How to Dry and Cure Weed: Expert Tips for Perfect Buds

Drying and curing cannabis properly is the key to unlocking your weed's full potential—flavour, potency, and shelf-life all depend on these crucial post-harvest steps. Rush them, and your weed risks losing terpenes and cannabinoids, or worse—you could end up with mouldy buds!

For optimal results, cannabis should be dried in a controlled environment at temperatures between 15–21°C and relative humidity of 45–55%. Then, you should cure your buds in quality containers at RH levels of 58–62% to enhance their flavour, aroma, and potency even further. Keep reading to learn the ins and outs of how to dry and cure your weed to ensure a top-shelf smoke, every time.

Why Do I Need to Dry and Cure My Cannabis?

Drying and curing weed is crucial. Proper drying and curing transform your carefully grown plants into the potent, flavorful buds you envisioned when you first planted those seeds.

First and foremost, the drying process removes moisture from freshly harvested flowers, ensuring they heat properly during smoking/vaping and can be stored for prolonged periods without getting mouldy. It also kickstarts the chemical processes needed to ensure your weed delivers the effects you’re after, such as decarboxylation.

The curing process, on the other hand, involves storing your weed in the right containers and at the right conditions to ensure their aromas, flavours, and potency develop further. While your weed will technically be smokable after the drying process, it’s curing that makes or breaks the final quality of a harvest.

All in all, the drying and curing of cannabis helps to:

• Remove moisture from fresh cannabis flowers so they can be smoked, vaped, and stored without going mouldy.
• Activate cannabinoids and terpenes so that your weed is potent, flavourful, and aromatic.
• Degrade chlorophyll to ensure a smooth smoking/vaping experience.

How Long Does It Take to Properly Dry Cannabis?

Drying cannabis typically takes 7–14 days, depending on factors like:

• The size of your flowers: Large, dense flowers take longer to dry than light, airy buds.
• Trimming and drying: Trimmed flowers dry faster than untrimmed ones. Also, large branches will take longer to dry than smaller ones or individual buds.
• Temperature and humidity: Buds dry faster in warm, dry conditions.

What’s the Difference Between Drying and Curing?

Drying and curing are two separate post-harvest procedures that are both vital to the production of high-quality cannabis. Here's how they differ:

• Drying removes moisture from your buds. This ensures that they can be stored without developing mould and that they combust or vaporise properly. Moreover, drying also begins breaking down some of the cannabinoids present in live cannabis, making for a potent smoke.
• Curing breaks down chlorophyll in dry flowers while promoting the development of terpenes and cannabinoids. It helps to ensure a smooth, potent, and tasty final product.

The Science Behind Drying and Curing

Cannabis flowers contain about 80% water at the time of harvest. This high moisture content must be gradually reduced to ensure a smooth, flavourful smoke and a product with a good shelf-life. That's where drying comes in—it allows excess moisture to escape from the flowers, making them less prone to mould while improving their combustion properties.

As cannabis dries, it slowly starts to undergo decarboxylation—a chemical reaction in which cannabinoid acids like THCA and CBDA lose a carboxyl group, transforming into their active forms, THC and CBD. The latter are the compounds most users seek out in dry cannabis flower, as they contribute to weed’s psychoactive and holistic effects. The final bout of decarboxylation happens when you heat cannabis, either by smoking it, vaping it, or heating it in the oven prior to making edibles.

After cannabis flowers are dried, the curing phase helps further refine their quality. During this process, decarboxylation continues but at a slower rate, allowing terpenes—the aromatic compounds responsible for cannabis’ unique flavours and scents—to mature and develop. This slow maturation process prevents the rapid degradation of cannabinoids and terpenes, preserving the plant’s potency and enhancing the overall smoking experience.

Additionally, curing helps to break down chlorophyll, the pigment responsible for cannabis’ green colour. When chlorophyll degrades, it removes the harsh, grassy taste of fresh or uncured flower. The result is a smoother, more enjoyable smoke with more complex flavours and aromas.

At harvest time, it's easy to get antsy as you see your plants heavy with flowers. However, remaining patient and taking your time to properly dry and cure your weed is essential to producing buds that are potent, flavourful, aromatic, and, most importantly, suitable for long-term storage.

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What Is the Best Way to Trim My Weed? (Wet vs Dry Trimming)

There are two main methods for trimming your buds at harvest time: wet trimming (which involves trimming your flowers right after you harvest them) and dry trimming (which involves trimming flowers after they've dried).

The trimming method you choose can affect everything from the smoothness of your smoke to the final visual appeal of your buds. Picking one over the other will depend on your preferences, as both techniques have their advantages and disadvantages.

Wet vs Dry Trimming: Pros & Cons

Unsure which trimming method to use? Check out our comprehensive cannabis trimming guide here.

After I’ve Harvested and Trimmed, How Do I Best Dry My Buds?

The best way to dry cannabis buds is to hang them in a well-ventilated space. Allowing air to freely move around all sides of your flowers will ensure that they dry evenly and gradually.

We recommend three main ways of drying cannabis:

• Hang drying: Hanging plants in a room, cupboard, or similar space.
• Rack drying: Drying cannabis buds or branches on a drying rack.
• Tent drying: Hanging cannabis in a dedicated drying tent where you can have complete control over your environment.

Drying Methods: Pros & Cons

Environmental Factors That Affect Drying

The biggest environmental factors that affect the drying of your weed are temperature, humidity, and airflow.

• High temperatures (above 23°C) will dry your cannabis more quickly but also risk rapidly degrading the cannabinoids and terpenes, producing a less potent, fragrant, and tasty final product.
• Low temperatures (below 15°C) slow down the drying process, pushing back the date by which your weed will be ready for consumption.
• High humidity (above 60% RH) creates a breeding ground for bacteria and fungi, increasing the chance of your buds developing mould.
• Low humidity (below 40% RH) increases the risk of over-drying your weed, degrading its cannabinoids and terpenes.
• Low ventilation: A lack of airflow allows temperatures to rise as stagnant air builds up around your drying space. This pushes up the temperatures in the area, triggering the issues related to high temperatures mentioned above.
• High ventilation: Hanging your weed in windy conditions (directly in front of a fan, for example) causes terpenes and cannabinoids to degrade, affecting the aromas, flavours, and potency of your weed.

Tools to Maintain the Ideal Humidity and Temperature

The best tools for maintaining the right environment for drying cannabis are:

• Thermo-hygrometers (to track the temperature and humidity in your space)
• Humidifiers or dehumidifiers (for lowering or increasing RH)
• Air conditioning (to control the temperature in your space)
• Fans (to ventilate your drying area)

How to Dry Buds: Marijuana Drying Ideas

Growers can be very innovative when coming up with ways to dry their buds. However, whenever possible, we recommend sticking to tried-and-tested drying techniques like hang drying, rack drying, or tent drying. These techniques reliably produce good results. Avoid drying cannabis in makeshift setups (such as inside cardboard boxes, for example) unless you have no other alternative.

Best Equipment for Drying Cannabis

• Drying racks (like the RQS Herb Dryer, for example): Most growers don't have the luxury of hanging entire plants in a room or tent. Drying racks are great for maximising space while ensuring air freely moves around your buds.

Herb Dryer

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• Climate controllers: Humidifiers, dehumidifiers, and air conditioners can give you precise control over your environment and allow you to dial in the perfect conditions to maximise the quality of your harvest. Unless you live in areas with extreme climates, however, you won't necessarily need this equipment.
• Fans: Oscillating fans are usually enough to keep fresh air circulating around your flowers and ensure they dry properly.

Common Drying Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Drying cannabis is a straightforward process. However, that doesn't mean that it doesn't go wrong occasionally. Some of the most common mistakes we see growers make when drying their weed include:

• Over-drying: Eager to taste-test the fruits of their labour, some inexperienced growers try to rush the drying process. In doing so, they often over-dry their weed, deteriorating its aroma and potency.
• Mould issues: Humid conditions can cause mould to form on cannabis flowers. This is a common issue for growers living in areas with a very humid climate and who lack the equipment to drive down the humidity in their drying room.
• Improper ventilation: A lack of airflow allows hot air to build up around your buds, causing them to dry unevenly. At the same time, creating too much airflow can degrade the terpenes and cannabinoids in your weed, affecting its flavours, aromas, and potency.

When Do I Know My Buds Are Properly Dried and Ready to Cure?

Cannabis buds are ready for curing when they contain only 10–12% internal moisture. But how can you tell how much moisture is in your weed? Some of the most popular ways include:

1. The stem snap test: This is one of the most popular methods for testing the humidity levels of your cannabis. It involves bending the stems of your flowers—if they clearly and audibly snap, the buds are likely dry enough to be cured. If the stems do not snap cleanly, the buds are still moist and require extra drying.
2. The bud texture test: Experienced growers can tell if buds are sufficiently dry by observing their texture. Dry cannabis flowers should be light and sticky. Buds that have been overdried will have a brittle texture, while buds that contain too much moisture will weigh more and feel moist and soft to the touch.
3.  Moisture meters: As their name suggests, moisture meters are used to measure the moisture of wood and other materials. Inexpensive moisture meters from Amazon or similar online retailers can do a decent job at measuring the moisture in cannabis flowers and take the guesswork out of drying and curing your weed.

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How Do I Cure My Buds?

Curing is a slow, controlled process that takes place after drying. It helps enhance the quality of dry cannabis flower by promoting the development of terpenes and stabilising cannabinoids.

Cannabis that's cured properly will have rich, complex aromas and flavours as well as potent effects. While a basic cure takes just 2–4 weeks, curing cannabis for 3–6 months can greatly enhance its flavour and aroma. Top-shelf cannabis from dispensaries, for example, sets itself apart by being cured for extended periods.

Are you an experienced cannabis cultivator? Consider testing your flower at different stages of the curing process to see how it changes. In general, the benefits of extended curing could include:

• Enhanced flavours and aromas
• Reduced harshness
• Even combustion or vaporisation

Step-by-Step Cannabis Curing Process

Curing cannabis takes time but is straightforward. Here’s a basic overview of how to do it:

1. Place your dried buds into airtight glass jars, filling them about 75% to allow airflow.
2. Put humidity packs in each jar. 58–62% packs work best for dry cannabis flower.
3. Store your jars in a cool, dark place (ideally at temperatures between 15–21°C).
4. Burp the jars twice daily for the first two weeks of curing. To burp your jars, open and shake them gently for a few minutes to allow oxygen exchange.

Check out our comprehensive guide on curing cannabis for a more detailed walkthrough.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Curing Cannabis

• High humidity: High humidity is your main enemy when drying and curing weed. Make sure to check on your bud regularly during the first week of curing. If the inside of your jars smells grassy, damp, or musty, remove your buds and transfer them to a paper bag for 1–3 days to help draw out more of their moisture.
• Low humidity: If the humidity in your curing jars is too low, your buds may become too dry and lose their natural aroma, flavour, and potency. Using humidity packs is the best way to ensure that the humidity in your curing jars is always optimal.
• Burping too much or too little: Excessive burping can affect the temperature and humidity in your curing jars, causing your buds to become too dry. On the other hand, burping your jars infrequently can lead to a buildup of old, stagnant air, which can increase the risk of mould.

What’s the Best Humidity Level for Curing Cannabis?

The ideal humidity level for curing cannabis is 58–62% RH. Within this range, your buds will remain fresh, aromatic, and potent without developing mould. The best way to maintain the right humidity in your curing jars is through the use of humidity control packs. Our RQS Humidity Control packs, for example, have been specially designed for curing cannabis.

Humidity Control Pack

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How Long Does the Curing Process Take?

Cannabis curing times can vary depending on preference and patience. A basic cure can take just two weeks, but experienced weed connoisseurs may want to cure their buds for several months (at least). Some standard industry curing times are:

• 2–4 weeks: Basic cure. Should be avoided if you're looking for the best possible smoke.
• 3–6 months: For enhanced flavours and potency.
• 6+ months: Premium-quality buds with fully matured terpenes and cannabinoids.

Remember, curing weed is an essential process that, like drying, shouldn't be rushed. While your weed will be smokable after a two-week cure, it will only get better with time. Most top-shelf commercial cannabis, for example, is cured for multiple months before it hits the shelves. At home, you can achieve the same quality of results—all it takes is patience.

Curing Timeline for Different Results

How Do I Best Store My Buds Once They Are Dried and Cured?

After curing, the only thing left to do to preserve your flower is store it properly. Luckily, storing weed properly is easy—all it takes is high-quality storage containers and some decent protocol.

The Best Storage Containers for Weed

• Mason jars: Affordable, airtight, and great for long-term storage.
• UV-resistant glass jars: A step up from regular mason jars, helping to further protect your flower from light (which degrades cannabinoids and terpenes).
• Vacuum-sealed bags: Useful for bulk storage but should not be compressed too tightly. Need to be stored in cool, dry conditions to ensure your bud stays fresh.

Long-Term Cannabis Storage Tips

To ensure your weed stays fresh for longer, remember:

• Avoid plastic: Plastic containers can build up static, which degrades cannabis. Plus, heat can cause chemicals from plastic to leach into your buds.
• Keep your weed in a cool and dark place: Heat and light accelerate the degradation of cannabinoids and terpenes. They are your #1 enemy when storing weed for extended periods.
• Maintain stable temps and RH: The more stable your storage environment, the longer your weed will keep. Think of how top-shelf tobacco products are stored in humidors, and try to aim for something similar. In fact, tobacco humidors work great for storing weed, too!
• Consider vacuum-sealing for bulk harvests: Blessed with an XL harvest? Storing your weed in vacuum-sealed plastic bags reduces oxygen exposure, which can exponentially extend its shelf-life. Remember to keep vacuum-sealed bags in a dark, dry, and cool environment to maximise their ability to preserve your stash.
• Remember the ideal conditions: For the best results, cannabis should be stored at 21°C and 58–62% RH.

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Drying and Curing: Key to a Top-Shelf Harvest

Drying and curing cannabis is essential for maximising its aroma, flavour, potency, and shelf-life. And while it's understandable that you're eager to test your weed come harvest time, it's vital you learn to be patient and dry and cure your cannabis slowly. When you finally do get around to tasting your harvest, you'll thank us for it!