You've spent months growing your cannabis, but the journey doesn't end at harvest. Proper curing is what separates harsh, hay-smelling buds from smooth, flavorful, potent cannabis. It's the most overlooked step in home growing - and the easiest to get right.
What is Curing?
Curing is a slow, controlled drying process that happens after the initial dry. During curing, moisture equalizes throughout the bud, chlorophyll breaks down, and terpenes develop. The result: smoother smoke, better taste, and enhanced potency.
Why Curing Matters
- Removes harshness: Chlorophyll breakdown eliminates that "green" taste
- Develops flavor: Terpenes concentrate and evolve during curing
- Increases potency: THCA converts to THC, cannabinoids mature
- Improves burn: Properly cured cannabis burns evenly and produces white ash
- Extends shelf life: Well-cured buds can last a year or more when stored properly
The Curing Process: Step by Step
Step 1: Proper Drying First
Before curing, you must dry your cannabis correctly. Hang whole plants or individual branches in a dark room at 60°F/60% humidity for 7-14 days. Drying is complete when:
- Small stems snap (don't bend)
- Larger stems bend but don't snap
- Buds feel dry on the outside but slightly spongy
Warning: Don't Rush Drying
Quick-drying in 3-4 days locks in chlorophyll and produces harsh, green-tasting buds that no amount of curing can fix. Take your time - the 60/60 rule (60°F, 60% humidity) is your friend.
Step 2: Trim and Jar
Once dry, trim your buds and place them in wide-mouth mason jars. Fill each jar about 75% full - buds need room to breathe. Don't pack them tight.
Recommended: Wide-mouth quart mason jars. You'll need about one jar per ounce of dried cannabis.
Step 3: The First Two Weeks (Critical)
During the first two weeks, buds will release moisture from their centers. This is when problems can occur.
- Day 1-3: Open jars (burp) for 15-30 minutes, 2-3 times per day
- Day 4-7: Burp once daily for 15-30 minutes
- Week 2: Burp every other day for 10-15 minutes
When you open the jar, smell it. Ammonia or musty odors mean too much moisture - leave the lid off longer. If buds feel crispy, they're too dry (you can add a humidity pack).
Step 4: Long-Term Cure (Weeks 3+)
After two weeks, burping becomes less critical. Open jars once a week to exchange air. At this point, humidity should stabilize around 58-62%.
Minimum cure time: 2 weeks (acceptable quality)
Recommended cure: 4-8 weeks (good quality)
Premium cure: 3-6 months (connoisseur quality)
Monitoring Humidity
For consistent results, use a hygrometer in each jar (small ones fit in mason jars). Target humidity: 58-62%.
- Above 65%: Risk of mold. Leave lid off for several hours.
- 62-65%: Slightly wet. Burp more frequently.
- 58-62%: Perfect curing range.
- Below 55%: Too dry. Add a humidity pack (Boveda 62%).
Signs of Proper Curing
- Buds feel slightly spongy, not crispy or wet
- Stems bend slightly before snapping
- Smell is pungent and complex, not hay-like
- Smoke is smooth with full flavor
- Ash burns white, not black
Common Curing Mistakes
- Jarring too early: Buds aren't dry enough and develop mold
- Not burping enough: Ammonia smell from trapped moisture
- Storing in light: Degrades THC - always use dark storage
- Temperature too high: Above 70°F speeds terpene evaporation
- Skipping the cure: Smoking too early wastes your grow's potential
Long-Term Storage
Once cured, cannabis can be stored for 6-12 months (or longer) under proper conditions:
- Dark location (light degrades THC)
- Cool temperature (60-70°F)
- 58-62% humidity (use Boveda packs)
- Airtight containers (mason jars, CVaults)
Pro Tip: Cure Logs
Keep a simple log for each jar: date jarred, daily humidity readings, burp schedule, and tasting notes. This helps you refine your process and identify issues early.
The Bottom Line
Curing transforms good cannabis into great cannabis. It requires patience - a virtue in short supply after months of growing - but the difference is night and day. Give your harvest at least 4 weeks of curing before judging the final quality.
New to growing? Our complete growing guide covers every stage from seed to cure, including detailed drying instructions that set you up for curing success.