Once your buds are ready to be harvested that does not mean that your job is done yet, you still need to engage in the harvesting process known as curing.
At which point do I harvest?
To make sure the buds are the best quality you have to engage in the curing process, which means you dry the buds overtime in a regulated environment by covering them in glass jars for several weeks in order to let the natural processes take place. this will make the buds smell nicer and create more potency as well as minimize harshness. The advised drying environment would be a room temperature rumour that is around 70 degrees Fahrenheit or 21 degrees Celsius within approximately 50% humidity when drying in jars the room temperature should remain roughly the same however the humidity should range between 58 and 65%.
How to dry and cure your buds effectively
The main reason for drying marijuana growers decide to cure their marijuana is that they cannot obtain the maximum amount of potency or quality when they are not. Sometimes the difference between a cured and uncured marijuana bud can mean the difference between just being an average experience to one that is extremely enjoyable.
You may have noticed that marijuana from medical dispensaries is often highly regarded. This is because they are much more likely to be dried and cured effectively. this makes them extremely smooth and creates an overall. satisfactory experience.
Why should you dry and cure the buds upon harvesting?
When partaking in the drying and curing breakdown it has various benefits such as…
- Breaking down the chlorophyll which can increase the taste and smoothness
- Eliminates the odour of hay, or newly cut grass that is often present in the bud that has just been harvested.
- Allows the flavours and smells that may go unnoticed to be brought to life.
- It makes the buds less harsh to avoid coughing fits or ending up with a headache.
- Lessen the chances of inducing paranoia, racing thoughts, or bouts of anxiety upon use.
- It decreases the likelihood of unwanted bacteria or mould growth.
- It provides an increased level of potency compared to uncured buds!
While the changes in the buds can be seen as largely subjective, there is indeed something that occurs during the curing process that alters the composition of the cannabinoid as well as the terpenoids that alters how the marijuana impacts you. The only real way to understand this would be to smoke but before and after they have been dried and cured to see for yourself the difference it can make. Because many marijuana growers feel that drying and curing the weed makes it more potent, they believe it results in a more pleasurable experience whether it is consumed through smoking, vaporization or made into edibles. This is likely a result of the cannabinoids and terpenoids being changed as a result of the curing process.
A few questions you might have:
- What does it mean to dry your cannabis buds slowly?
- How much time does it take for your buds to dry?
- How do you ensure that the buds are cured perfectly each time you attempt to do so?
Keep on reading for the answers!
Note: This article covers the popular and traditional curing methods, this does not mean there are no other ways to cure marijuana buds such as water curing, but because I do not have direct experience with this process I will not cover it in this article.
An overview of the drying and curing procedure
Right, when the marijuana plant is cut down this means the curing process is underway. In order to get the most out of this procedure, you need to become familiar with the steps. A crucial part of this process occurs in the first few days while you begin drying your buds. During this time, it is important to allow the buds to dry out in a slow manner over the course of 3 to 7 days and ensure that no mould or bacteria is growing on the buds. The majority of growers decide to trim and hang the buds upside down to allow them to dry on the outside while also allowing the stem to snap when bent. when the stems break and fall off you are ready to continue. The longer you allow the drying process to continue the better the results may be.
This does indeed take some time, however, when you try to hasten the process this negates some of the benefits of the procedure if that would be present if you had taken more time. This does not mean your buds will not have any additional benefits, just not as many as they would have if you had been more patient. On a side note, heating up with the birds in a microwave or oven will often result in a less than enjoyable taste and is not advised. For a visual overview of the cannabis curing process and please refer to the picture below for more instructions.
What that out of the way it is now time to discuss the step by step process that will allow you to cure your buds effectively every time with little chance for error. These steps will work even if you are a complete beginner and have never cured buds before. There is no experience required to do this effectively as long as you are diligent and follow the instructions you will get an amazing and product.
How to achieve perfectly dried and cured cannabis without fail
You will require:
- A wide-mouthed Mason jar that is roughly 1 quart in size they may also be sold as 32-ounce jars.
- A place to dry or a drying rack can be used, however, you can also hang your buds from clothes hangers if you are able to use them. These may be the best option if there is a lot of humidity in your area, or if you have a small space in which to dry your buds. This is because they have a tendency to drive too fast if there is average humidity.
- A Hygrometer is also optional, a hygrometer Is able to fit inside the jars easily and measures the amount of humidity within the jar to ensure that there is an optimal drying environment for your buds.
- Also optional are Humidipaks which are inexpensive and made for storing cannabis to avoid drying out or becoming too crispy.
First Step – cut down the plant
While some individuals will cut down the plant base and lower them to hang upside down to dry, other growers may cut off the branches. Moreover, some will decide to cut off the individual buds and lay them out to dry using a mesh screen or a rack. I would suggest cutting down the branches one by one.
Second Step – get rid of excess fan leaves
Prior to drying and curing buds, you should consider trimming away the extra leaves. If you do not want to trim all the leaves, consider at least getting rid of a bigger fan leaves. This will enhance the look of your buds and offer a smoother experience as a bud with too many leaves can make it harsher.
Ultimately the amount of leaves you decide to trim off is up to you. This said, if you happen to live in a more humid and dry area it may be best to cut off as many of the leaves as possible in order to help accelerate the drying process and eliminate the chance of mould. When living in a humid area it is advisable to get rid of the buds from the branches as they are drying.
When your Humidity is…
- Dry (Under 30% RH) – It may be best not to cut or trim as many leaves in order to decelerate the amount it takes to dry. You may consider trimming the buds but not the fan leaves or even deciding to not trim anything until they are dried.
- Moderate Humidity – When living in a moderately humid climate you are in an ideal area for drying your marijuana upside down while it dries.
- High Humidity (Over 60% Humidity) – High humidity areas mean that you may want to keep the buds separate from the branches once they are trimmed and returned to the mesh or drying rack. This can alleviate potential mould issues more prevalent in higher humidity.
While trimming the plant’s leaves, I would recommend using disposable gloves in order to avoid the sticky resin the plants produce. The leaves you have trimmed may also be saved in order to be utilized to create marijuana butter or various other cannabis extracts. Once your plant has been harvested it is crucial to begin drying your buds at a slow pace throughout the next couple of days to a week if not longer.
Third Step – start slow drying the marijuana
Adequately drying your cannabis is an essential component of the curing process and should be done at a room temperature environment that is approximately 70 degrees Fahrenheit or 21 degrees Celsius with 50% humidity. In order to achieve this environment, you may want to consider utilizing an air conditioner an evaporative cooler, dehumidifier, a humidifier or a heater in which to cool or heat the air and lower or raise the humidity levels as needed. Notably, if you decide to quickly dry your buds in dehydrator or stove using dry ice or in a microwave, the taste will often be terrible, and the product will smell more than usual. This can also increase the chances of paranoia or experiencing a migraine.
This is because you are completely glossing over the most essential components of the curing process. Front instance even when drying your buds any mildly warm temperatures such as 85 degrees Fahrenheit or 30 degrees Celsius this can eliminate essential smells from the terpenes and cannabinoids. The curing process impacts approximately 50% of the overall quality of the bud, even if you have the highest quality cannabis if it is not cured adequately it will not be as good as it could have been.
Methods of drying your buds
As previously mentioned, there are various ways in which to draw your marijuana buds. This can range from hanging them upside down which is a more traditional or standard way of doing so. However, you can always be creative in deciding how to hang the plants, such as utilizing clothing hangers, string or almost any other product allowing them to freely hang. Some growers opt to dry their buds on a drying rack for faster drying in comparison to other potential methods. This is because this removes their stems making it a great choice to dry your product if you live in an area that is high in humidity and mould is a concern. Moreover, if you are dealing with a confined space this may be the method you would find most appealing. There is always room to be creative, however, as some individuals choose to dry their buds using paper bags or laying them out on Cardboard.
Just be advised that using Cardboard can result in wet spots that can imprint on the side of your bud that it is laying on. This does not mean it cannot be useful for those living in a humid climate given that it will pull the water out of the product more effectively. if you do find the buds are creating white spots it is advisable to rotate them after a few hours or so to dry them at a more even rate. Issues like this are why I decided to try using a drying rack. If by chance you do find that the product is getting soggy due to living in a humid environment you may want to consider using a smaller fan that can add additional airflow and decrease the chance of the bus getting too moist and growing mould.
Please do not point the fan in the direct line of the buds, only at a wall that is nearby. This is because if the fan is placed directly on top, it can result in an overly rapid drying process. (If you live in an area that is so humid that even a fan is not working, please click the link to learn how one individual was able to effectively dry his product even with extremely high humidity.) When drying your buds, the most important step is to dry them slowly, checking them regularly to ensure there is no mould or bacteria build-up. This means you cannot just hide them away somewhere that is difficult to check frequently because it will be more difficult to monitor their progress.
Fourth Step – dry the bud until their outside are completely dry upon touch and the stems have snapped rather than just bent (In about 3-7 days) with no stringy trail left behind
Buds that dry before 3 or 4 days may indicate that they have dried too quickly and should have been less rushed next time. This is alright, it is not always easy to get things right the very first time you try it considering every time creates different challenges and new environments. Try not to be discouraged as even though they have dried quickly they will still receive some of the benefits from the curing process. If all the moisture has accidentally been removed, the curing process can slow this down quite a bit or even stop it entirely. This said, similar to buds that are dried too fast, when they’re over dried, they will still be able to cure but take more time to do so.
When should you put the buds into the jars?
The product can be put in the Mason jars after they are hanging upside down to dry granted the outsides of the buds are fully dry to the touch and not at all brittle. The larger stems will still be able to bend but the smaller ones will snap when the bud is pulled down. Once done drying you can snap off the smallest buds using your fingers without a string of the plant being left behind. If it is stringy this means that there is still more moisture inside them then there should be. While it might seem as though they have over dried if the bigger stem is still able to bend this means that there is water that is hidden within the plant that will eventually make its way to the outside of the Bud while it is being cured. This is the optimal time to pull your butt down and put them into jars.
If when pulling down the buds, you find that the small stem happens to snap this generally means that they are too wet. Being put in jars means they will have to dry more as a result. If the stem does snap it is advisable to take the buds down, as it is better to take them down a little early because it is easier to remove water than to add it back again. When using drying methods that have the water being removed from the buds stem, it is useful to put them into jars right when you feel the outside is dry, before the buds dry through the entirety of the plant because there will not be anything to hold additional water.
If the buds have fully separated from the steam while being dried, they are down once the outside is dry
The timing in which you pull down your product is very important because you can slowly draw the moisture out of the middle of the bud, allowing the curing process to move forward. As long as the buds feel dry to the touch on the outside, it is not probable that mould will be growing. Mould often grows on the outside of the buds where there is the most moisture or dampness. Some individuals may choose to take a sample of the product during this time; however, the taste, smell and potency are not at their final stages at this time. When they have not yet been cured, they are usually much harsher and can bother the back of your throat or give you a headache. This is no cause for concern as the quality of the Bud will improve the more they have been cured and are able to break down any of the impurities.
Fifth Step – transfer your bud into jars
Once the previous steps have been taken care of, you can now focus on storing the bud in a controlled and regulated environment. This means an area with a stable humidity that hovers around 60-65% after the product has been secured within the jar. This provides the best possible conditions in which to allow the buds to cure. It will be even better if you were able to take the plants down at the right time whereby the larger stems bend and smaller ones snap off because the humidity will likely be just right within the jars.
In order to achieve the best environment for the product while enclosed in the jars, strive for a room temperature climate that is roughly 70 degrees Fahrenheit or 21 degrees celsius, along with around 60-65% humidity.
One this is done, you can put the dried marijuana buds in the containers for the curing procedure. At humidity that stays around 60-65%, you can expect that the product will be dry on the outside without appearing to break apart or exude dust into your hands as it may due if the humidity is too low.
To Jar the Buds Perfectly each time without much room for error, follow these steps…
Use a wide-mouthed mason jar to store your cannabis. These can be found almost anywhere and are relatively inexpensive. With the rise of cannabis growers continuing to trend upward, these jars are becoming more and more popular and should not be very difficult to find. Consider checking your local Walmart, craft store, or grocery store and you are likely to come across one of these jars.
The proper mason jar will be labelled telling you that it is able to hold one quart or 32 ounces in some cases. This will be able to store about 1 ounce of dry bud that is generally anywhere from 0.75-1.25 ounces. Of course, the amount it can hold will also depend on the consistency of your cannabis.
This is a good size for curing because larger sizes are more likely to allow mould to grow due to the excess space and potential for moisture (this is, unfortunately, something I had the personal displeasure of experiencing). Moreover, many other jars do not have an adequate seal which can stop the curing process from being as effective. As an example, a rubber seal jar seems to cause me some issues that I do not find when using 32-ounce mason jars, which is what most growers will use.
When filling up the jars with your marijuana, be sure to fill it approximately 75% of the way to the top in order to allow for some air. The bud should be able to move freely around the jar if it is shaken because if they are not, this means they are sticking together due to being wet.
If this happens, consider taking off the lid and letting them dry out more.
If you come across your bud clumping together as you attempt to shake the jar this indicates that there is still excess moisture and requires more drying time. When buds become too wet the decelerate the curing procedure more, but it also means that you are running an increased risk of the product becoming mouldy due to the excess water. If you suspect your buds are too wet, please never keep them in the jar as they need to dry to avoid further complications.
Always ensure the marijuana fully dry on the outside and does not clump together. In addition, if you happen to smell the scent of ammonia, this is a good indicator that the buds were too moist which allowed unwanted bacteria to grow. Given the complications that can arise if the bud is not properly dry, do not under any circumstances put them into a mason jar before they are ready. You should allow them to dry at their own pace until they are adequately dry to the touch. Only then should you store them in a jar. Once again, if you feel you accidentally put them in while still damp, take off the lid and allow them to air dry.
Trust me, I know it seems difficult to prevent them from drying out too much while also not allowing them to become too moist, but if you follow the steps closely you will surely manage.
Information on curing buds while in an anaerobic setting
For some growers, they prefer harvesting cannabis in a highly anaerobic environment while engaging in the drying or curing process. You may even find some individuals storing the product within jars that still somewhat damp which leads to an increase in bacterial growth. When cured in a more moist setting, the buds tend to look and smell more variable, as well as induce different effects on the user while also be harsher.
Furthermore, certain growers are known to toss freshly harvested buds into a pile while still wet, with the leaves and all, letting it sit there in a way that is similar to a compost pile. Over time, the product is then wrapped and compressed to be stored while still damp before being cut into bricks. As you may have guessed, this is a type of “brick weed” (feel free to search up brick weed to see for yourself how these growing conditions can change the appearance and effects of the marijuana).
When curing in this way, allowing the buds to stay damp while they are stored away can alter various aspects of the weed. They can be more likely to crumble and become less green after around a week or two as the change to a more tan or gold-tone. This process often results in a final product that is harsher and largely inferior. Although some people do favour it this way, it depends on the person as it is fair to say that marijuana preferences are certainly not the same for everyone across the board.
One thing that can not be debated however is this method of curing can be quite unsafe given that the excess moisture can become a breeding ground for mould and bacteria to grow. Buds that are damp on the inside but not on the outside can offer much of the same effects as this method but does not have the harshness. All that is needed in more time for the buds to properly cure.
In order to stay safe while still achieving the effects found in the bud that is anaerobically cured, you just have to be patient and allow the product to stay in the jars for two or more months. They will look very similar to the anaerobic typer in terms of colour and consistency, but you can avoid the harshness that comes with it, with a much smoother taste. Also, the physical and mental effect is often increased the longer the weed is cured, being described as feeling a bit drunk at times. As such, given that they offer much of the same experience as anaerobically cured buds, longer cured buds with no wetness on the outside may be the safer and smarter choice overall.
Sixth Step – first few weeks of curing (frequently open the jars to monitor and air out the buds)
During the initial first couple of days, it may be prudent to check on the buds are more frequently than once per day. this is especially the case if you are concerned about mould or bacteria from too much dampness in the environment.
You should check that your product is on schedule at least every day or so during the beginning phases as outlined below, moreover, you should ensure that you open the container a minimum of once per day in order to give the buds some fresh air as this is extremely useful during the curing procedure.
As mentioned previously if you smell the aroma of ammonia or the buds feel damp on the outside, this means they are too moist and require to be aired out prior to re-sealing the jars. when the product smells increasingly like cannabis daily, this means things are going according to plan.
For those who may be lacking some patients, this provides a chance to test your new buds to discern how to better improve the curing process in the future.
Moreover, as previously discussed, a proper curation of the buds is done through controlling the humidity in the environment. You want to keep the buds in a setting in which the humidity is roughly 60 to 65% well being stored in a Mason jar. These conditions allow for the right amount of moisture and dryness to achieve the quickest and most effective curing possible.
In order to accurately read the humidity levels to ensure they are at the right temperature at all times, you may consider purchasing a tool referred to as a hygrometer.
A great option is the calibre IV hygrometer that is compact enough to fit within the jars well also being quite inexpensive online.
This said a hygrometer is not required, but it can take much of the uncertainty out of the process.
As the picture clearly displays the calibre IV hygrometer shows the temperature and the relative humidity that is present within the curing jar. In this way, it is extremely clear to see the environment in which the buds are being grown.
Given its utility, the hygrometer is an extremely useful tool in determining the precise step you are in during the curing process as well as being able to spot any potential issues when it comes to the humidity that may negatively impact your product.
If you can only afford one hygrometer it can be put into various jars during the time in which you would check each one to get an approximation of the humidity within each jar.
The product requires a certain amount of time in which to sweat within the jar prior to getting the most accurate reading of the amount of moisture that is present within the jars.
On occasion, a bud that originally seemed to be dry when they were placed in the jar can sometimes feel soggy or damp when they are checked up on a few hours in the future. This is due to the moisture that was within the middle that has now spread throughout the rest of the buds. This indicates that the buds need to be dried more.
A hygrometer allows you to see the relative humidity in your jars more accurately, however with some time and experience you can achieve this without any extra tools just by understanding how the buds should look or feel.
Overview of the humidity requirements while curing
During the first 7 days, you want to air out the Mason jars multiple times or at least once per day. open each jar letting them air out and closing them as much as you have time for. While the bud is airing out you can monitor the bud’s status to decipher the humidity levels. you can also shake up the jars to move the product around to make sure there are no damp spots within it and to be sure the product is not clumping together.
Be sure to check these main indicators of how the bud is curing
When checking on the status of the buds be sure to pay attention to whether the buds feel moist. If they are, they must be put outside of the jar and allowed to dry for approximately 1 to 2 hours.
While they are drying, they should be completely separated from each other as not to be touching, it is crucial to react fast if you find that the buds are damp in nature, because this is the prime time for mould to begin growing.
If the buds are too moist your hygrometer may indicate that the humidity is greater than 70% while in the jar after it has been there for about a day. If the product is extremely moist, the humidity may reach this high within a few hour’s time spans.
When this occurs it is advisable to open the container quicker than anticipated, or at the very least monitor them closely because this moisture is not ideal. If the buds do feel moist this is the time you should be shaking the jar if they are sticking together even after shaking this means they are still Damper than they should be which puts them at risk of mould or other harmful bacteria.
For those of you who reside in a normal or drier climate, you may be able to simply leave the lid off the jar for two to four hours to fix this problem. However, if you are in a more humid setting the product may have to be taken out of the jar entirely and laid out until the outsides begin to fully dry.
At 65 to 70% humidity the buds will more than likely be slightly wet, at this point the hygrometer will likely claim a 65 to 70% relative humidity after the product has been contained within the jars for a full day.
Now that the product is not moist but it is also not considered to be brittle this means you are officially in the cure zone. At this point, the buds may appear to be a bit sticky on your fingers and the but it should also move independently without clumping in large bunches as you shake the jar.
At 62 to 65% humidity, as the buds are officially in curing zone, the hygrometer should also read 60 to 65% relative humidity after the bud has been placed within the jars for a full day.
Some growers like to keep it slightly lower during the curing process at approximately 55%, particularly if they are curing a large amount of marijuana as it can lessen the possibility of mould or the creation of moist pockets in the containers.
This is also the time that some individuals will utilize a Boveda 62 humidity to the jar with the product to ensure the humidity is always within the correct range for the duration of the curing.
On the other hand, if the Bud is too dry and appears to be brittle or crumble this means there is not an adequate amount of moisture in the container that the curing process requires in order to advance at one more face which will mean the product will often cure at a slower rate.
When the buds are being cured in under 55% humidity, they will likely be too dry to advance in the curing process. a hygrometer will indicate that there is 55% relative humidity after the cannabis has been placed in the jars for 24 hours. Assuming the reading ranges between 55 to 60% try not to worry as curing is still able to take place it just maybe at a slower rate than desired.
If by chance you happened to fully over dry your product, they will still reap the benefits from the curing process so there is no need to be overly concerned.
NOTE- It is vital to keep the lids off the jars at least once a day if not more during the first two weeks of the curing process.
During the initial 1 to 2 weeks regardless of the readings you may see, it is crucial to continuously check on the status of your buds by opening each jar at least once a day. Buds that appear to be too dry must be let to air out at least once per day during this phase because they require air to proceed in the curing process.
Once you are fully convinced that the product has been in the cure zone for several weeks you can begin opening the jars less at approximately once a week.
If you are having issues curing or wish to eliminate problems during the process, consider investing in Boveda 62 humidistats
If you still have difficulty curing your buds after reading and attempting each step of the tutorial you may consider investing in the Boveda 62 humidity that can aid in regulating the desired humidity within your jars.
They are particularly useful in ensuring that the humidity does not get too low despite potentially low humidity being present where you live. some individuals decide to utilize these humidistats every time they contain their product in order to ensure the humidity is always in the 62% range.
The Boveda humidistats come as a 62% version that is designed specifically for marijuana, that can keep the humidity at 62% (as the name suggests) at all times well also rehydrating the buds.
This product has been used to regulate humidity automatically as they were first created to aid cigars in staying fresh in humidors. However, the company now manufacturers humidistats that are made to store weed at the optimal humidity.
As a side note, Boveda is attempting to stop using the phrase humidity, although in my personal opinion it is a very suitable name.
If you are interested, below is an illustration of buds being packed within the humidity. All that is required is that you put the small pouches inside it with your cannabis buds once they have completed drying.
Do I need humidity in order to cure effectively?
Although they are still an option, I have full confidence that if you follow the tutorial provided carefully you will not require the use of humidity packs. most individuals are more than capable of killing their buds effectively without their aid.
This said they do provide the benefit of being able to cure your product within environments that have unfavourable humidity, such as when the air is particularly dry. Also, if you are new to curing, they can provide an added sense of security if you are afraid of making a mistake.
Humidipaks are also a valuable way to achieve long term storage. When being used they do not appear to decrease the humidity while it was too high within our jars, yet they did protect the product from drying too heavily.
Can Boveda 62 humidity decrease the scent of your buds?
While reducing the smell of your buds may be a concern for some, we have not noticed that it is able to do so. many growers believe that the humidity packs are not able to decrease the scent of cannabis once they are added to the containers while the humidity is already stabilized at approximately 62% humidity for several days.
Be sure to keep the lids of all the jars for at least once a day during the first 2 weeks of the curing process.
During the initial 1st and 2nd week, you should open the lids of the jars whether you are using a Boveda 62 humidity or not. Be sure to check and monitor the status of your product daily if not more than once a day.
When you are confident that the cannabis is within the cure zone reliably for multiple weeks, it is then time to begin opening the jars at a less frequent rate search as one time per week.
How to rehydrate birds that have been over dried?
If you are concerned that your buds may be over dried there is no need to worry. On occasion, buds may seem as though they are too dry despite still having moisture within them.
It is advisable to allow the buds to stay in the jars for 2 or 3 days to discern whether or not the moisture begins coming towards the surface from the inside. Assuming the product continues to feel extremely dry over the next several days of being in a jar this is when rehydration might be necessary.
Do not fret if the buds are very dry
With only household items, rehydrating buds is difficult and not always a fantastic idea. This is because it can elevate the risk of mould occurring, which is increasingly likely if you are using an organic substance such as an orange peel.
Thus, it is advisable to use something that is specifically designed for the purposes of rehydrating. One such product that can achieve this goal is the Boveda 62% humidity packs. When you have been monitoring the buds since the very start of the procedure, they will most likely not end up drying too much, but if by chance this does occur this product provides a safer alternative that can decrease the amount of brittleness within the product when it is added to the jars. This is because it ensures the humidity stays at 62% at all times helping it rehydrate.
As such this will aid in restoring the moisture back into the product without altering the taste or increasing the likelihood of mould growth.
Once the buds have begun to rehydrate the humidity can be removed if you so choose. some individuals have stated that leaving this product in the jars during the first four weeks of the curation process can decrease the taste and smell of the product. this is not guaranteed as many humidity users have not noticed any difference in these aspects.
Long-term storage options
Insofar as the cannabis continues to be within the cure zone once a few weeks have gone by, now you do not have to open up the jars more than around once a month.
It can take as much as 6 months’ time for the buds to truly soak up all the benefits of the curing process. After this time, there is little to no extra benefit to be had. Given this, at this time it is prudent to look ahead at your long-term storage options to ensure the product is able to retain its potency over time.
Storing these buds is best done with the use of a container that is able to remain sealed air-tight such as the wide-mouth mason jars that they may have been curing in beforehand.
Once the container situation is sorted, let them sit in a cool and dark environment.
If your aim is to store these buds for a period of six months or longer, it may be a good idea to vacuum seal them or put them in the freezer with an air-tight glass mason jar.
How to store marijuana in a way that keeps its smell and potency intact
If they are stored adequately, the buds can maintain their potency over the span of several years.
The longer the product has been sitting after being cured after the harvest they can begin to turn more beige in colour and have mellowed effects. Other than this, the effects will still be largely the same even after being stored for so long if done effectively.
Again, you can purchase Boveda 62 Humidipaks from amazon.ca for when your product is adequately dry for storage. You should have a hygrometer reading of 62% relative humidity before storing for a long time because it not you may discover they have begun to mould which is certainly something you would like to avoid.
If you are committed to ensuring there is no excess moisture you can leave the lid off of the jars for several weeks, getting a more precise humidity estimate before your buds are stored in a location that is more difficult to monitor. This is also where a Boveda 62 Humidipal will come in handy as it ensures the humidity is kept in check during its long storage time.
While this process may at times seem long and arduous, I can assure you that it is well worth it in the end because, after all that, you have successfully cured and stored your weed like a pro!
