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Curing
Definition: Curing is the final post-harvest stage, in which dried cannabis buds are sealed in airtight containers and kept at about 58 to 62% internal humidity for at least 2 to 4 weeks. During curing, moisture evens out and chlorophyll and starches keep breaking down, giving smoother smoke and fuller aroma than freshly dried flower.
How Curing works
A dried bud is still uneven: the outside is drier than the center. Sealing buds in a jar lets moisture migrate outward until the whole bud reaches equilibrium. Slow chemical changes continue at the same time, which is why cured flower often smells richer than it did at the chop.
How to cure
- Fill jars: use wide-mouth glass jars about three quarters full, so buds can move when shaken.
- Monitor: drop a small hygrometer in a jar or two and target 58 to 62%.
- Burp: open each jar for 10 to 15 minutes once or twice a day for the first week, then every few days in weeks 2 and 3. See burping.
- Store: keep jars dark at 60 to 70°F (16 to 21°C).
Reading the jar
Above 65% humidity, take buds out and let them air dry for a few hours, or mold can develop. Below 55%, buds are getting brittle, and a two-way humidity pack can help stabilize them.
How long
Two weeks is the minimum most growers accept. Four to eight weeks often brings noticeable gains in smoothness and aroma, and well-cured flower stored cool and dark can keep its quality for six months to a year. After that, terpenes fade and THC slowly converts to CBN.