we explain

Cannabis curing

By SQDC.ca | Published on July 10, 2026

After cannabis has been harvested, trimmed and dried, some producers proceed directly to testing and packaging. Others add one final step: curing. In this article, we explain what curing involves, how it may affect the characteristics of cannabis, and some considerations related to its use.

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KEY TAKEAWAYS

Cannabis curing involves storing dried flowers in a controlled environment.
This step helps reduce residual moisture within the flowers.
Curing helps reduce the risk of mould and may improve preservation.
It may also help maintain the cannabis aroma profile.
Curing is not mandatory and is not performed by all producers.
Controlled conditions (temperature, humidity and light) are essential for effective curing.
"Burping" helps release moisture that accumulates during curing.
Curing affects flower texture without visibly changing appearance.

What is cannabis curing?

Curing consists of storing previously dried cannabis flowers in a controlled environment, away from light, for several weeks or even months. This step is not systematic and is not carried out by all producers. However, when it is performed, it can be considered the final phase of the drying process.

Why cure cannabis?

The purpose of curing is to stabilize cannabis after drying by continuing to remove residual moisture from the centre of the flowers. This process helps reduce the risk of mould and may improve product preservation. In some cases, it may also help maintain the plant's original characteristics, including its aroma profile.

Except for a small number of experienced connoisseurs, it is nearly impossible to distinguish a cured flower from a non-cured flower by sight alone. However, the flower's texture may become more sponge-like. You can experience this yourself by gently squeezing a bud between your fingers.

What Is the Difference Between Curing and Aging Cannabis?

Curing and aging are two distinct processes intended to influence the characteristics of the final product. However, they differ significantly in their objectives, duration, chemical mechanisms and the products involved.

Flower curing is a stabilization step that follows drying, whereas hash aging is a longer maturation process.

How Does Curing Affect Cannabis?

Cannabis curing does more than simply protect flowers from mould. It may also influence the plant's chemical composition, particularly its terpenes and cannabinoids. The curing process allows enzymes to continue breaking down certain compounds in a controlled environment, which may affect the consumption experience for some individuals.

Cannabis begins to degrade as soon as it is harvested. Chlorophyll and starch are gradually broken down by enzymes and naturally occurring bacteria within the plant. Elevated levels of these compounds may contribute to a harsher sensation in the throat when cannabis is consumed through combustion. Curing allows these natural processes to continue on a smaller scale under controlled conditions. However, these are not the only compounds affected. Terpenes, for example, are particularly sensitive to degradation.

What Are the Main Cannabis Curing Methods?

There are several ways to cure cannabis, but two methods are most commonly used. These controlled-environment processes help regulate temperature and humidity, limit external contamination, and promote consistent results from batch to batch.

Curing in Specialized Rooms

With this method, previously dried flowers are placed on large trays stacked with space between them, similar to flat drying. The trays are then stored in large controlled-environment rooms for a designated period, allowing the flowers to cure gradually.

Cannabis drying room with rack trays, post-harvest process to control flower moisture.

Container Curing

Flowers may also be placed in large sterilized containers made of glass or stainless steel and sealed tightly. Glass provides visibility of the product but allows light to pass through. Container curing can make it easier to maintain the temperature and humidity conditions required for gradual curing.

Cannabis buds in glass jars of various sizes for curing, preserving aroma and terpenes

In general, slow curing at low temperatures and away from light is preferred over rapid curing at higher temperatures. We also know that cannabinoid synthesis continues after harvest. However, additional research is needed to better understand how curing may influence cannabinoid profiles. At present, scientific evidence remains limited regarding the specific effects of curing on cannabinoid composition.

What Role Do Starch and Chlorophyll Play in Cannabis?

Starch and chlorophyll are naturally occurring components of cannabis plants. Starch is a complex sugar that serves as an energy reserve, while chlorophyll is responsible for the plant's green colour and its photosynthesis process.

When present in higher quantities, these compounds may be associated with harsher throat sensations and more bitter flavours when cannabis is consumed through combustion. The trimming, drying and, in some cases, curing stages may help reduce their presence.

What Is Cannabis Burping?

During cannabis curing, "burping" refers to the gradual release of moisture still trapped inside the flowers. As moisture moves outward, it affects the humidity level of the surrounding environment.

To maintain stable conditions and reduce the risk of mould, the curing environment must be carefully controlled, either by regulating specialized curing rooms or by periodically opening containers to release accumulated moisture.

Conclusion

Curing practices may vary between producers, but the objective remains the same: to help extend product shelf life. A properly cured flower stored in an airtight container away from light may retain its characteristics longer by limiting degradation.

Ultimately, proper drying and curing practices may help preserve the intended characteristics of a cannabis variety or genetic lineage throughout consumption.

Do you have questions about cannabis products sold by the SQDC? Our advisors will be happy to help you in-store or via our chat service.

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Does curing affect cannabinoids?

Although research is ongoing, cannabinoid synthesis is known to continue after harvest. Curing may help preserve these compounds by allowing slower, controlled degradation, but more research is needed to confirm its effects.
How long should cannabis be cured?

Curing may last from several weeks to several months, depending on the method used, environmental conditions and the characteristics of the cannabis variety.
Can all cannabis varieties be cured?

Some varieties or genetic lineages may respond differently to curing than others.
Why is burping important during curing?

Burping releases trapped moisture. Containers must be opened periodically to allow excess humidity to escape, helping reduce the risk of mould.
What are the different curing methods?

The two most common methods are curing in specialized rooms and container curing.
What is the difference between curing, trimming and aging?

Curing refers to product stabilization after drying, trimming involves removing leaves from the flowers, and aging primarily applies to hash products.
Why cure cannabis?

Curing may help maintain the original characteristics of cannabis flowers by limiting premature degradation of cannabinoids and terpenes. It may also influence texture and aromas while potentially extending shelf life.
What is cannabis curing?

Curing is a process that follows cannabis drying. It involves storing flowers in a controlled environment to remove remaining moisture. This may help reduce the risk of mould and, in some cases, support aroma preservation. The process may last from several weeks to several months.

Cannabis curing

What is cannabis curing?

Why cure cannabis?

What Is the Difference Between Curing and Aging Cannabis?

How Does Curing Affect Cannabis?