How to Properly Dry and Cure Cannabis

One of the most underestimated aspects of cannabis cultivation is the importance of drying and curing. Many passionate home growers invest significant effort into selecting the best seeds, lighting, and setups, only to end up compromising the final product with poor drying and curing. This can turn the entire experience of vaping or smoking into a major disappointment.

Drying

The first step is to dry the cannabis, which removes a large portion of its moisture content. This makes the herb consumable and sufficiently dry for storage during curing without a significant risk of mold. An optimal environment for drying is a grow box or a room that can be kept consistently dark.

Important Factors:

• Absolute Darkness: UV rays degrade THC and should be strictly avoided.
• Temperature: 16-18 °C, relative humidity (RH) 45-55%.
• Duration: 10-14 days (depending on the density of the buds).

Curing

Curing gives the buds their final touch, extracting the best possible aroma and effect. It allows bacteria to break down the remaining chlorophyll, which can cause unpleasant tastes. Additionally, it provides precise control over moisture, enabling a balance between aroma and texture.

Important Factors:

• Darkness: UV rays must be avoided.
• Temperature: 18-22 °C, RH: 58-62%.
• Duration: At least 14 days to several months (good results can be achieved from 4 weeks).

The Right Container

For curing, simple mason jars are sufficient, provided they can be stored in a cool, dark place. Colored glass, such as violet or brown glass, is UV-resistant and can be kept on a shelf in the living room. The container should also be airtight, if possible, to maintain the curing process.

It is important to open the container briefly every day during the first two weeks to "ventilate." This allows you to check the buds for mold, turn them for even airflow, control moisture, and provide fresh air for the bacteria.

Monitoring

As previously mentioned, it’s crucial to monitor the process in the jar and ventilate daily during the first two weeks. Try to capture a whiff of the aroma each time you open the jar. If the first breath that comes out smells like ammonia or damp hay, there was too much moisture in the jar, and the bacteria are dead. If you get through the first two weeks without smelling ammonia, it’s likely that the attempt will be successful. The jar should be filled about two-thirds full to ensure there is enough air for the bacteria to survive and circulate efficiently around the cannabis. If the buds are packed too tightly, it can lead to moisture control issues and mold.

Tools

The processes of drying and particularly curing can be challenging the first time, but they are worth the wait. Nowadays, there are also several tools that can greatly simplify the entire process. Here are a few examples that might help you succeed on your first attempt.

Boveda Packs:
These hygroscopic packs are designed specifically for storing dried herbs. They maintain a constant relative humidity and adjust moisture levels in both directions.

Grove Bags:
These bags allow unwanted gases and moisture to escape while retaining quality and aroma inside. A microclimate with 58-62% humidity is created within the bag, slowing oxidation processes and protecting against UV radiation.

Conclusion

The drying and especially the curing processes may seem challenging the first time, but they are worth the wait. With today’s tools that regulate moisture, even inexperienced growers can master this process. Patience and regular monitoring are key. Over time, it’s possible to fine-tune quality to a very high degree. Well-cured cannabis is what distinguishes gourmet cannabis from standard quality – once you’ve experienced it, you won’t want anything else.