How does curing weed work

A proper curing process is a key to producing a smooth, flavorful smoke representative of the most delicate buds. A recent blog post from Growlink outlines what curing cannabis is, and how to do it.

Many plants are cured, such as cannabis, hemp, sagebrush, bay leaves, tea leaves, and tobacco. In cannabis cultivation specifically, the curing process creates a cleaner, smoother smoke, and enhanced flavor. Every vegetable requires a different curing process for the best outcome. Regardless of the process, the goal is the same: to protect the product while retaining robust flavors, nutrients, and, in the case of cannabis, cannabinoids.

For instance, some plants require a two step process that involves drying, and then curing, such as cannabis. Some plants can also be sun-cured, which entails hanging the plants in the full sun to dry.

Heat can also be used to cure plants. The leaves are hung on sticks and exposed to low heat. Great care is taken not to have smoke or fire near the leaves during the curing process. Some types of tea leaves must be exposed to heat during curing so that they oxidize and become sweet. Curing time varies depending on humidity, the type of plant involved, and the water content of the plant at the time it is harvested.

There are a few different methods of drying and curing plants, but it all cases, environmental control and the duration of the drying period are what ultimately lead to a quality product.

In cannabis cultivation, most growers do not consider their bud ideal for use until it has been aged or cured in a cool, dark place. Before the curing process begins, cannabis must be properly dried. One method of achieving this is placing them in a sealed brown paper bag and placing it in a dark room or closet for a week or more. White paper or plastic should not be used for drying because this encourages mold growth that can ruin the harvest.

Larger scale growers often use boxes in order to dry large amounts of buds, but caution should be taken with this method to ensure proper air circulation. When the buds are ready to be cured, they are usually placed in a glass jar. Once a jar is around two-thirds full, the lid will be placed on loosely. The curing buds require some air to assist the natural breakdown of sugars and chlorophyll. A grower may periodically remove the lid to release excess moisture, known as "burping". Humidity packs can also be used to adjust the moisture level inside the jars.

During the curing process, the jars must be checked often for any signs of mold or mildew. A strong ammonia smell is an early indication that the buds were too moist and have begun to spoil. Though your bud will be fine to smoke after two to four weeks, continued curing for four to eight weeks or more will improve the flavor and potency even more.

Properly cured cannabis can be stored for up to six months in these containers or for long-term storage , it can be kept in vacuum-sealed storage for a year or more. Ideal strain and grow conditions aside, the best bud always takes a bit more love and attention, and the curing process is no exception. Taking the time to properly cure your cannabis will pay off big-time, and earn you some awesome bragging rights, to boot.

Do you have any tips for curing cannabis? Share them with our readers below. Related Articles. If the buds stick together, they will need more drying time before going back into the containers. Within the first day, you will notice that the buds are no longer crunchy and dry on the outside, because the moisture inside the flowers rehydrates the outer areas.

If this is not the case, then you have over-dried your cannabis. This allows moisture to escape and replenishes the oxygen inside the container. If you notice smell of ammonia when opening the container, it means that the buds are not dry enough to be cured, and anaerobic bacteria are consuming them, which will eventually lead to rotten cannabis.

During the curing process, jars must be regularly checked for signs of mould or fungi , and infected buds must be disposed of immediately, or otherwise the whole jar will be spoiled. Keep in mind that some strains may require up to a 6-month curing time for best results.

On the contrary, excessive curing beyond 6 months may be detrimental. An air-tight container in a dark location will allow you to store your buds for up to two years, while maintaining quality. The curing process is possibly the most overlooked aspect of cannabis production. Due to the competition between the medicinal and recreational cannabis markets, an increasing number of growers are paying attention to this process, which turns a decent product into an outstanding one.

And now you can do the same with your own crop : the best marijuana always demands a bit more TLC, and the curing process is no exception. All of our cannabis seeds. We are very sorry to inform you that, against our will, we are now unable to engage in any commercial activity.