Burping
Definition: Burping is the practice of briefly opening sealed jars of drying cannabis during the first weeks of curing to release built-up moisture and gases and let in fresh air. It keeps humidity inside the jar in a safe range, which helps prevent mold while the buds finish drying slowly and evenly.
How Burping works
Buds that feel dry on the outside still hold moisture in their stems and centers. Once sealed in a jar, that moisture migrates outward and raises the humidity inside. Burping lets the excess escape before it becomes a problem.
When to start
Jar your buds after drying, usually 7 to 14 days at around 60°F (16°C) and 60% relative humidity, when small stems snap rather than bend. Fill glass jars about two-thirds to three-quarters full so air can circulate, and drop a small hygrometer inside each one if you can.
A typical burping schedule
- Week 1: open each jar once or twice a day for 10 to 15 minutes.
- Week 2: open every 2 to 3 days.
- Week 3 onward: once a week or less, as long as humidity stays stable.
Reading the jar
- 58 to 62% RH: the target range for curing.
- Above 65% RH: leave the lid off for a few hours, or spread the buds on paper for a short while before resealing.
- Below 55% RH: buds are drying too far; keep lids closed or add a two-way humidity pack.
- Ammonia or hay smell: too much moisture; air the buds out right away.
Why it matters
Burping is the hands-on part of curing. A minimum of 2 weeks is common, and many growers cure 4 to 8 weeks for a smoother result. Skipping the burps in week one is how otherwise perfect harvests end up with mold. Keep jars in a cool, dark place, since steady relative humidity and low light help preserve the finished flower.