1. You can trim the buds and hang to dry in 65-70 degrees. RH should be 50-55%. 5-7 days
2. You can cut whole branches and hang. 7-10 days
3. You can cut the whole plant at the base (fan leaves and all) and hang the whole thing ~10-14 days. This helps with the slow dry. Trim when dry.
It really depends on your environment. If RH gets over 60% - watch for mold.
Have a fan circulating light air.
If you dry too fast........yes you will have dry bud that smells like hay. I've done it too many times.
I've seen wineries use pure nitrogen gas (out of a spray can) to purge the oxygen out of opened bottles of wine before recorking. I'd imagine it would also work well for long term storage of buds. any oxygen in your jars will oxidize and degrade the cannabinoids. Nitrogen is heavier, so it pushes the atmospheric air (including oxygen) out of an upright jar.
That would be an interesting experiment. Anyone have nitrogen???
I use half gallon Ball jars and a handheld Foodsaver to vacuum seal them.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=2688NQjAUF4
You should be able to get a tank filled at a scuba shop, a welding supply place, or even any good tire shop.That would be an interesting experiment. Anyone have nitrogen???