Before you can cure your cannabis, you need to know how to properly dry it. Proper drying is an art and science. If you do not consume cannabis, don’t be the one responsible for curing. There are a few different methods to properly dry high yields marijuana harvests, but it’s important to understand how each works. And remember, don’t put anyone else in charge of curing your cannabis, as this can lead to problems down the road.
Once the cannabis is cured, it is best to store it in a dark, cool place. The ideal temperature is about 77-86 degF. A temperature above this range will encourage mold growth and make the smoke hot and harsh. Proper curing prevents THC degradation by limiting the amount of light and oxygen in the plant. Proper curing is critical to preserve the high potency of your marijuana harvest.
Make Sure To Trim The Buds And Place Them In Airtight Containers
When harvesting your cannabis, make sure to trim the buds and place them in airtight containers to prevent mold and rehydration. Make sure the buds are between thirty and 35 per cent moisture, as anything above that can lead to mold and mildew growth. Avoid placing your cannabis in a humid room, because light degrades THC and interferes with the metabolism of the buds.
First, make sure your buds have cured for a minimum of two weeks, or up to eight weeks, depending on the strain. This ensures that the buds are fully dried and still contain the maximum potency. Curing your cannabis harvest is a complex process that can take a couple of months, and can also be difficult for a new grower. If your harvest is too young, it can become brittle and harsh.
Curing takes anywhere from two to five weeks
Depending on the strain and the growing conditions, curing takes anywhere from two to five weeks. This process enhances the natural flavor of your weed, but it requires more time. If you don’t want to risk damaging your buds, use a wide-mouth mason jar, which is ideal for curing long-term. You can also use a cigar hygrometer to determine the humidity inside your jars.
Curing your cannabis harvest is a great way to ensure that the terpenes, essential for photosynthesis, remain intact. Curing also allows natural sugars to break down, increasing the potency of THC. Once it’s cured, your weed will be more fragrant, more potent, and have a better taste and smell. After the harvest has been properly dried, it can be stored for months or even years.
Dry Your Cannabis In A Controlled Environment
Before you begin the process of curing, you need to dry your cannabis in a controlled environment. A controlled temperature of seventy degrees Fahrenheit will help preserve the terpene content, a vital component that will improve the flavor of your flower. Avoid over-drying your weed because it can make it vulnerable to mold and other unwanted bacteria. Also, improper curing creates an environment that is ripe for mold and other problems that can ruin the potency of your marijuana harvest.
The Final Step Of The Marijuana Harvest Is Curing
Curing allows the plant’s flavor to develop to its maximum potential. According to Jin et al. (2019), the optimal curing temperature is 18 degrees Celsius and 60 percent relative humidity for 14 days. Earlier, Green et al. (2018) recommended keeping trimmed cannabis flowers in a sealed can for up to four weeks before opening it.
Curing can help reduce harshness, reduce throat irritation, minimize mold growth, and increase the concentration of terpenes, cannabinoids, and other compounds. It also improves the potency of cannabis by preserving terpenes, which give it its characteristic flavors, aromas, and effects. However, the process has not been studied in enough academic depth to determine its effect on potency and quality.
During the drying and curing process, cannabis must be stored properly to ensure that the flower is of high quality. Cannabis that has not been cured and dried is more susceptible to mold, mildew, and rot. Leaving cannabis products in high humidity can also accelerate the degradation process. This is why some operations elide the drying and curing process. To avoid the problems associated with the drying and curing process, it is important to dry and cure your cannabis harvest as soon as possible.
