hmmm crunched...if it's a "tried and true" method that you've used years satisfactory, I would have to think "strain" related.
"BUT"..IMO, you're rushing the process of drying and curing and not recieving the full benefit of a slow proper cure.
During the curing process, a beneficial chemical chnge actually occurs in the buds that takes time, breaking down sugars, chlorophyll, ect. and converting non-active canaboids into 'active'. It simply can't be "forced" by rushing the process. "IMHO"
I work in a fairly arid climate,(average 10-30% RH) no 'de'humidifier required. I prefer to hang, but a rack is fine, too(either the entire plant or individual stems) in a dark (or at least "light restricted") area with good air circulation, but not a fan directly blowing on the buds, untill the stems "snap" when bent. Depending on the RH, bud density, how well the plant was watered at harvest, ect., this usually takes between 5 and 10 days. At this point, I like to trim any excess leaf that was left before hanging. I put it in the jars "ready to smoke".
Once the stems have crisped up, I like "sealed" jars for the cure.
Don't 'crowd' the buds into the jars. Leave room for some air. Open the jars daily for at least an hour to let them 'breath', for at least 2 weeks. I don't like to see any "sweat"/condensation in the jars. That is too wet and can/will promote mold. Everyday when you open the jars for airing, smell them. If at anytime you have an ammonia odor, remove the buds from the jars and let them dry for a few hours before replacing and restarting the cureing.
A slow, proper cure can improve potency by up to 30%(so I have read) and most definately makes for a smoother tastier smoke.
