Are you looking for a way to dry and store your cannabis in a more controlled environment? Look no further than retrofitting a wine cooler! In this guide, we will outline the steps necessary to turn a wine cooler into the perfect drying and storage space for your cannabis.
Required Equipment:
Thermoelectric Wine Cooler: This will serve as the base of our drying unit, providing a controlled environment for the cannabis.
Thermoelectric Dehumidifier with Continuous Drain Hose: This piece of equipment allows for precise humidity control and continuous drainage so you won’t need to open the unit to empty it, ensuring optimal conditions for drying.
Inkbird Humidity Controller: This device helps maintain the desired humidity level within the cooler.
Silicone Mesh: Used to line the shelves, this material promotes air circulation and prevents the cannabis from sticking.
Drill: An essential tool for creating holes in the cooler for drainage and wiring.
50mm Hole Saw: This will be used with the drill to create perfectly sized holes.
Double-Sided Sticky Tape: This will secure the controller to the cooler's surface.
Food-Grade Silicone Sealant: This is necessary to seal any holes or gaps, maintaining the integrity of the cooler's internal environment.
Duct Tape: A versatile adhesive useful for securing various components or patching minor damage.
Thermoelectric systems are considered better than compressor-based systems for maintaining steady temperature and humidity levels due to one main reason:
Consistent Operation: Thermoelectric systems work on the Peltier effect, which allows them to maintain a constant temperature and humidity level without the need for starting and stopping like a compressor. This leads to a more stable environment, with no big swings in temperature or relative humidity (RH), making it ideal for applications such as drying cannabis.
SPONSORED POST: THE FIRE GARDEN | Cannabis Dispensary
Step 1: Prepare the Wine Cooler
Remove the grille from the inside of the cooler that’s attached in front of the fan and move the thermometer out into the cooler.
This will provide a more accurate temperature reading.
Step 2: Cut a Hole
Choose an area of the cooler where the drill won’t hit any of the components on the outside.
In a well-ventilated area, use a hole saw to cut a hole through the cooler. This will be used to feed the power supply, drain hose, and humidity probe for the dehumidifier into the cooler.
Remember to keep the plug of material that has been cut out as we will use this to seal the hole later on.
Step 3: Mount the Humidity Controller
Next, mount the humidity controller on the outside of the unit using double-sided tape. This will allow for easy access and control of humidity levels.
Step 4: Modify Shelves
You can modify the original shelves to hold buds by using food-grade silicone mesh.
I got mine from Amazon and just cut it to fit, silicone is preferred as it is non-stick.
Step 5: Place the Dehumidifier Inside the Cooler
Place the dehumidifier inside the cooler and run the drain hose, power supply, and Inkbird probe through the hole you cut. This will allow for proper drainage of excess moisture. Mount the probe on one of the inside walls of the cooler, making sure to put it somewhere it won’t ever be touching bud as this can give false readings.
Step 6: Seal the Hole
Fill the hole you cut with the material you saved from step 2 and seal it up using silicone to make it airtight (I used some tape just to tidy up the rough edges). This will prevent any outside air from entering the cooler and affecting humidity levels.
Step 7: Connect the Dehumidifier to the Humidity Controller
Plug the dehumidifier into the humidity controller.
Step 8: Set Temperature and Humidity Levels
Plug in the unit and humidity controller, set the cooler at 12 degrees Celsius and set the humidity controller to turn on when humidity reaches 62% and switch off when humidity reaches 56%. These levels can be adjusted based on personal preference.
Pro tip: Rehydrating Cannabis with a Damp Sponge
If you’re trying to rehydrate cannabis that has become too dry, a simple yet effective method is using a damp sponge. A damp sponge acts as a natural humidifier when placed at the bottom of the unit, slowly releasing moisture into the air and increasing humidity levels. This is an easy and economical way to maintain a consistent humidity environment, crucial for preserving the quality and potency of cannabis.
When cannabis becomes too dry, it can lose its flavour, aroma, and potency. Rehydrating it with a damp sponge can help restore some desirability and negate further damage. The slow release of moisture from the sponge allows the cannabis to absorb the necessary water content gradually, preventing it from becoming overly moist or mouldy.
It's important to monitor the sponge regularly to ensure it remains damp but not soaking wet, as excessive moisture can lead to mould growth. Also, make sure to use clean, distilled or boiled water to dampen the sponge to avoid introducing any contaminants into the unit.
The Final Result!
Odour is usually contained within the unit quite well but for extra peace of mind i placed a fan and carbon filter next to the unit.
By following these steps, you can easily retrofit a wine cooler for drying and storing cannabis. This method provides a controlled environment for drying and maintaining the ideal humidity levels for proper storage. Enjoy your perfectly dried and preserved buds! So don't wait any longer, follow these steps to create your customized wine cooler for your cannabis needs. And remember, always use caution when working with power tools and electrical equipment. Stay safe and happy!