The post-harvest stage for cannabis involves two distinct, sequential processes—drying and curing—that directly determine the final product’s quality, potency, and smoothness. Drying is the initial step of removing excess moisture from the harvested plant material to prevent mold. Curing then follows, acting as a controlled refinement period where chemical compounds within the flower transform and mature. These steps dictate the final aroma, flavor profile, and overall experience.
Pre-Drying Preparation and Trimming
The preparation immediately following harvest involves a decision between two trimming methods. Wet trimming involves removing the fan leaves and sugar leaves immediately after the plant is cut down while the material is still fresh and moist. This method is faster because the leaves are firm, but it causes the buds to dry more quickly since their protective foliage is gone.
Dry trimming, conversely, involves leaving most of the leaves attached to the branches as they hang to dry. The surrounding leaves act as a natural humidity buffer, which slows the moisture release and facilitates a more gradual, controlled drying period. This slower process preserves more of the delicate, volatile terpene compounds responsible for flavor and aroma. Regardless of the trimming choice, the physical setup requires hanging the branches or whole plants upside down in a designated space, ensuring ample room between them for consistent air movement.
The Initial Drying Phase
The goal of the initial drying phase is to remove moisture slowly enough to preserve the plant’s chemical profile but quickly enough to prevent mold or mildew. A controlled environment is necessary, with the ideal temperature maintained between 60 and 70°F (15 and 21°C). Maintaining a relative humidity (RH) range of 50 to 60% ensures that the moisture evaporates gradually, which helps retain the volatile terpenes within the flower. If the environment is too warm or too dry, the outer layers of the buds will dry too quickly, trapping moisture inside and resulting in a harsh smoke.
The drying room must be dark, as light exposure can degrade cannabinoids like tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). Effective air circulation is accomplished by using circulating fans that gently move the air without blowing directly onto the plant material. A dehumidifier is often necessary to manage the significant amount of moisture released into the air as the biomass dries. This controlled environment should remain stable for seven to fourteen days, depending on the density of the buds and the specific environmental conditions.
The readiness of the flower for the next stage is determined by the “snap test.” To perform this, a small side branch or stem is gently bent to test its flexibility. When the drying phase is complete, the smaller stems should snap cleanly with an audible break rather than merely bending. This clean snap indicates that the internal moisture content is low enough for the flower to move into the airtight containers for curing. If the stems only bend, the material still holds too much water and requires additional time in the drying environment to prevent mold during the curing process.
The Curing and Storage Phase
Once the stems pass the snap test, the flower is ready to be moved from the drying environment into airtight containers, such as glass mason jars. This transition marks the beginning of the curing phase, where the remaining moisture within the center of the bud is redistributed to the outer layers. The containers should be filled about three-quarters full, leaving enough airspace for air exchange. This process is not about further drying, but about chemical refinement that improves the final product.
The primary action during the first few weeks of curing is “burping,” which involves opening the containers to release trapped moisture and gases while introducing fresh oxygen. During the initial week, the jars should be opened for several minutes two to three times per day. This prevents the humidity from stabilizing above 65% RH, which creates an environment for the growth of anaerobic bacteria and mold. The frequency of burping gradually decreases over the following weeks as the moisture content within the container stabilizes.
The chemical changes that occur during curing eliminate the unpleasant, fresh-cut grass taste often associated with quickly dried flower. Enzymes within the plant break down residual chlorophyll, the compound responsible for the harshness, making the smoke smoother. This controlled breakdown allows the less-volatile terpenes to fully develop and stabilize, enhancing the specific aroma and flavor profile of the strain. Furthermore, the non-psychoactive cannabinoid tetrahydrocannabinolic acid (THCA) converts into the psychoactive compound THC, contributing to the flower’s final potency.
After the first month of burping, the jars can be opened only once a week or less frequently, as the internal humidity should have stabilized in the ideal range of 55 to 65% RH. For long-term storage, the cured flower should be kept in a cool, dark place to minimize the degradation of cannabinoids and terpenes caused by light and heat. Maintaining a stable temperature and humidity within the sealed container is essential for preserving the flower’s quality for many months.