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Discover the process of curing cannabis and the benefits of doing so. Learn how to cure your own cannabis at home with these simple tips.
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The Different Types of Curing
When it comes to curing cannabis, there are a few different methods that growers use. The most common methods are wet and dry, however there is also the option of using a combination of the two. Each method has its own set of pros and cons, so let’s take a closer look.
Wet Curing
Moisture plays an important role in the curing process as it helps the plants’ chlorophyll degrade and allows for proper moisture retention in the buds. Too little moisture will cause the buds to become crunchy and dry, while too much moisture will create an environment that is ripe for mold and mildew. There are two methods of wet curing, both of which require hanging the freshly cut plants upside down in a humid, dark room with good airflow.
The first method is called “slow drying” and involves slowly reducing the humidity in the room over the course of 7-10 days until the buds have reached equilibrium with the surrounding air. This method is said to produce a smoother, more enjoyable smoke as it allows for a gradual release of chlorophyll and other harsh compounds.
The second method is known as “rapid drying” and involves reducing the humidity in the room more quickly, over a period of 2-3 days. This method is said to retain more of the plant’s original flavor, but can result in a harsher smoke if not done carefully.
Dry Curing
Dry curing is a process of treating meat with salt, sugar, and spices to preserve and flavor it. The result is a more intensely flavored, drier product. Bacon, ham, and sausage are all typically dry cured.
To dry cure meat, you’ll need salt, sugar, and spices. You’ll also need a way to keep the meat at a constant temperature between 32-40°F and relatively high humidity (60-70%). This can be done in a refrigerator or by using a temperature-controlled drying chamber.
The amount of time it takes to dry cure meat depends on the thickness of the piece being cured. A thick ham might take two weeks or more, while thin bacon might only take a week.
Once the curing process is complete, the meat can be cooked and eaten immediately or stored in the fridge for up to six months.
The Benefits of Curing Cannabis
Curing is the process of allowing your cannabis to dry slowly over time, typically for 1-3 months. This allows the chlorophyll and other plant matter to break down, which gives the final product a better taste, smell, and smoother smoke. curing also allows the THC and other cannabinoids to fully develop, which gives the final product a more potent effect.
Improved Flavor
When cannabis is fresh off the stem, it contains a high concentration of chlorophyll. Chlorophyll is great for plants, but it doesn’t do much for the taste or smell of cannabis. Curing helps to break down chlorophyll, revealing the true flavor and aroma of the weed.
Enhanced Potency
Curing marijuana buds refers to the process of slowly drying them while allowing them to “breathe.”
Curing works by allowing the chlorophyll in the buds to break down, which not only enhances potency but also gives the finished product a better flavor and smell. Chlorophyll is what gives plants their green color, and it also happens to be somewhat bitter.
When you cure your buds, you are essentially “aging” them, and this allows for a more consistent and potent product. In general, it is best to cure your buds for at least a few weeks, although some people prefer to cure for several months.
Increased Shelf Life
Once you’ve harvested your cannabis, the curing process begins. By properly curing your cannabis, you can increase its shelf life while also improving the quality and flavor of your final product.
Curing cannabis involves carefully drying and storing your buds in an airtight container. The goal is to slowly reduce the moisture content of your buds while preventing them from drying out too quickly. This process can take several weeks, but it’s worth the wait!
Properly cured cannabis will have a much longer shelf life than buds that are not cured. Additionally, cured cannabis will taste better and be more potent than buds that are not cured. If you plan on storing your cannabis for an extended period of time, curing is a must!
The Downside of Poorly Cured Cannabis
Poorly cured cannabis can have a number of negative effects, including decreased potency and increased risk of mold and pests. Let’s talk about how to avoid these problems by curing your cannabis properly.
Mould and Mildew
Cannabis that has not been properly cured is susceptible to mould and mildew. These fungi can grow on the surface of the buds and can cause them to rot. If left unchecked, mould and mildew can destroy an entire crop of cannabis.
Mould and mildew are not only harmful to the cannabis plant, but they can also be harmful to humans if inhaled. When smoking mouldy or mildewed cannabis, the spores can be released into the air and inhaled by the smoker. This can cause respiratory problems, and in some cases, it can even be fatal.
Therefore, it is crucial that cannabis growers cure their crops properly in order to prevent mould and mildew from taking hold. Curing cannabis properly will also ensure that the buds retain their potency and flavour.
Poor Flavor
One of the main downsides to poorly cured cannabis is that it will have a poor flavor. Poorly cured cannabis often tastes harsh, and can even taste like hay. If you have ever smoked cannabis that made you cough a lot, it was probably because it was poorly cured. Poorly cured cannabis is also more likely to cause anxiety or paranoid thoughts.
Reduced Potency
Reduced potency is perhaps the most common downside of poorly cured cannabis. THC and other cannabinoids degrade quickly when exposed to oxygen, so if your buds are not properly sealed in an airtight container, they will gradually lose potency over time. In addition, when cannabis is not dried and cured properly, it can develop mold or mildew, which can also lead to reduced potency.
