Before recreational pot could be used, it has to be grown, dried, and then cured. Only then can it produce the best weed possible for a truly satisfying smoking experience. Curing cannabis takes more work and patience compared to growing it. Different folks will have their own technique; resulting in various aromas, highs, and tastes.
When weed became legal in the states of Colorado and Washington, growers and curers gained freedom to share trade secrets. They can bust myths, verify truths, and practice new strategies with more freedom than before. Not only that, other weed enthusiasts can learn from their examples too. Are you planning on growing your own stash? If so, here are a couple of important details to get you started:
“Is drying and curing cannabis the same?”
No. Plenty of folks misunderstand this point and interchange these terms. That is a mistake. Drying refers to reducing the marijuana plant's water content, readying it for the curing process. Curing on the other hand, is an aging method to draw out the potency of its chemical compounds (THC). Drying must be done first before curing.
“Is it true that hanging the buds upside down increases THC potency?”
No. That is merely an urban legend. Hanging your cannabis buds upside down only has one benefit: and that is to dry them a lot faster in the safest way possible. Other methods can be just as effective though; such as using a screen mesh or with a fan. Keep in mind that you want to dry them the natural way – succumbing to quick techniques will make them lose their flavor, intensity, and overall quality.
“How dry should the buds be?”
This is where plenty of debate comes in. Different growers and curers will give varying answers. However, the ideal setup would be to leave a bit of moisture on them; just enough so they can be cured properly. About 8-10% of the moisture should still remain after drying. Do this quick test to see if your buds are ready: snap a small twig in half. If it breaks relatively easy, it's good to go. If it's too brittle or too soft, it's going to be a disaster.
“Why is curing important?”
You can't smoke fresh weed because it's still about 80% water. And you can't burn water. During the curing process, cannabis gets a chance to dry more slowly and evenly, leaving behind only the active THC compound. A well-cured ounce of weed for example, can be stored for months without mold; while maintaining its deep flavor and intensity. It will also burn with an even glow.
“What are the elements for curing?”
Again, more debate here. But the best weed is cured with the right combination of humidity, darkness, temperature, and moisture. It's best to ask a seasoned cannabis curer, and then develop your own strategy once you get the hang of it.
Drying and curing your buds will really be a lot of work; but your efforts will be rewarded with smooth, deep hits from a good stash. Depending on the marijuana variant as well as your curing method, you can enjoy smoking weed within two to three months.
Weed Drying and Curing FAQ