There is no one magic formula for developing superior cannabis. The end result of months of precise cultivation, pruning, trimming, drying, and perhaps a little luck is premium cannabis flower. Curing cannabis, the procedure’s last step, can, nevertheless, make a significant difference. Poorly growing flowers will not be improved by a precise and meticulous cure, but a hasty, eager cure can destroy high-quality flowers.
It is impossible to overstate the importance of this last action. An effective curing procedure is essential for creating smoke that is tasty, smooth, and even more strong. This article examines the definition of curing, the advantages of drying and curing marijuana, and self-curing cannabis.
What Is Curing?
Curing is a preservation technique that turns organic material, usually food, into an unfriendly environment for the bacteria that would otherwise break it down. Although nitrites are increasingly frequently utilised in mass manufacturing, the oldest methods of curing, like salting and smoking, are still in use today.
For cannabis cultivators, this means that curing cannabis will cause it to dry out like jerky and make it resistant to the effects of time. Bacteria will consume uncured cannabis just like they would consume uncooked meat or vegetables left out on the counter.
Cannabis is preserved, but there are additional benefits to curing it. It even has an impact on the flower’s strength and flavour.
Benefits of Proper Cannabis Potency Curing
Potency
Cannabis curing affects the terpene composition and cannabinoid synthesis of the plant. Similar to how green bananas purchased from the shop will change to a ripe yellow over the following several days at home, freshly cut cannabis will continue to ripen.
The blooms can and will continue to draw the leftover nutrients from the branch even while the harvested branches can no longer draw them from the main stalk. THC synthesis continues throughout this stage, and after marijuana has been thoroughly cured, these cannabinoids are left to mature completely before being suspended.
Flavour
The terpene profile, which influences the aroma and flavour of various strains, is also preserved through flavour curing. Terpenes and cannabinoids may be consumed as enzymes and bacteria eat the decomposing plant debris. Despite the fact that it may seem rational to stop all decay, you actually want some of the plant’s components to break down.
Freshly cut marijuana still contains a lot of extra sugars, carbohydrates, and other plant debris that tastes awful when smoked, such as chlorophyll. Because of this, cannabis that has been incorrectly cured (or just plucked) tastes harsh and irritates the lungs.
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How to Treat Marijuana
A good drying procedure sets the curing process in motion. Depending on the environment in the room, freshly cut and trimmed cannabis must be left on drying racks for a week or two or hung outside to dry. Cannabis is ready to be cured when the dry stems snap like brittle twigs. Give them additional time if the stems wilt and bend like living plants.
Buds should be plucked from the branches and placed in a container that can be sealed. Wide mouth jars, especially those with rubber seals, are frequently used because they seal tightly when closed and allow for good airflow when opened. To allow enough air to enter at once, fill the jars approximately 3/4 of the way. There is no need to pack them tightly because doing so will just raise the humidity, which will encourage mould and mildew to grow on the buds.
Some growers include a digital hydrometer in the jar to monitor humidity levels precisely. These gadgets frequently also show the temperature. Ideal conditions are between 60° and 70°F, with a humidity of 60–65%.
You should open these jars once a day for the first week in order to replace the used oxygen within with fresh air. This procedure, known as “burping,” permits a small amount of deterioration to occur at a time. Burping once every few days after the first week ought to be sufficient.
NOTE: If you smell mildew or ammonia after you burp your containers for the first few times, it implies the bud is probably still too wet to cure. To prevent mould, take the buds out of the jars and let them air dry for a few additional days.
Cannabis must be well cured for at least two weeks, however, lengthier cures of four to six weeks are preferable. Some farmers give their cannabis a six-month treatment. That marijuana will remain reasonably fresh for up to a year in a sealed jar.
Conclusion
The most important stage in maintaining your marijuana’s strength and the flavour is curing it. It is the last phase in the growth process. Curing retains the terpene profile and permits further THC synthesis after harvest while carefully letting microorganisms consume extra starches and bitter chemicals.
It can be tempting to speed curing because it is the last process before smoking, but patient growers will be rewarded with a smooth, fragrant smoke.
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Questions and Answers
Q. What Is the Cannabis Curing Procedure?
Similar to curing food, the main purpose of curing marijuana is to keep it fresh for a long time. But a perfect cannabis cure also keeps the strain’s terpene profile intact and permits THC to continue growing after harvest.
Q. What Is Live Cannabis Curing?
Cannabis that has been freshly cut and frozen to preserve it is known as live-cured cannabis. Fresh trichomes are preserved by freezing and are then frequently harvested for bubble hash or extracts.
Q. When Ought I to Begin Curing My Crop of Marijuana?
Depending on the environment of the drying area, curing should start as soon as the harvested buds are sufficiently dry, which is typically 1-2 weeks following harvest.
Q. How Long Do I Need to Cure It?
Generally speaking, a two-week minimum cure is advised, however, many growers choose 4-6 weeks for a better flavour. For a top-shelf product, some growers may choose to cure for up to six months.
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