Complete guide to drying and curing cannabis the right way

Any experienced grower knows that proper drying and curing are essential to ensuring that cannabis displays all of its best qualities. Without the fundamental processes that must be performed after harvest, we would lose the soft smoke and the various taste/aroma profiles that we carefully look for in our plants. That’s why we’ve put together this expert guide for home growers, showing you how to dry and cure your own cannabis optimally and easily.

If you want a potent crop with an organoleptic profile that causes a sensation, there are a number of factors to consider. Whether you grow indoors, outdoors, or in a greenhouse, the development stage of plants is just one part of what makes good cannabis truly outstanding. You can do the best work in the world while you’re growing your cannabis, but if you’re not careful enough during the drying and curing process, then all your hard work will be in vain.

The importance of the drying and curing of cannabis

The drying and curing of marijuana stops the natural breakdown of cannabinoids and preserves THC and terpene levels. It is an essential step that allows the buds to stay fresh for longer to help create stable and durable products. The goal is to maintain the potency of the buds and increase their flavour whilst also protecting them against bacteria.

From the moment a plant is cut, it begins to degrade as the enzymes and aerobic bacteria gorge themselves on the excess sugars and starches produced by the decomposition of chlorophyll. Proper curing stops the degradation process before volatile compounds (such as terpenes) evaporate or transform.

Therefore, a good drying and curing process will not only improve the taste and aroma of cannabis but also its potency. This is because the synthesis of cannabinoids (the process of creating these chemical compounds) continues due to the effect of oxygen, even after the plant has been cut.

When freshly harvested cannabis flowers are kept at the appropriate temperature and humidity levels, non-psychoactive cannabinoids will continue to transform into THCA (the acid precursor of psychoactive THC), resulting in a product with a higher concentration of this cannabinoid. This is an example of how the chemical processes that occur within the plant don’t stop at the end of its life.

How to dry cannabis

The drying process may vary, but most growers opt for a simple and effective technique that guarantees good results. For starters, the common thing is to cut the plant, remove unnecessary leaves, and hang it upside down on a string or wire. Some prefer to hang the whole plant; others like dividing the plant into branches; and others separate the buds to dry them on drying trays. You can choose between fresh manicuring (before drying) or dry manicuring (after drying).

Whatever your preference, it is essential to keep the cannabis in a dark space to prevent light from degrading its THC content. Optimal drying conditions include a temperature between 15 and 20ºC, and a humidity of 45 – 55%. Avoid temperatures above 20ºC, as terpenes begin to evaporate beyond that point. Gentle air circulation using a fan is also recommended, together with a dehumidifier or air conditioner to ensure that these levels are kept stable.

The aim is to reduce the buds’ water content from 75% to 10 – 15%. After about one or two weeks, once the stems break easily when bent and the surface of the buds is slightly crispy, the drying will be complete and it will be time to move on to the next step: the curing.

How to cure marijuana

Once the buds have dried sufficiently, they should be separated from the larger stems and placed in airtight containers. Although glass jars are the most common type, ceramic or even metal containers can also be used (however, plastic is not recommended). Always make sure that there is enough space for the buds to move without being crammed in too tightly (it is not recommended to fill the jars more than 75% of their capacity).

By sealing the containers and storing them in a dark, cool, and dry place, the buds will start to rehydrate naturally, as internal moisture is redistributed into the outer parts that were already dry. If the buds still feel too dry or crispy, you may have dried the plant too much; and if they stick together, it is a sign that they need more drying time before being put back in the jar.

During the first week of curing, it’s important to open the containers several times a day to allow the buds to breathe (which is commonly known as “burping cannabis”). This helps to release moisture and renew the oxygen inside the jar. If you have a hygrometer, it is best to keep the humidity levels inside the container between 60 and 65%.

If you notice an ammonia smell, this is indicative that the buds are still too wet and that anaerobic bacteria are starting to damage them, which can lead to the appearance of mould. Check the buds regularly for any signs of fungi and immediately remove those affected to prevent the rest of the batch from spoiling.

After the first week, you only need to burp the containers once every few days to continue to control the humidity. Although the buds will be ready for consumption after about two to four weeks, a prolonged curing (between four and eight weeks) can significantly improve their quality. Some strains may even require up to six months’ curing to develop their full potential in terms of taste and aroma. Having said that, it’s important to mention that curing beyond that time can result in a loss of quality.

Once the curing process is complete, the buds will be dry and crispy, and with the appropriate moisture levels (between 8 and 10%). At this point, they will be ready for long-term storage, preferably in airtight containers and stored in a cool, dark place. Wardrobes, cupboards, or even a chest of drawers can be good places for this. Under the right conditions, cannabis can be kept in good nick for up to two years, maintaining its taste, aroma, and potency without showing any significant deterioration.

Other top tips to dry and cure your cannabis correctly

• If you use drying trays or meshes instead of hanging the branches, make sure to flip the buds regularly to prevent them from flattening on one side. Metal surfaces can cause buds to dry unevenly or faster than they should, so use materials like wood or plastic meshes for even drying.
• While it is essential to have good air circulation, you must ensure that the fans are not aimed directly at the buds, as strong air can dry them too quickly and reduce their quality. Air should circulate constantly, but don’t recycle stale or stagnant air – installing an air extraction system will help to remove excessive moisture without compromising the drying process.
• If you’ve never dried your own marijuana, you may be surprised by the presence of some unknown aromas. In particular, during the final curing process, some people report a characteristic grass smell when opening their glass jars, which is produced by the slow degradation of chlorophyll. This will fade over time as the terpene aromas intensify.
• If you’ve accidentally overdried your buds, you can rehydrate them by inserting a wet piece of paper into the jar for a few hours. Don’t overdo it, though, as it could lead to the appearance of mould. Some growers use citrus peel, but as this affects the taste of the buds, it is only recommended when you’ve grown a strain with a citrusy flavour.
• Wooden boxes guarantee better results than glass jars. Many curing connoisseurs recommend cedar, as it is slightly porous and bestows the weed with a characteristic smell. Another option is okoume, a type of wood from Africa which is highly resistant to moisture and helps preserve the original aromas of the weed.
• Small hygrometers can be placed inside the jars to control relative humidity. But there are also moisture control bags (such as those by Boveda) that provide a relative humidity of 62% inside the container (with a maximum variation of 1%).
• Putting labels on the containers is especially important if you’re curing several strains at once. The start date of the curing will also help you keep a record and ensure that each variety is cured for the desired period.
• Avoid plastic bags, as they create a humid environment in which the buds can “sweat”, causing mould and an unmistakable stench. They also cause a buildup of static electricity, which attracts valuable trichomes that can end up sticking to the plastic.
• Freezing is not the best way to store your buds because cannabis can still contain a small percentage of water at this point, which means you could also be losing cannabinoids. But, if you decide to give it a go, vacuum pack them and use a non-frost freezer, as this technique will ensure that chemicals aren’t damaged too much.

Congratulations: your buds are ready to be enjoyed

Drying and curing cannabis properly is like a painter applying the flourishing touches to a work of art: it can help increase, and even greatly increase, the value of the final product. When it comes to drying and curing, it is worth planning ahead. There is no real way to do it quickly without diminishing the quality of your buds, so take the time and care needed to do it right. It’s only then that you will be making the most of your harvest to get the best cannabis possible…  Something that you richly deserve after so many months of hard work.