Cannabis curing is more than just “drying your buds”—it’s a post-harvest process that directly affects the quality, flavor, and smoothness of your final product. One of the most important biological changes that happens during proper cannabis curing is the breakdown of chlorophyll.
In this post, we’ll explain what chlorophyll is, what happens to it during curing, and why its breakdown is crucial for producing premium cannabis.
What Is Chlorophyll?
Chlorophyll is the green pigment found in plants that allows them to absorb light and perform photosynthesis. It’s what gives cannabis buds their fresh, vibrant green color during growth and harvest. While essential for cultivation, chlorophyll in high amounts can negatively affect the smoking experience.
Why? Because when smoked, chlorophyll produces a harsh, grassy flavor and an unpleasant throat feel. That’s where cannabis curing comes in.
What Happens to Chlorophyll During Cannabis Curing?
Once cannabis is harvested and drying begins, chlorophyll starts to degrade naturally. But the real breakdown happens during proper cannabis curing, when buds are stored at controlled temperatures and relative humidity levels (typically between 55–65% RH) for several weeks.
During this time:
- Enzymatic activity helps break down residual chlorophyll and other plant materials.
- The green pigment fades, allowing other colors (like purples and oranges) to become more pronounced.
- Harsh flavors mellow out, revealing terpene-rich aromas and smoother smoke.
Why Chlorophyll Breakdown Matters
Proper cannabis curing—and the resulting chlorophyll degradation—leads to:
- Better flavor and aroma
- Smoother smoke or vapor
- Reduced “green” or grassy taste
- Longer shelf life and stability
- More premium-looking flower
Without curing, buds retain excess chlorophyll, leading to a bitter, harsh, and unsatisfying user experience, even if the flower was expertly grown.
How to Support Chlorophyll Breakdown with Proper Cannabis Curing
Want chlorophyll to break down evenly and effectively? You need the right environment. That means:
- Controlling humidity: Be sure to maintain RH between 55–65%.
- Preventing light exposure: Store in opaque or UV-blocking storage solutions to avoid degradation of other cannabinoids and terpenes
- Timing it right: Cannabis curing typically takes 2–8 weeks (some prefer longer). Patience pays off.
Curious how to make this simple? Check out our How to Use Calyx Cure guide to see how your packaging choices can support ideal curing conditions.
Wrapping Up: Why Chlorophyll Breakdown Deserves Attention
In short, chlorophyll breakdown is a sign of well-cured cannabis. It turns harsh, green-tasting buds into aromatic, flavorful flower that’s easier on the throat and more enjoyable to consume.
New to cannabis curing? Be sure to read our Essential Tips for Curing Cannabis Properly article, and stay tuned for more tips and education on how to cure cannabis the right way.
