What is Curing & How To Do It

By Ben Owens & Colin Gordon

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A proper cure is the difference between good weed and exceptional weed.

And it’s one of the hardest aspects of the growing process to master.

There is no silver bullet, one-size-fits-all process; it varies by plant, cycle, and space. 

Both drying and curing are conditional to your conditions, which is why it takes a hands-on feel for your plants and your space to dial in your curing processes. 

Whether you’re curing your bud for the first time or trying to improve your results from your last harvest, understanding this process can help you capture the best representation of your plants. 

Our goal is to provide you with a solid foundation that you can learn with and customize as needed. 

What is Curing?

Simply put, curing is the process of aging and preserving dry flower to optimize its taste, aroma, and cannabinoid profile (often “potency” or the composition of cannabinoids). 

What Happens During the Cure?

Scientifically, curing allows for moisture homogenization and the breakdown of certain plant compounds, such as chlorophyll, which reduces the “green” taste associated with freshly harvested cannabis. 

After drying, flower still contain some internal moisture, which needs to be released gradually to avoid losing valuable plant compounds like terpenes and prevent degradation of cannabinoids. 

During curing, the plant material undergoes changes on a chemical level that help to reduce harshness and improve flavor, making it smoother and more enjoyable to consume.

How To Cure Your Cannabis

Curing does not happen in a precise amount of days or weeks so it’s important to monitor the process carefully and take your time. 

Curing doesn’t require complex equipment, but attention to detail is essential. The process generally involves placing dried buds into airtight containers (typically glass jars) and allowing them to age in a controlled environment. 

A good rule of thumb is to aim for a minimum of two weeks of curing, though some growers cure their cannabis for several months to achieve their desired end product.

Remember: Curing isn’t a single-day process; there’s a range, and if you’re a little off, it’s okay.

3-Step Guide to Curing:

Step 1: Fill Your Containers. 

Transfer the buds into glass jars. Loosely fill jars loosely, leaving some space at the top to allow air to circulate. Overfilling can limit airflow, increasing the risk of mold. Aim for around 75% full.

Step 2: Seal and Store

Heat and light can degrade the cannabinoids and terpenes. Store jars in a cool, dark place with stable temperatures around 50-65ºF. Try to keep the relative humidity of your jars at 55-65%. 

Step 3: Burping the Jars

During the first few weeks, “burp” jars daily, opening the lid for a few minutes to release moisture and introduce fresh air. Burping helps prevent mold growth from excess trapped moisture. Over time, you can burp less often, eventually stopping entirely. 

Monitoring Your Cure

As you continue curing, keep an eye on the texture and aroma of the buds. Properly cured cannabis should feel slightly spongy, not brittle or too damp. 

Tip: The goal of curing is to reach a physical feel in the flower that resembles cloth.

The common rule is cure for a minimum of 2-4 weeks, but some growers will go 6+ months to achieve the texture and profile they’re looking for.

A Word on Environment

Curing timeframes will vary based on preference, genetics, and environmental factors. 

If you’re curing in a humid environment like Florida, you might need to take extra precautions to avoid trapping moisture or introducing more humid air when burping. On the other hand, in dry regions like Colorado, you may find that extending the time between burpsimproves results. 

The only way to avoid this is by building a completely controlled space for your cure. 

Remember: "Both drying and curing are conditional to your conditions, so adjust based on where you are."

Regardless of your climate, the key is to strike a balance where the buds retain moisture without becoming too wet.

Curing cannabis is not an exact science. 

Learning to cure properly takes time and experimentation. Even the most experienced growers we spoke to struggled to define their curing processes due to the many nuances involved. 

Don’t worry if your initial results aren’t perfect. 

Your goal is to avoid trapping too much moisture, while gradually allowing the buds to reach their ideal aroma, taste, and texture.

With practice, you’ll dial in your approach and develop a process that works best for you. 

In the meantime, remember that each harvest brings new insights and opportunities to improve.