Cannabis & the Curing Process

Key Takeaways

• Properly curing your cannabis flower is an essential and gratifying step that can greatly elevate the quality of your cannabis.
• The curing process involves proper storage, letting your flower dry fully, burping the plant regularly, and giving it enough time to cure properly. 
• Decarboxylation can occur naturally during curing, allowing cannabinoids and flavor profiles to develop fully.  

Cannabis naturally produces hundreds of cannabinoids, with THCA being one of the most common. THCA, or Tetrahydrocannabinolic acid, is the compound that eventually becomes THC. Most people know THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol) as the cannabinoid responsible for the “high,” but it starts as THCA.

Curing your THCA flower is a rewarding and crucial step that can significantly improve the quality of your cannabis. You can enhance their aroma, flavor, and potency by carefully drying and aging harvested buds. The process is straightforward and can be done with equipment you likely already have.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through the steps of home curing, highlighting the benefits and tips to ensure you get the best results from your cannabis.

Why Cure Cannabis Flower?

Sometimes, you’ll have the experience of purchasing flower that smells grassy, feels stickier than normal, or just doesn’t taste right. This is likely because it hasn’t had the time to develop its terpenes and flavonoids fully.

This is where curing steps in. By letting your flower cure for a few weeks or even months, you’ll start to notice a more intricate and refined aroma—perhaps hints of citrus, pine, or subtle earthiness. The flavor also gets a boost.

But curing isn’t just about improving taste and smell; it also boosts the flower’s potency. Allowing it to dry slowly and evenly lets the cannabinoids fully develop, producing more powerful effects.

Additionally, well-cured flower offers a smoother and more enjoyable smoking or vaping experience, so you can savor every hit without the harshness.

Cured vs Uncured Flower

How can you tell if your recent purchase has been properly cured? Here are some tips to determine if your flower is properly cured:

• Check for Moisture – A well-cured cannabis flower should feel dry but not overly brittle. If your bud is still moist or sticky, it likely hasn’t been cured properly.
• Look at the Color – Properly cured cannabis will have a vibrant green color. If it appears yellow or brown, it might not have been cured correctly.
• Smell It –  This may seem obvious, but a properly cured cannabis flower will have a strong, distinctive aroma unique to its strain. If it smells like hay or grass, it’s probably not cured right.
• Break It Apart –  When you break apart a properly cured bud, it should be easy to do without any excess moisture or stickiness. If it’s hard to break apart, it might need more curing.
• Inhalation Test –  If you’re still unsure, burn a small amount and observe the smoke. Harsh smoke can indicate improper curing, while smooth smoke suggests the flower is well-cured.

How to Cure Cannabis Flower

• Proper Storage – Store your curing cannabis in a cool, dark spot to protect it from light and heat, which can degrade cannabinoids and terpenes. Use an airtight container to keep out moisture, as this helps maintain the quality and potency of your herb.
• Gentle Drying – Slow and steady wins the race when it comes to drying your cannabis. Gradual drying at a controlled temperature and humidity promotes proper decarboxylation and terpene development. Quick drying can cause the loss of these precious compounds.
• Not Too Dry, Not Too Wet – Ensure your flower isn’t too dry or too wet. Give your bud a gentle squeeze; if it crumbles, it’s too dry; if it squishes and stays squished, it’s too moist. The ideal bud should spring back slightly when gently squeezed.
• Burping Ritual – Regularly “burping” your jars by opening them to release excess moisture and bring in fresh air – is crucial during curing. This prevents mold and keeps the curing environment ideal. This slow, even drying process is crucial for developing the flower’s flavor and aroma. Gradually reduce the frequency of burping over the next few weeks.
• Prolonged Curing – Think of curing as fine-tuning your cannabis. Extending the curing period beyond the initial drying stage allows cannabinoids and terpenes to develop further, resulting in a more nuanced and flavorful product.
• Be Patient and Enjoy – Curing takes time, so be patient and let the process work its magic. Depending on moisture content and other factors, curing can take anywhere from a few weeks to a few months. The wait will be worth it, resulting in potent, flavorful, and aromatic cannabis perfect for smoking, vaping, or cooking.

Can You Cure THCA Flower into THC

Yes. THCA turns into THC through a process called decarboxylation, which usually involves applying heat. However, decarboxylation can occur naturally during a natural curing process as the plant dries. The primary forms of THCA come in the cannabis flower or concentrate extracts. Depending on the legality in your state, it’s either called marijuana or THCA flower/concentrate. 

What is the Decarboxylation Process?

When you smoke or vaporize cannabis, the high temperatures quickly decarboxylate THCA, allowing your body to absorb THC instantly. However, it is possible to slow this process down by keeping your flower in an airtight container to prevent premature decarboxylation and maintain its potency and freshness. The control of oxygen is crucial in this curing process.

Final Thoughts

Curing cannabis is a straightforward process that you can easily do at home. By understanding the proper methods, you can maximize the potency and benefits of your flower. Whether making edible tinctures or enhancing your smoking experience, mastering the curing process will help you get the most out of your flower.

(Disclaimer reminder: This article is not medical advice. It is based on anecdotal user experience alone. If you are thinking about incorporating cannabis (delta-8 THC, delta-9 THC, CBD, etc) into your medicinal routine, please consult a healTHCAre professional. Do not stop taking any prescribed medications without first consulting your doctor.)

Disclaimer: This article reflects the laws of the United States at the time it was written. Because cannabis laws in the United States laws are subject to change at any time, please make sure that you are always staying up to date on your federal, state, and local county’s cannabis laws. Additionally, we are NOT encouraging anyone to break the law––we are simply showing people ways to legally and discreetly bring their cannabis products along with them on their travels so that they may have access to those products when they reach their intended destination.