The curing process is possibly the most overlooked aspect of growing weed. During curing, moisture continues to draw from the center of the bud toward the outside and ensures the bud has a moisture level that doesn’t allow for mold and other pathogens to thrive.

In cannabis cultivation specifically, the curing process creates a cleaner, smoother smoke, and enhanced flavor. Many terpenes, which give cannabis its unique smell and flavor, are quite sensitive and can degrade and evaporate at temperatures as low as 50°F. A slow cure at low temperatures will preserve terpenes better than a quick, hot dry.

Curing your cannabis dramatically enhances the shelf life of your harvest without having to worry about mold or cannabinoid or terpene degradation. Well-cured flower can be stored in an airtight container in a cool, dark place for up to two years without significant loss of potency and flavor.

However, the curing process does encourage the degradation of plant byproducts such as sugars and chlorophyll. Freshly harvested cannabis contains starches that serve as a breeding ground for mold, mildew, and other airborne bacteria. When smoked, these molecules leave harsh, unpleasant tastes in your mouth, and might even make you sick. Curing eliminates the byproducts from your nugs, protecting your plants from bacteria and producing a much smoother smoke.