end, as retaining the moisture while drying allows the buds to dry at the correct speed. This can preserve potency and terpenes.
Dry-trimmed cannabis provides a smoother, more pleasant smoke. The longer the buds take to dry, the more chlorophyll they lose; less chlorophyll means better flavor.
You can take your time when you go the route of dry trimming, making for a less stressful trimming experience.
It is less messy to dry trim, as the buds are less sticky. This reduces the level to which the buds attach to everything they touch.

Disadvantages of Dry Trimming

Dry trimming comes with some cons that are worth considering as well.

It is noticeably more difficult to trim dry cannabis plants. The dry sugar and fan leaves curl up and attach to the bud. Thus, they become more difficult to cut off. This is especially true of the sugar leaves, which may be nearly impossible to remove.
More difficulty means dry trimming is a more time-consuming process. Going the dry-trim route takes many additional hours to get through the same amount of trimming.
Dry trimming comes with a higher risk of mold, particularly in humid climates. In some cases, dry trimming may not be possible if the climate is too humid.
You need a lot of space to dry trim, as you hang large chunks of the plant, leaves included, to dry before you trim. Some growers do not have room for this.

Which Trimming Process Should You Choose?

Understanding the pros and cons of the different trimming methods can help you decide which is better for you as a grower. Trimming style is a personal preference; however, for those in doubt, here’s some advice.

Wet trimming is easier, faster, and takes up less space. As such, it is generally a better choice for novice trimmers. A novice grower is more likely to succeed absent of mold worries and inexperience with trimming off sugar leaves.

Because dry trimming is not as easy and requires more room, it is better for experienced growers with adequate drying space for large harvests. The benefits of dry trimming, including better quality weed and smoother smoke, are generally worth the extra effort. With experience comes wisdom, which is needed to handle some of the issues that accompany dry trimming properly.

If you’re still unsure if a wet trim vs dry trim method is best for you, consider your climate. A less experienced trimmer could get away with dry trimming a small harvest in a dry climate, as they won’t have to worry about mold or space. Conversely, even the most experienced trimmer might be unable to control mold in a humid climate.

While there is not a simple answer to the debate on wet trim vs dry trim, this information should help you decide on the technique best suited to your situation. Good luck and happy growing!

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