The post-harvest processes of drying and curing significantly shape the journey of cannabis from harvested plant to consumable product. These steps directly influence the final quality, potency, and flavor profile of the flower. Proper handling ensures the preservation of delicate compounds like cannabinoids and terpenes, which are responsible for the plant’s distinct effects and aroma. A successful harvest relies heavily on meticulous control of the environment after the plants are cut down.
Preparing the Plant Material
Immediately following the harvest, the initial preparation involves trimming the plant material before it enters the drying environment. Growers typically choose between two primary methods: wet trimming or dry trimming. Wet trimming involves removing most sugar and fan leaves immediately while the material is still moist. This technique helps accelerate the drying time and saves space in the drying area.
The alternative approach is dry trimming, where the plant is dried first, often with the sugar leaves still attached, before the final manicuring. Leaving the leaves on during the drying phase creates a protective layer around the flower, which helps slow the rate of moisture loss. This slower drying process is preferred for maximizing the retention of volatile terpenes. Regardless of the chosen method, large fan leaves without significant resin production should be removed immediately to improve airflow and reduce excess moisture.
Achieving Optimal Drying Conditions
Once the plant material is prepared, establishing a controlled environment is paramount for effective moisture removal. The ideal drying room should maintain a temperature range between 60 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit (15–21 degrees Celsius). Simultaneously, the relative humidity must be closely managed, ideally resting between 55% and 65% RH. This combination allows moisture to leave the flower slowly without the material drying too quickly, which locks in harsh chlorophyll.
Air circulation within the drying space must be gentle yet consistent to prevent the development of mold or mildew. Air should be moved around the room but never blown directly onto the hanging plant material, as this can cause uneven and rapid drying. Many growers hang whole branches or trimmed buds from lines, ensuring adequate space between them to promote even air exposure on all sides.
The drying period typically lasts between four and ten days, depending on the density of the flowers and the environmental conditions. Monitoring readiness is done by performing the “snap test,” which involves gently bending the smaller stems and branches that lead into the flower. When the material is adequately dried, these smaller stems should audibly snap rather than simply bend or fold. If the stems bend, the flower still holds too much internal moisture and needs more time in the drying environment. This physical test confirms the bulk of the water has evaporated, signaling that the material is ready to be moved into the next phase of preservation.
The Process of Curing for Quality
The curing process begins once the buds have reached the appropriate level of dryness, marked by the snapping of the small stems. This phase focuses on internal chemical changes that refine the finished product. Curing is undertaken primarily to break down residual compounds, such as chlorophyll, which contribute to a harsh taste and green smoke.
The dried flowers are transferred into airtight containers, typically glass jars, which should be filled to about 75% capacity to leave a small air pocket. The flowers must not be tightly packed, as this restricts the necessary air exchange. The initial goal is to allow the remaining moisture trapped deep within the flower’s interior to evenly distribute to the surface.
This redistribution of moisture necessitates the technique known as “burping.” For the first week or two, the sealed containers must be opened daily for a few minutes to allow moisture and released gases to escape. This gas exchange prevents the buildup of ammonia and inhibits anaerobic bacteria growth. Monitoring the humidity level inside the curing jar is crucial, with an ideal range being around 62% Relative Humidity.
If the flowers feel too wet or sticky after sealing the jar, they should be taken out for a few hours to dry slightly before being placed back into the container. The minimum recommended curing time is two to four weeks, but quality continues to improve with longer curing periods. Allowing the material to cure for several months can lead to a smoother, more complex flavor profile. Consistent burping and temperature monitoring throughout this extended period remain necessary for optimal results.