You’ve come a long way to get here. From germinating seeds to nurturing those sticky, crystal-covered buds, this final stage is where the magic truly happens: curing your cannabis.
So take a breath, slow down, and don’t rush it. When you cure cannabis properly, you can actually boost the flavour, smoothness, and even the potency.
Yes, now I’ve got your attention!
This is the last step on a very long journey. So, don’t rush it! If done correctly, you can increase the potency. Yeah, now you’re willing to listen.
Right, Some Cannabis Science!
Your plant doesn’t stop working once you chop it. Even after harvest, your buds continue to produce tetrahydrocannabinolic acid (THCA) and other cannabinoids through biosynthesis (a fancy term for “stuff keeps transforming into better stuff”).
Here’s the key:
Even after the branch is cut, the bud continues to produce THCA for a short time. But… only if you give it the right environment.
For drying cannabis, aim to keep your drying space at:
- 15°C – 21°C
- 45–55% humidity
Get this part right, and you’re already halfway to curing cannabis like a pro.
Wet trimming
Wet trimming is the method most growers use right after harvest, while the buds are still fresh and moist. Because the sugar leaves are still rigid and sticking outward, they’re much easier to snip off cleanly. This makes wet trimming faster, especially for beginners or anyone processing a larger harvest.
Another big win? Better airflow.
By removing excess leaf material upfront, the buds “puff out” naturally and dry more evenly. If you live in a humid climate, wet trimming helps reduce the risk of mould forming between the bud and the stalk.
It’s a more straightforward, controlled approach that gives you a clean-looking final product and speeds up the drying process. Want picture-perfect nugs without stressing about humidity? Wet trimming is your friend.
Dry trimming
If you’re a patient, methodical grower who prefers a slower, more controlled finish, dry trimming is your go-to method. This approach lets your cannabis dry gradually, which helps preserve delicate terpenes and gives your buds that classic, slow-cured aroma.
Dry trimming is especially recommended in arid or low-humidity regions, where buds can dry too quickly if stripped bare upfront. To start, remove only the fan leaves, leaving the sugar leaves in place during the drying stage. These curled-in sugar leaves act as a natural protective layer, helping the buds retain moisture long enough for a slow, even dry.
Once the buds are thoroughly dried, trimming can be a little trickier because the sugar leaves shrink and curl inward. Some growers remove everything for a cleaner look, while others prefer to leave a bit of leaf material, claiming it provides a smoother smoke and helps preserve flavour.
For a quick comparison between the two trimming methods:
| Feature | Wet Trimming | Dry Trimming |
|---|---|---|
| When trimming happens | Immediately after harvest | After the buds have fully dried |
| Ease of trimming | Easier — sugar leaves are stiff and straight | Harder — sugar leaves curl inward |
| Best for climates | Humid or moist environments | Arid or dry regions |
| Drying speed | Faster drying | Slower, controlled drying |
| Mould risk | Lower (better airflow early on) | Slightly higher if humidity is not controlled |
| Bud appearance | “Puffed out” buds with a clean look | More natural look; can be leafier if sugar leaves are left |
| Terpene preservation | Good, but can lose some due to faster drying | Excellent — slower dry preserves terpenes |
| Who prefers it | Beginners, large harvests, humid growers | Methodical growers, flavour chasers, low-humidity setups |
Drying Your Cannabis
When it’s finally time to chop down your beautiful plant, the most common way to start drying and curing cannabis is to cut your branches into lengths of around 30–40 cm.
The exact length isn’t critical; what matters is that you have enough space and that your buds aren’t touching each other, which allows for proper airflow. Hang these branches upside down using string or wire, keeping them evenly spaced.
If you prefer, you can also snip individual buds off the branches and lay them out on a drying rack.
Regardless of your harvest method, the drying environment stays the same. You’ll need a dark room with stable humidity and temperature (the levels we mentioned earlier).
A fan is essential for circulating air, but don’t point it directly at your buds, as that can dry them too fast or make the outside brittle while the inside stays damp. You can install an inline fan that uses charcoal filters to keep the airflow fresh and the smell under control.
You’ll know your buds are ready when the outsides feel slightly crunchy, and the small stems snap instead of bending. Drying can take anywhere from 5 to 15 days, depending on your temperature and relative humidity.
And once they’re just right… It’s time for the next step.
It’s Cannabis Curing Time
Once your buds have dried and the small stems snap cleanly, it’s time to move them into a controlled curing environment. This step isn’t optional… It’s what separates harsh, grassy weed from smooth, top-shelf cannabis.
1. Start With Airtight Jars
The classic choice is a glass mason jar with a proper airtight seal.
Fill each jar about 70–75% full. You want space for air to move, not a packed container that suffocates your buds.
If you want to upgrade your curing game, humidity-control packs (like Boveda 62%) are a nice optional extra.
2. Burping: Your Daily Ritual
During the first 7–10 days, burping is essential. Burping is simply opening and closing the storage jar.
But for more details, here’s what you do:
- Open each jar for 5–10 minutes once or twice a day.
- Allow fresh air to flow in and excess moisture to escape.
- Gently shake or rotate the buds in the jar to prevent them from sticking together.
This process helps control moisture, stops mould, and encourages an even cure.
3. Monitor the Moisture
This is the part where your nose and fingers do the work.
Your buds should feel:
- Slightly springy
- Not wet
- Not bone dry
If they feel too moist, leave the jar open for 30–60 minutes before resealing.
If they feel crispy, your environment was too dry. However, extended curing can still improve smoothness.
4. The 2–4 Week Mark: You’re Entering “Proper Cured” Territory
By week 2, your buds will start smelling like real cannabis instead of “freshly cut grass.”
By week 4, most strains reach their sweet spot:
- Flavour becomes richer
- Harshness disappears
- Terpenes settle
- The high feels smoother, more balanced
If you’re a connoisseur, curing can continue for 2–3 months. Some growers stretch it to 6 months for special strains.
For those who are curing their cannabis for the first time, here are some common curing mistakes.
Avoid the Most Common Curing Mistakes
Here’s our list of no-nos when curing cannabis:
- Don’t leave jars in the sun. Light destroys cannabinoids.
- Don’t overfill your jars. You’ll trap moisture, risking mould.
- Don’t skip burping during the first week. This is where most mould disasters happen.
- Don’t cure in plastic. It can leach smells and ruin taste.
So… When Are You Ready to Stop Curing Cannabis?
For those who have skim read and need a quick answer to when your cannabis is ready to smoke:
Technically, after two weeks.
Realistically, after four weeks.
However, in the best-case scenario, you’ll be able to cure your cannabis for around eight weeks or more, when everything has mellowed into pure perfection.
If this seems like too much work, you can always get one of our amazing CBD Plus carts to enjoy.
