Cannabis Curing and Drying
In the state of Virginia, the cultivation of marijuana plants for personal use at home of a person 21 years of age or older is legal. Keep in mind that there are certain restrictions, like the number of plants you can grow. For more information, you can visit Virginia law.
If you are growing cannabis at home or are just curious about the process, you probably have many questions. One of those questions might be, "How do I dry and cure my cannabis?" or what is the purpose? Drying and curing are two different processes. This article will explain the details you want to know about curing and drying cannabis.
What's the difference between drying and curing?
Many confuse the process of drying and curing. We will go over the differences between the two. Drying removes moisture from your buds, while curing is a way to preserve the quality of your buds. When drying cannabis, you want to remove moisture so it can stay longer and fresher. This usually comes in the form of hanging or sitting on a rack. After your weed has dried and been trimmed, it's time to cure it. To prevent moisture loss and to preserve flavors and aromas, you will store finished buds in containers, usually airtight glass jars (curing). However, suppose you dry your weed incorrectly or at too high a temperature. In that case, you may also lose some of its terpenes or "essential oils," which give marijuana its flavor and smell. Curing helps avoid this by slowly removing moisture under controlled conditions so that less moisture evaporates (fewer terpenes are lost).
In curing, harvested plant material is aged or dried to a specific moisture content, allowing for a better experience. In both drying and curing, moisture is removed; however, curing attempts to remove moisture gradually rather than quickly. When cannabis is dried and cured, chlorophyll is broken down, which results in a less grassy product.
What comes first, drying or curing?
When it comes to picking what comes first, between drying and curing, it usually starts with drying. Most people who cure their cannabis want to enhance the flavor and get a cleaner smoke. This requires drying out the bud and removing its water content, but only some moisture is removed since releasing all of it results in a more harsh smoke. Curing also involves storing your buds in a cool dark place for an extended period, which is done after drying. That said, drying should be done first if you're looking to maximize the quality.
How do you dry and cure buds fast?
You have many options for drying and curing your buds, but the best way to do it depends on your environment. Here are some things you should know:
A warm and dry environment
This is the best option if trying to cure your buds. The best temperature range is between 65 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit, as this will prevent mold growth while still allowing moisture to evaporate from the plant material. The downside of this method is that there's no real way of controlling humidity levels, so your buds may develop mold if they are only partially dried before being stored. You can use a hygrometer to help fix this issue.
Drying rack
If you want control over how much moisture evaporates from your cannabis plants during curing, using a drying rack may be ideal. These racks allow you to place your plant trimmings directly on them so that air can pass through them easily, ensuring all areas get enough exposure for proper ventilation and evaporation (which prevents mold growth). There are many different types available online; make sure yours has enough clearance so nothing falls.
Pruning
After removing all of its leaves, you're ready to cure your plant. One way to stop mold from forming during this process is by always keeping your cured buds in a cool and dry place. If you live in a more humid area, you must ensure your environment is free from excess moisture.
Cannabis cures faster with higher heat, but it also loses more terpenes during the drying process when exposed to high temperatures. The ideal temperature range for curing cannabis is between 65°F and 70°F (18°C - 21°C).
How long does it take to cure cannabis?
Curing your cannabis is an essential step in drying and preserving your harvest. The time it takes to cure cannabis depends on your method, but generally speaking, the longer you cure, the better your results will be. If you're concerned about long curing times, know that, on average, it could take anywhere from two to four weeks. It is recommended that some strains be cured for between four and eight weeks, and some strains even benefit from a curing period of six months or longer.
Hang, Dry, And Cure.
To achieve the perfect drying process, you should follow these three steps: hang, dry, and cure. The first step is hanging the cannabis plants. You can do this by tying the stems together in bundles. Hanging your plants upside down allows excess moisture to drain from the buds and leaves without exposing them to additional heat sources. This process also allows for better airflow through the plant material as it dries out, helping to prevent mold growth on your buds. Make sure there is plenty of airflow throughout this initial drying phase so that all parts of your cannabis can dry adequately. Otherwise, some parts may end up drier than others (like the stem ends), which could negatively affect taste later in the curing stage.
These processes are essential for producing quality.
The drying and curing processes are vital for producing quality cannabis flowers. It is similar to the drying and curing process you see with aged meats and cheese. It is a method of preserving the product and increasing its shelf life. If you follow these three steps, you'll be able to achieve the perfect drying process: hang, dry, and cure. However, if you need more time to let your buds dry naturally or if they're too wet when harvested (or moldy), you may be needed to use a fan or heat gun to get things done faster. For more information on medical marijuana, book an appointment today.
