Understanding What Happens During Cannabis Curing and Why It Matters
If you’ve ever wondered why some cannabis feels fresh, smells incredible, and burns smoothly, chances are, it was cured properly. But what is cannabis curing, exactly? And what happens during cannabis curing that makes it so important?
In this blog, we’ll break it down in simple terms, so whether you’re new to cannabis or just curious about the process behind a quality product, you’ll walk away knowing why curing is the key to unlocking cannabis’s full potential.
What Is Cannabis Curing?
Cannabis curing is the process of slowly drying and aging harvested cannabis flower in a controlled environment to enhance and preserve its quality.
While drying gets rid of surface moisture, curing works deeper, removing residual moisture from inside the flower, stabilizing cannabinoid content (like THC), and preserving delicate terpenes (the compounds that give cannabis its flavor and aroma).
In short, cannabis curing = consistency + quality + longevity.
What Happens During Cannabis Curing?
Think of curing like aging fine wine or dry-aging steak—time, temperature, and airflow all play a role. Here’s what’s happening behind the scenes:
1. Moisture Redistributes
Even after drying, cannabis buds still hold moisture deep inside. Curing allows this moisture to slowly migrate outward and evaporate, preventing mold without drying the flower out too fast. Not familiar with moisture distribution? Read the Importance of Moisture Redistribution and Relative Humidity During Cannabis Curing.
2. Chlorophyll Breaks Down
Raw cannabis is full of chlorophyll (the green pigment in plants), which can cause a grassy or harsh taste when smoked. During curing, chlorophyll and other plant materials break down, leaving a smoother, more flavorful product.
3. Terpenes Are Preserved
Terpenes are extremely sensitive to heat, light, and oxygen. Curing in an airtight, temperature-controlled environment helps retain these compounds, ensuring your product smells and tastes as good as it should.
4. Cannabinoids Mature
Cannabinoids like THC continue to evolve during curing. While THCA (the raw form) is already present, a proper cure can influence overall potency and how the product feels when consumed.
Why Cannabis Curing Matters
Whether you’re a grower, a brand, or a connoisseur, curing is essential for product quality. Poorly cured cannabis can lose flavor, degrade faster, and even grow mold, resulting in dissatisfied customers and product waste.
At Calyx Containers, we know curing is more than just a step—it’s a science. That’s why we created Calyx Cure, a packaging solution designed to help cultivators and processors cure with consistency and confidence.
Stay Tuned for More Cannabis Curing Tips
This is just the beginning! Now that you know what cannabis curing is and what happens during cannabis curing, we’ll be diving deeper into best practices, common mistakes, and product solutions in future posts.
Stay tuned and check out more cannabis curing articles for more curing tips and education.
