Objective: By the end of this lesson, you will understand the steps necessary to properly harvest, dry, and cure cannabis for optimal potency, flavor, and smoothness.

Step 1: Cutting the Plants

When your cannabis plants are ready for harvest (usually 8–12 weeks after flowering), it’s time to begin.

• What to do: Use sharp pruning shears to cut the main stalk of the plant at its base, or if you prefer to work in sections, you can cut off individual branches.

• Why it matters: Proper cutting ensures you handle the plant delicately, avoiding unnecessary stress to the buds.

Step 2: Trimming the Buds

Trimming helps remove unnecessary leaves that don’t contain much resin. There are two methods:

• Wet Trimming: Trim the plant right after you cut it down. Remove the large fan leaves and sugar leaves surrounding the buds.

• Benefits: Faster drying and easier to handle while fresh.

• Dry Trimming: Hang the plant upside down to dry first, and trim afterward.

• Benefits: Preserves more of the resin, but takes longer.

• Why it matters: Trimming properly gives your buds a cleaner, more professional look and ensures the leaves don’t degrade the smoking experience by burning harshly.

Step 3: Drying the Cannabis

Drying is one of the most critical parts of the process. If you dry too fast, the buds might retain chlorophyll, giving them a harsh taste. If too slow, they might develop mold.

• How to dry:

1. Hang your trimmed plants or branches upside down in a dark, well-ventilated room.

2. Maintain a humidity level between 45–55% and keep the temperature around 60–70°F (15–21°C).

3. Drying typically takes 7–10 days. You’ll know the buds are ready when the smaller stems snap instead of bend.

• Why it matters: Proper drying allows moisture to escape gradually, preserving the cannabinoids and terpenes responsible for the flavor, aroma, and potency.

Step 4: Curing the Buds

Curing enhances the quality of your cannabis over time, improving its smoothness and flavor.

• How to cure:

1. Once dried, cut the buds from the branches and place them into airtight glass jars. Fill each jar about 75% full to allow air circulation.

2. Store the jars in a dark, cool place. The ideal temperature is around 60–65°F (15–18°C).

3. During the first week, “burp” the jars by opening them once a day for a few minutes to release excess moisture.

4. After the first week, you can open the jars less frequently (once every few days).

• Curing time: The curing process takes at least 2–4 weeks, but many growers cure for up to 6 months for the best quality.

• Why it matters: Curing improves the smokeability of your buds, enhancing the taste, aroma, and effects. It also allows for the full development of cannabinoids and terpenes, the compounds that give cannabis its unique qualities.

Conclusion

With these steps, you’ll be able to take your harvested cannabis from fresh plants to properly cured buds, ready for consumption. Proper harvesting, drying, and curing maximize the quality of your cannabis, ensuring the best flavor, potency, and smoothness possible.

Assignment

Now that you’ve learned the process, practice harvesting, drying, and curing with a small batch of your cannabis. Pay attention to environmental factors like humidity and temperature to fine-tune your process for the best results.