Grow Q&A: The Proper Cure

What is the best way to properly cure my harvest after chopping it down? – Out-do in Idaho

Dear Out-do,
Farmers who overlook the cannabis curing process do great injustice to their pot produce. Curing slowly “sweats” moisture from the inside of buds that may appear dry on the surface. Removing this moisture, along with the excess chlorophyll that gives fresh pot it’s unpleasantly harsh “green” flavor, makes for better tasting and better burning buds.

Several important factors determine the perfect cure. Chopped branches should be hung to dry for at least 4 days, depending on humidity at harvest-time, and preferably more than a week. When the trimmed buds feel popcorn dry on the outside and the stems crack when bent, it’s time to jar up the colas. Use sealable glass jars and check on them often at first. It’s amazing how much moisture is still deep within your buds; within hours of jarring “dry” nugs, they will feel moist again.

The best cure is a slow cure. The most important thing to avoid is letting the buds mold due to too much moisture in the jars. Jars left in a cool dark place for several months will provide a smoke with all of the hallmarks of properly cured pot; Smooth, earthy and pleasant with a light white ash. You never need to keep re-lighting joints of well-cured weed. They burn clean without the coal-like properties so often found in commercial crops.

Remember growers, don’t give up so close to the finish line. Be sure to cure!

Have a grow question? Ask away at deardanko@hightimes.com