A jar of purple coloured, cured cannabis.
A jar of cured cannabis. (Photo by C. Boucher)

Curing Cannabis

An optional but often practiced final step before consumption

By Chase Boucher

Curing is an optional but often practiced final step in the post-harvest processing of cannabis. It is analogous to aging wine, where while the initial product is useable, storing it medium to long term to cure and age often enhances and improves the taste, flavour, and overall user experience. The profile continues to develop and mature, bringing out the true “personality” of your cannabis. Cannabinoid content should not change much over this time, unless exposed to excess amounts of light or heat.

It is also important to consider that not all cannabis needs to be cured. In the author’s experience, some cannabis is best smoked as soon as possible due to its terpene and volatile sulphur compound (VSC) content, while others need extended periods inthe jar for flavours to develop and mature. Curing your cannabis is completely up to you! Some growers prefer not to cure it at all and begin consuming immediately. There is absolutely nothing wrong with using your cannabis as soon as it is dried, but if you do choose to cure your cannabis follow the steps below:

How to Cure

  1. When bud is fully dried, it should be placed in airtight containers. Glass mason jars (the same ones we use for canning) are the standard most growers use, but there are many other options, depending on your needs and preferences.
  2. Gently place buds in container without forcing or damaging them. Fill container, write the date on the lid, and store in a cool, dry, and dark spot.
  3. Check buds in a few hours to see if buds feel moister than when they were put in. Moisture will move from the stem to the leaves and can build up inside the densely packed and sealed container. If needed, leave jar open and/or spread buds out to allow to dry for a bit longer. Reseal jar and monitor.
  4. If buds do not feel different, for the first week, open the container 2 to 3 times daily to release moisture and refresh the air within. Visually inspect the buds and take note of any off smells which may indicate mold or disease has taken hold.
  5. After the first week or so, moisture content should be in equilibrium. Check jars once or twice weekly for the next 2 to 4 weeks. Most bud is fully cured after this time and can be stored for up to year (sometimes longer under ideal conditions!).
An open jar of cannabis.
An open jar of cannabis in the process of being cured. (Photo by C. Boucher)