The EVOLUTION Magazine September 2024 | Page 13

To cure your cannabis , you will need airtight glass jars ( Mason jars are ideal ), a hygrometer ( optional for monitoring humidity ), and Boveda humidity packs or something similar ( these are optional for humidity control and can be ordered online or purchased from a grow / garden shop ). 1 . Place the dried buds in jars . Fill the jars about 75 % full to allow some airspace for proper curing . 2 . Store the jars in a cool , dark place . The ideal temperature is between 60-70 ° F with humidity levels around 55-65 %.
3 . Throughout the curing process , you will need to “ burp ” the jars . For the first week , open the jars daily for 5-10 minutes to release moisture and replenish oxygen . Gradually reduce burping to once every few days over the next two to three weeks .
4 . Monitoring humidity is also essential . If using a hygrometer , aim for a stable humidity level of around 62 %. Boveda humidity packs ( or another brand ) can help maintain optimal humidity levels .
5 . Curing can take anywhere from two weeks to several months . Typically , the longer the cure , the better the quality of the finished product .
Proper Storage
Once cured , the cannabis can now be transitioned into longterm storage . Proper storage preserves the potency and flavor of your cannabis over time . Use airtight glass jars or vacuum-sealed bags . Avoid plastic bags , as they can degrade the quality of the buds . Store your cannabis in a cool , dark place with temperatures between 60-70 ° F and humidity levels around 55-62 %. It is also important to try and minimize exposure to light and air to prevent the degradation of cannabinoids and terpenes over time .
A few final tips include labeling your jars with the strain name , harvest date , and curing start date to keep track of your cannabis for mindful consumption , as well as periodically checking your stored cannabis for signs of mold or any other kind of deterioration . Properly cured and stored cannabis can remain potent for up to a year or more .
By following these techniques , you can ensure that your home-grown cannabis is of the highest quality , providing a superior experience for adult use . Happy growing , harvesting , and enjoying !
Have a cannabis education related question for Leah ? She ’ s a St . Louis native and a cannabis activist since 2010 ! Leah is excited to help answer all your medical marijuana questions . Please send questions to leah @ theweedblog . com . Your question may be featured in a future issue of The EVOLUTION Magazine .
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