HerbsNOW FAQ's Your Questions Answered

HerbsNOW Dryer Questions

How does HerbsNOW work?

The HerbsNOW dryer uses vertical and rotational airflow in a controlled, enclosed environment to dry your herbs evenly from the inside out. It operates at a carefully pre-set temperature range that has been extensively tested to provide safe, consistent results every time — no guesswork required.

A built-in timer runs on a default 96-hour cycle, giving your herbs the time they need for a complete dry down. When the cycle finishes, the unit automatically shuts off, so you can check for doneness and move your herbs into airtight storage at your convenience.

HerbsNOW was created after years of research into the science of drying medicinal herbs. By separating the drying phase from the curing phase, it avoids the risks of mold and oxidation that can occur with “slow and low” methods, while preserving the aromatics, medicinal properties, and culinary qualities of your herbs.
What is the ideal environment for using the HerbsNOW dryer?
For best results, use HerbsNOW in a space between 60–78°F with humidity levels of 40–60%.

Warmer than 78°F: Dry times may be faster. Adjust by giving your herbs the full cycle they need rather than pulling early.

Cooler or more humid spaces: Dry times may take a little longer. The enclosed system will still work, but you will want to let the cycle run until stems break cleanly.

Below 40% humidity: We recommend using the HerbsNOW Moisture Shot to restore balance during drying.

HerbsNOW is designed to adapt to a variety of environments, but keeping conditions in the recommended range helps ensure consistent, high-quality results every time.
Will the HerbsNOW dryer over dry my herbs?

No. HerbsNOW is designed to operate within a carefully pre-set temperature range that ensures a steady, controlled dry. The unit will not run hot enough to over dry or damage your herbs.

In addition, the built-in digital timer runs the cycle you set (default is 96 hours) and automatically shuts the unit off when the time is reached. This makes it a true “set it and forget it” system — your herbs won’t over dry in HerbsNOW.

Because the dryer finishes the drying phase first, you always have the ability to bring moisture back to your preferred level during curing. That separation is what gives you both consistency and control.
Why do my herbs feel dry or dusty before the cycle is finished?

This usually happens when the drying process is stopped too early. The outside of the flowers can feel dry after 48–72 hours, but the inner stem and flower are still holding moisture. If you jar up at this stage, that trapped moisture will redistribute, often leading to a hay smell, mustiness, or loss of quality.

HerbsNOW is designed to complete the full dry down (about 96 hours on average), ensuring the stems break cleanly and the entire bud is fully dry. At that point, curing begins — this is when you can safely adjust moisture back to your personal preference.

Key takeaway: The risk isn’t “over drying” — it’s pulling too soon. Let HerbsNOW finish the full cycle to get consistent, high-quality results.
Does HerbsNOW break down all the chlorophyll?

Chlorophyll is a very unstable molecule — plants produce it daily, and it begins breaking down rapidly once the plant is harvested.

When you allow the HerbsNOW dryer to complete the full drying cycle, chlorophyll breaks down to the point where it no longer impacts flavor or aroma. The key indicator is when stems snap cleanly rather than bending. At that point, the drying process is complete and chlorophyll has reached a stable level, ensuring your herbs are smooth, flavorful, and ready for curing.

If the process is cut short, chlorophyll has not finished breaking down. That’s when you may notice a “green” or grassy taste, or experience hay smell later in jars. Letting the dryer finish its cycle is the best way to ensure chlorophyll is handled properly.
Can I still cure after HerbsNOW has dried my herbs?

Yes. HerbsNOW handles the drying process only — no curing takes place inside the unit. Drying and curing are two separate steps.

Once drying is complete (stems snap cleanly, buds feel dry to the touch), you can move your herbs into airtight jars or containers to begin curing. This is when moisture redistributes evenly, aromas develop, and you can fine-tune the final feel of your herbs to your personal preference.

Separating drying from curing is what gives you greater control and consistency compared to traditional “slow and low” methods. HerbsNOW ensures a clean, complete dry first — curing is where you dial in your desired finish.
Will HerbsNOW hurt my trichomes?

Absolutely not. HerbsNOW was designed to protect delicate trichomes throughout the drying process. The dryer uses a built-in air deflector that directs airflow up the sides and across the trays — so no air ever blows directly onto your flowers.

This gentle, indirect airflow allows moisture to escape evenly while keeping trichomes intact, preserving the full potency and character of your herbs.
Does HerbsNOW affect terpenes or potency
No. HerbsNOW preserves the natural profile of your harvest — it doesn’t add, take away, or alter terpenes or potency.

Think of HerbsNOW as a lie detector test for your crop:

If the plant went in with strong aroma and quality, that’s exactly what you’ll have when it’s dried.

If the plant went in weak, the dryer won’t cover it up.

Independent testing and grower experience confirm HerbsNOW maintains natural flavor and aroma while avoiding the risks of mold, hay smell, or terpene loss from oxidation.
How does HerbsNOW stop the hay smell?

“Hay smell” happens when moisture lingers too long in your buds. This excess moisture allows microbes to start breaking down plant material, releasing gases (aldehydes) that create the grassy, hay-like odor.

Inside HerbsNOW, the water activity (aw) in your herbs steadily drops every hour in a controlled environment. This doesn’t give microbes the chance to flourish — which means no hay smell.

By completing the full drying process in HerbsNOW before moving on to curing, you lock in aromatics and avoid the microbial activity that causes unwanted odors.
Is the herb harsh or taste bad after HerbsNOW has dried it?
Absolutely not. When the drying process is complete, your flowers will show their peak flavor and aroma. HerbsNOW doesn’t add or take anything away — it simply preserves the natural profile of the strain you grew.

Think of HerbsNOW as a lie detector test for your harvest:

If the plant was high quality going in, that quality comes out.

If the plant was poor quality, the dryer won’t hide it.

In short, fire goes in, fire comes out. HerbsNOW ensures your harvest reflects the true potential of what you grew.
Why is the HerbsNOW dryer so much faster?

HerbsNOW uses an enclosed drying chamber that keeps airflow and temperature consistent 24/7 throughout the process. Every tray receives the same conditions at the same time — no hot spots, no uneven drying.

This controlled environment means your herbs dry evenly and efficiently without the guesswork of rotating trays, adjusting fans, or worrying about room conditions. The result is a faster, more consistent dry down compared to open-air methods.
What is the maximum amount I can put in HerbsNOW?

With the 5 trays included, most growers can dry up to 9 ounces (dry weight) once they get a little practice with loading and spacing.

If you expand the unit to 8 trays and configure them with 4 expanded trays, you can dry up to 1 pound (dry weight) in a single cycle.

HerbsNOW’s enclosed chamber and consistent airflow ensure that whether you’re drying a few ounces or a full pound, your herbs dry evenly and efficiently without the need to rotate trays.
Why is 96 hours the drying time?

The 96-hour timer is set as an average based on years of testing across different environments and seasonal changes. For many growers, this cycle hits the sweet spot for a complete dry down.

That said, the exact drying time depends on your environment. Some batches may be ready a little before 96 hours, and others may need longer. The true indicator that the drying process is complete is when stems snap cleanly instead of bending.

And if your herbs stay in longer? No worries — HerbsNOW is designed so it will not over dry your harvest. The system runs in a safe, controlled range that preserves aromatics and potency while completing the drying phase fully.
What if my herbs take longer than 96 hours?

That’s completely normal. The 96-hour cycle is an average based on years of testing, but your exact drying time depends on your environment (temperature, humidity, and even the size/density of your buds).

Some batches may be ready a little before 96 hours, while others may need extra time — even 110 hours or more. The most reliable signal that your herbs are ready is when stems snap cleanly instead of bending.

HerbsNOW is designed so that even if your herbs run past the default timer, they will not over dry. The system operates in a safe, controlled range that continues the drying process without damaging aromatics or potency.
Is HerbsNOW just a food dehydrator?

No. While it may look similar on the outside, HerbsNOW is engineered specifically for drying herbs — not food.

Standard food dehydrators often:

Run too hot (which can damage terpenes and potency).

Blow air directly onto material, disturbing delicate flowers.

Require manual rotation to avoid uneven drying.

HerbsNOW is different:

Operates at a carefully pre-set range tested for herbs.

Uses a built-in air deflector so no air blows directly on flowers.

Provides vertical and rotational airflow for consistent, even drying with no tray rotation needed.

HerbsNOW is a purpose-built drying system, not a repurposed kitchen dehydrator.
What if my dryer stops working
If your unit arrives damaged or stops working, we’ve got you covered:

Within 14 days of delivery: Contact us, and we’ll provide a prepaid box and label for return. Once received, we’ll repair or exchange the unit at no cost to you.

After 14 days: Contact us to discuss the issue. You’ll cover shipping the unit back to HerbsNOW, and we’ll handle the repair or exchange.

Authorization from HerbsNOW is required before any repair or exchange.

We don’t accept returns for dissatisfaction with results, but we stand behind our product and will make sure your dryer is working properly.

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1405 N. West Ave. #109 Jackson, MI 49202 United States