Curing cannabis after drying is a defining step that separates usable flower from a truly high-quality product. While initial drying removes enough moisture to prevent immediate mold and allow combustion, curing is a delicate, controlled refinement process. This post-harvest step fundamentally transforms the chemical composition of the plant material, which is why experts consider it non-negotiable for achieving a smooth, flavorful, and potent final flower. Curing allows for a slow, internal maturation that simply cannot be rushed or skipped.
Drying Versus Curing
Drying and curing are sequential and distinct processes, each serving a separate purpose in preparing the harvest. Drying is the initial, rapid removal of external moisture from the freshly harvested flower, typically taking about four to fourteen days. The goal of drying is to reduce the overall water content from around 75% to a range of 8% to 12% to prevent mold and mildew growth. Curing begins once the flower is dry enough to be placed into airtight containers and is a much slower process of refinement. During this phase, moisture deep within the core of the flower is drawn out to the surface in a controlled manner, similar to aging fine wine.
Essential Chemical Transformations During Curing
The curing process enables biochemical reactions to occur under controlled conditions, leading to significant quality improvements. One important change is the breakdown of residual chlorophyll, eliminating the harsh, grassy, and bitter taste associated with uncured flower. The controlled environment of curing also stabilizes and refines the aromatic compounds known as terpenes. Terpenes are highly volatile, but by regulating internal moisture, curing helps preserve and intensify the flower’s complex, strain-specific terpene profile. Furthermore, curing stabilizes the flower’s cannabinoid content by preventing the rapid degradation of its precursor, THCA, leading to a more potent and stable product over time.
Executing the Curing Process
The curing process starts once the small stems of the dried flower snap rather than bend, indicating the appropriate moisture level. The dried flower is then placed into airtight containers, such as glass mason jars, filling them about two-thirds full to allow for air space. These containers should be stored in a dark, cool environment where temperatures remain stable, ideally between 60 to 70°F.
The most crucial step is known as “burping,” which involves opening the containers periodically. For the first week or two, containers are opened daily for a few minutes to release built-up moisture and gases while replenishing the oxygen supply. This essential exchange prevents the buildup of excess humidity, which could otherwise lead to mold growth.
The optimal relative humidity (RH) inside the curing container should be maintained between 58% and 62%. After the initial two weeks of daily burping, the frequency can be reduced to once or twice a week. While a minimum cure time of two weeks is required, a cure lasting four to eight weeks is often necessary to develop the flower’s full potential.
Consequences of Skipping the Cure
The primary consequence of skipping the cure is a significantly diminished consumption experience. Uncured flower often results in an extremely harsh and irritating smoke that can cause excessive coughing and a burning sensation in the throat. This unpleasantness is due to the presence of chlorophyll and residual plant sugars that have not been broken down. Skipping this step also leaves the flower with an unstable internal moisture level, which greatly increases the risk of mold and mildew forming deep within the bud. Furthermore, uncured cannabis degrades much faster during storage, leading to a rapid loss of potency and a complete dissipation of delicate aromatic terpenes.