A Quick Guide to Cannabis Curing and Weed Odor

Cannabis Odor, Perfected.

Cannabis lovers and those in the cannabis industry spend a lot of time thinking about their plants’ odor. Whether it’s picking the right type of bud or determining the quality of a harvest, the smell of weed is one of its defining characteristics and most important qualities. But how exactly is that smell perfected? Today, we’re talking about the cannabis curing process.

What Does Cannabis Curing Look Like?

No discussion of cannabis odor would be complete without talking about curing. This process involves a lot of care and precision, and comes with its own share of cannabis smells and, crucially, non-cannabis smells.

Cannabis curing is the most picturesque part of weed’s lifecycle. This is where dried buds are trimmed and manicured, and then placed in airtight glass jars or wooden containers to cure. Plastic is not recommended, as it can impart a plastic-like smell and taste to the weed.

Many people also place a hygrometer in the jar, which allows them to measure the humidity of the air inside. This is an essential step since during cannabis curing, the buds are still not totally dry.

What Does Curing Cannabis Do?

The curing process allows the moisture remaining in the center of the bud to travel outward and evaporate, perfecting the drying process and resulting in a mellow taste. Cannabis curing is akin to aging a fine wine: it’s the polishing stage which turns the final product into an experience. Many people even cure their cannabis, like wine, over many months. However, this isn’t a requirement, and cannabis can be completely cured in two to four weeks by those with less patience.

Over the course of curing, the jars must be “burped”. This means opening them once in a while to release pressure and moisture to prevent a build-up of bacteria, and to check on progress. The cannabis curing process involves a large variety of lesser-known weed odors; many people report a “grassy” smell during curing when jars are burped, which fades over time as the chlorophyll content of the plant diminishes. Smells can also be a warning sign: while a grassy smell is a temporary inconvenience, smells such as ammonia signal the presence of mold or bacteria, which can ruin a batch. 

The Perils of Curing Weed

Mold and bacteria thrive when cannabis buds are not dry enough at the start of the curing process. Using a hygrometer allows experienced and novice growers alike to avoid this issue. However, it’s also possible to overdry weed or to expose it to high temperatures, which destroys terpenes and ruins the smoking experience. Ideally, cannabis is cured at a low temperature, resulting in a delicious smelling and tasting weed experience.

By preserving terpenes (THC) and cannabinoids (CBD) while diminishing the buds’ chlorophyll content, curing mellows and enriches the flavour, effects and smell of weed. However, both during the growing and drying processes and after curing, weed’s odor is its biggest asset and its greatest drawback. 

Whether you’re in the weed business or you’re a hobby grower, it’s important to control the smell of your plants. Cannabusters is a turnkey odor control solution to cannabis odor. Using our patented oxidation process, Cannabusters destroys the smell of weed in the air, leaving a fresh, after-rain smell. Safe for your terpenes, for you and for the planet, Cannabusters gives you peace of mind. 

Ready to stop focusing on your plants’ smell, and start focusing on the fun parts? Contact us today to get a quote.