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Knowing how to cure weed will help you harvest better buds!
Curing weed is the process of drying and aging your weed after harvesting to enhance its flavor, aroma, and potency.
Proper curing allows the chlorophyll and other unwanted compounds to break down, while the desirable cannabinoids and terpenes become more concentrated.
This results in a smoother, more flavorful smoke or vapor that delivers a stronger high.
Knowing the best way to cure weed will help you harvest better buds!
Curing weed is the process of drying and aging your weed after harvesting to enhance its flavor, aroma, and potency.
Proper curing allows the chlorophyll and other unwanted compounds to break down, while the desirable cannabinoids and terpenes become more concentrated.
This results in a smoother, more flavorful smoke or vapor that delivers a stronger high.
However, curing can take time, usually one to three weeks or even longer, depending on the humidity, temperature, and other factors.
Sometimes you may not have the luxury of waiting for weeks, especially if you need your weed for a special occasion or a sudden trip.
If that’s the case, I’ll give you some ways to cure weed faster along with the best practices!
Table of Contents
Should You Cure Weed Fast?
Before we discuss how to cure weed fast, there’s some things you should consider before attempting.
For those who appreciate the distinct aromas and flavors of gassy, skunky, fruity, and earthy buds, speeding up the curing process can result in harsh-tasting weed.
The reason behind this is that the flower buds are not given the time to cure in a carefully controlled environment.
The high temperatures required for fast curing can quickly backfire, especially if you are new to the process.
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Drying weed too fast can give you brittle buds.
Curing is a natural aging process that makes for a smoother smoking experience.
While high-temperature storage can help your weed age faster, it may not have the best taste or aroma.
What does curing do to weed?
The curing process is often an overlooked aspect of growing weed, yet it is crucial for achieving optimal flavor and quality smoke.
As the bud cures, moisture gradually moves from the center toward the outside. The curing process has a significant impact on the aroma and taste of the weed.
Terpenes, which are responsible for the unique smell and flavor of cannabis, are highly sensitive and can degrade and evaporate even at low temperatures of 50°F (10°C).
A slow cure at lower temperatures is more effective in preserving terpenes than a quick and hot dry.
Proper curing allows for long-term weed storage without mold or degradation.
If you want to cure your weed quickly, be prepared for a potential decrease in quality in exchange for a faster turnaround time.
How To Cure Marijuana
Now that you know why you should cure marijuana, here’s how to get started. Let’s begin with the must-have equipment you should have!
Equipment For Curing Weed
When you are curing cannabis, it is important to use a room or space that has a stable temperature and humidity.
Don’t try to cure your weed in the basement if the area is wet, instead, just place it in a cupboard or a drawer.
As light can degrade terpenes, keep the jar away from direct sunlight.
To cure your buds properly you will need only two things:
Air Tight Jars
Hygrometer
Curing Weed: Step-By-Step
Curing weed is a straightforward process.
Place the trimmed buds into an airtight jar and pack them loosely without compacting them.
Store the sealed container in a cool, dry, and dark place.
Within a day or two, the buds will become a little softer as the moisture from the center of the buds rehydrates the exterior.
If this doesn’t happen, your cannabis is likely over-dried.
Control The Humidity
The humidity inside the sealed jars should be between 55-65%.
To measure the humidity, place a digital hygrometer inside the jar.
If the buds are too dry, you can add a humidity pack, or just place a wet piece of cotton wool inside a regular bottle cap and place it in the jar.
Make sure that the wet cotton wool doesn’t touch the buds directly.
If they’re too wet, leave the lid off for half a day or a full day before resealing them.
Be sure to check the humidity levels every day and adjust them accordingly.
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Burp Your Weed
During the first week of curing, it’s essential to open the container at least two times a day for a couple of minutes.
This process is called burping, and it releases moisture. Burping replenishes oxygen inside the container.
After the first week, you can keep burping your jars once a day, or once every two days.
Some people like to take weed out of the jar and leave it sitting on a table for a couple of minutes before returning them.
Whatever method you choose, keep an eye out for any contaminants.
Usually, molds and bacteria produce an ammonia-like smell which indicates that your weed is contaminated.
Be Patient
It takes at least two weeks to get your weed cured enough for maximum potency.
Some people prefer to cure their weed even longer, for up to a couple of months. You can say that weed is somewhat like wine, the more it sits the better it gets.
How To Cure Weed Faster
Oven Dry
- Place the buds on an oven tray or cookie sheet.
- Bake the buds at a temperature of 150-200°F (60-90°C) for ten minutes.
- Keep in mind that the taste will differ compared to curing the weed using a slower process.
These buds may taste harsher due to the aggressive method used to remove water.
The buds will most likely shrink to about half their original size and the taste might be harsher, but it will do the trick.
While baking, make sure to monitor the buds closely to prevent them from drying out or burning.
Microwave
- Chop your wet buds and microwave them in short bursts of 10-20 seconds on full power.
- After each burst, be sure to open the microwave door to check and stir the buds, allowing steam to escape.
- Watch out for any tiny embers in the pile of cannabis while it is heating.
- Use a water pipe or vaporizer to enjoy your dried product.
Hair Dryer and a box
- First, trim and cut your harvested weed into popcorn-sized pieces and lay them on the bottom of a box. Be sure to space them out so that they’re not touching and don’t fill the box all the way up.
- Next, place the box top on and tape it shut with one or two pieces of tape, making sure not to close it completely.
- Cut a hole in the top to accommodate the nozzle of a hairdryer and insert the hairdryer on a low heat setting.
- Check on your weed every ten to twenty minutes, and turn over the buds after thirty minutes to an hour.
This process should take about one to two hours, depending on the amount of weed you have in the box.
Use a low heat setting to avoid burning your weed, which can result in a harsh smoke flavor.
Those were the best ways to start curing weed for complete beginners!
Don’t forget that these methods are aggressive and they’ll most likely make the flavor harsh. To get the best possible aroma you should stick to curing your weed the old-fashioned way.
Yeah, it takes some time, but a high-quality aromatic end product may just be worth waiting for.