This time of year sucks for drying, normally I would harvest a month ago to avoid the cool rainy fall season. It has been slow going these last few days of hanging even with a small fan. I'm deathly afraid of mold as it has a real risk for respiratory troubles. I just did the first trim down, basically removed the bulk of the stalk, but I don't consider my first 'sweat' complete yet. I have to condense the plant and reduce my odor footprint for security reasons which now increases potential for mold. I can't find my paper lunch bags but I usually use them after I've trimmed and manicured a bit more because it keeps things outta sight a bit and I like the way it wicks away some moisture but doesn't straight up dry it out and vape off the terpenes.
The real trick here is 'sweat' off a bulk of the moisture without cooking off flavor and bouquet so that you can begin the 'cure'. I hate being rushed because this is where the finesse of being a cultivator comes in, any boob can plant a seed, sun, water, fert and genetics will mostly provide something in the end but I want smooth slow burning herb that has appeals to all my senses.
As long as you can get rid of most of the moisture (stems become brittle and vascular structure collapses) you could freeze it and cure it later but when it's possible first the sweat to reduce a bulk of the moisture content then a good cure (monitored and vented regularly) will provide the choicest herb. I'm partial to jars for curing but you have get the moisture out first.
When I used handle a bit more bulk I would hang dry to sweat, first trim and manicure, dry in trays with warmth and ventilation, then final trim and manicure, into bags to cure, turn and open until I was sure it was perfectly dry (even burn, buds don't get soft after closing the bag, no chance of mold), then off to market.
If you're in a pinch for time or other pressures then dessicants or freeze and deal with it later.
Good luck from another northerner
