Curing: A Delicate yet Crucial Phase

Curing, although a delicate process, is key to unlocking the full potential of your final product. Some growers may think cannabis is ready to smoke right after drying. However, to maximize the organoleptic virtues of a cannabis strain, curing is essential.

"Rehydrate your flowers collectively and re-dry them evenly to evaporate the chlorophyll, enhancing the smoothness and flavor of your cannabis."

Drying serves to eliminate moisture, making the buds more resistant to various fungi and pathogens, but it doesn't necessarily render a smooth smoke. This is where curing comes into play, breaking down the chlorophyll to produce a smoother, more enjoyable smoke. Moreover, curing degrades unpleasant tasting compounds, enhancing flavors and preserving terpenes. It also promotes a higher concentration of cannabinoids, providing stronger, more intense effects. However, a curing period extending several months can convert THC to CBN, resulting in milder, less psychotropic effects.

Ideal Conditions for Curing Cannabis:

• Humidity: 55-62%
• Temperature: Around 23-27°C
• Storage: Airtight jars, stored in a dark, cool, and dry place.

The curing process doesn't have an exact timeframe, much like wine aging, it requires patience. It's recommended to cure dry buds for 4 to 8 weeks, during which they reach their peak in terms of taste, fragrance, and psychoactive effects. The right moment to begin curing is when small branches easily break without cracking.

How to Cure Cannabis:

1. Airtight Jars: Once dried, separate buds from stems and place them in perfectly airtight glass jars, which are undoubtedly the most common method for curing cannabis. They're affordable and provide excellent results.
2. Jar Maintenance: Fill jars up to 75% capacity, leaving some space at the top. Check daily for mold and any ammonia smell, which indicates insufficient drying.
3. Opening Times: Initially, open jars for 1-2 hours daily for the first week, reducing the time gradually over the following weeks. By week six, 15-30 minutes of daily opening should suffice.

Following such a routine can take your cannabis from being good to great, enhancing its taste, aroma, and overall user experience.

The first 12 hours of curing are very crucial. Upon the first opening, you can really see which curing method to adopt, see example 1 (top) or example 2 (correct).

Example 1:

• On the first opening, the flowers have rehydrated collectively and lost their crunchy aspect.
• Week 1: 1 to 2 hours of opening per day, stirring the flowers in the jar to separate them.
• Week 2: 1 hour of opening per day, lightly stirring the flowers.
• Week 3: 30 minutes to 1 hour of opening per day.
• Week 4: 30 minutes of opening per day.
• Week 5: 15 to 30 minutes.

To see when your flowers have dried, the only way is to crumble a flower by hand to see its core.

• Week 6: continue as week 5 if necessary.

Example 2:

• On the first opening, the flowers are still dry overall and still have their crunchy aspect, close and wait 24 hours. If after 24 hours they have not rehydrated, it’s too late...

If rehydrated (squeeze the flowers to feel it)

• Week 1: 1 hour of opening per day, lightly stirring the flowers.
• Week 2: 30 minutes to 1 hour of opening per day, lightly stirring the flowers.
• Week 3: 30 minutes of opening per day.
• Week 4: 15 to 30 minutes.

To see when your flowers have dried, the only way is to grind a flower by hand to see its core.