Why is the curing process so important for cannabis? How long should I cure my buds, and what are some tips to do it properly?
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Why is the curing process so important for cannabis? How long should I cure my buds, and what are some tips to do it properly?
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Curing cannabis is an essential process that improves its aroma and taste, increases potency, and gives it an overall higher quality. In addition, curing bud helps prevent mold and bacteria from growing, making it easier and safer to consume. Yet many people overlook this important step in the cultivation process, relying on the drying process alone to finish off the buds.
It’s not hard to understand why people think that drying is enough â after all, it’s the easiest and often the fastest step. But curing is really what helps give your cannabis that special âfinishâ which can take a puff from good to great. Here is why the curing process is so important for cannabis, and what you need to know about it.
Curing cannabis is the process of slowly, and carefully, drying out your freshly harvested buds. The goal is to generally reduce their moisture content from an initial high of up to 75% down to an ideal humidity of anywhere from 55-65%. Curing is usually done in airtight containers such as jars or bags over a period of 1-4 weeks. The process of agitation and airing out during curing will help the chlorophyll, sugars, and other compounds to break down, reducing the presence of lingering green flavoring and drying out the buds to the right level of humidity.
Beyond the flavor, curing has a few more benefits. A longer curing process will also help break down some of the harsher terpenes giving the bud a smoother and more pleasant flavor. It can also help to preserve the psychoactive components of the cannabis by preventing too much oxygen from entering the buds while theyâre drying and can even increase the potency of the final product.
It’s recommended that the curing process last around two weeks but can go a little longer if necessary. You’ll want to keep your buds in airtight containers, either in jars or bags, and open them up for a few minutes on a daily or weekly basis to get some fresh air flowing inside and equalize the humidity. This is an important part of curing and should not be skipped.
When you first open up your containers, youâll probably notice some condensation on the sides. This is normal and usually goes away within a few minutes. Youâll also want to monitor the moisture levels inside the containers, to make sure youâre not over-drying or under-drying the buds. This can be done with a hygrometer that can measure the humidity inside the jars. As a general rule of thumb, you want your buds to be at a humidity level of between 60-63%.
Finally, youâll want to be sure to check in regularly on your buds as they cure. If you notice any signs of mold, such as white fuzz or discoloration, take action immediately to prevent it from spreading. Throw out any infected buds, and make sure the bud is completely dry before putting it back into storage.
Curing cannabis is an essential part of the cultivation process, and one that should not be overlooked or rushed. You’ll want to keep your buds in airtight containers, away from light, and monitor the humidity levels as they cure. It’s recommended that the curing process last around two weeks, but can last longer depending on your specific conditions. Overall, curing can make a huge difference in the aroma, taste and overall quality of your cannabis so be sure to follow these tips for a successful curing process.