Curing
Definition: Curing is the slow, controlled process of finishing harvested cannabis after its initial drying. Buds are stored in airtight containers at steady, moderate humidity so moisture evens out from the inside. A good cure preserves aroma and flavor, makes smoke feel smoother, and helps prevent mold during storage.
What’s the Difference Between Drying and Curing?
Drying comes first. Freshly cut plants or branches hang in a cool, dark, ventilated space until the outside of the buds feels dry and small stems snap instead of bending. Curing follows. The trimmed buds go into sealed jars or bins, where remaining moisture from the inside of each bud spreads out evenly. Growers commonly cure for a few weeks, though some cure much longer.
Why Does Curing Matter?
Many of the compounds behind cannabis aroma are volatile terpenes, and they can evaporate if buds dry too fast or too hot. Peer-reviewed drying research has found that lighter monoterpenes like myrcene and pinene are more easily lost than heavier sesquiterpenes. A slow finish protects more of that profile. Growers also report that well-cured flower burns more evenly and tastes less harsh, though controlled studies on smoothness are limited.
How Do You Cure Cannabis?
- Fill airtight glass jars loosely, leaving some air space
- Store them somewhere cool and dark
- Open the jars briefly each day in the first week or two to let out moisture, often called “burping”
- Check for any musty smell, which can signal trapped moisture
- Use a small hygrometer or humidity pack to keep conditions steady
What Happens If Cannabis Is Cured Poorly?
Buds sealed while still too wet can grow mold, including the fungi behind bud rot. Moldy cannabis should be thrown out, not smoked. Buds dried too fast or too hot often end up brittle, harsh, and low on aroma, and that loss can’t be reversed.
