How To Dry and Cure Cannabis Properly

How To Dry and Cure Cannabis Properly. 

There is no single secret to growing good marijuana. 

Getting premium cannabis comes from meticulous attention to detail when growing, pruning, trimming, and drying the resulting herb. There can be a good chunk of luck in it as well. 

The final step in the process, the drying, and curing of the cannabis plant make a tremendous difference in the quality of the final product. While a patient and careful drying regime won't improve poorly grown herbs, a rushed curing process can ruin all the hard work to grow quality flowers. 

The importance of this final stage should not be underestimated. 

A proper curing process is essential to produce the rich flavored smoke and get the best potency from your herb.

This article reviews how and why cannabis is cured, what benefits that imbue in the final product, and how to cure cannabis yourself.  

What is curing?

Curing is the process of preserving organic material (usual food) by removing water, making the food inhospitable to bacteria that would otherwise degrade it. 

The oldest curing methods are still used today, such as salting and smoking, although nitrites are more commonly used in mass production.

What this means for marijuana growers, treating marijuana will make it dry like beef jerky, making it resistant to the ravages of time. Just as bacteria will feed on meat or vegetables left on the counter, bacteria will feed on uncured cannabis.

Drying freshly grown marijuana does more than just preserve it. It also affects the taste and even the potency of the herb.

The Benefits of Properly Curing Marijuana 

Potency

The terpene profile and cannabinoid concentration of cannabis are improved with proper curing. 

Freshly cut cannabis will continue to ripen, just as a newly picked unripened fruit will ripen at home over the next few days.

While the freshly harvested branches can no longer draw nutrients from the main stem, the flowers will continue to draw the remaining nutrients from the branches. At this stage, THCa synthesis continues, and when the cannabis is properly cured, the cannabinoids are fully developed before being suspended in that state.

Taste

Curing also preserves the terpene signature, which affects the smell and flavor of different strains. Because enzymes and bacteria feed on decaying plants, they can also consume terpenes and cannabinoids. 

While this may suggest that the logical step would be to stop all decay that won't produce the best results, the truth is that you want certain compounds in your plants to be eaten.

Freshly cut marijuana is still packed with lots of sugar, starch, and other living plant substances like chlorophyll; all of these taste terrible when smoked. 

That's why improperly pickled (or freshly picked) marijuana tastes bitter and feels harsh in the lungs. We need to let the flavors develop and mature like a bottle of excellent wine. 

How to Cure Cannabis

The first step in the curing process is good drying. 

The freshly cut and trimmed cannabis should be hung up to dry for a couple of weeks or so, depending on the room's climate.

You can tell when the cannabis is suitably dried as the 

stems should snap like a brittle twig. If the stems are still flexible and soft like living plants, you need to give them more time to dry.

Next, gather the buds from branches and collect them in airtight containers. 

Wide-mouthed jars, such as mason jars with rubber seals, are widely used because they seal well when closed and breathe well when opened. Fill the jars about three-quarters of the way to ensure enough space for air to enter. 

Don't pack the jats tightly as this will only increase humidity, leading to mold growth on the harvested buds.

Some growers keep a digital hydrometer in the jar to accurately monitor humidity levels. These devices usually display the temperature as well. The ideal temperature is 60° - 70°F with 60-65% humidity.

You will need to open these jars once a day and replace the used oxygen with fresh air for the first week. This process, called burping, allows for only a little degradation at a time. After the first week, you only need to burp every few days.

Note: The buds are probably not dry enough to cure if you notice the smell of mold or ammonia after the first few days of burping the jars. Remove the buds and continue to dry for a few days to avoid mildew.

Properly cured cannabis takes at least two weeks, but a longer cure of four to six weeks is even better. Some growers cure their weeds for up to six months. In such an airtight pot, weeds will stay relatively fresh for up to a year. 

Conclusion

Curing cannabis is the most critical step in the growing process to protect your weed and retain its flavor and potency. Curing allows for additional THC synthesis after harvesting and preserves terpene characteristics while carefully allowing bacteria to eat up excess starch and bitter compounds.

As curing is the last step before smoking, it may be tempting to rush through it in anticipation of smoking your latest batch. But experienced patient growers who take time to cure their bud correctly will be rewarded with a delicious smoke that makes it worthwhile. 

Common questions about curing cannabis.

Why Do We Need to Cure Cannabis?

Curing cannabis is similar to curing food. It is primarily a way to preserve cannabis long-term. A proper cannabis cure will also enable the THC to continue developing after harvest and preserve the strain's terpene profile.

What is Live-Cured Cannabis?

Live-cured cannabis is when the freshly cut cannabis is preserved through freezing temperatures. This fast freezing process preserves the fresh trichomes on the plant. These trichomes are then typically harvested to make bubble hash or extracts.

When Should I Start Curing My Harvested Cannabis?

Curing begins as soon as the harvest buds are dry enough. If you hang the cannabis as dry as soon as it is cut, this is usually 1-2 weeks later. Of course, the temperature and humidity of the frying area will affect this, so adjust accordingly. 

How Long Should I Cure for?

A minimum cure for cannabis is about two weeks. But it's recommended to opt for 4-6 weeks which should produce a superior flavor and potency. Some growers will cure their harvest for six months to create a top-shelf product.