how to dry your cannabis plant

During the drying phase, you will want to make sure you do everything right, in order to get a great tasting bud. Not drying for long enough means the chlorophyll content would not have enough time to change into glucose, leaving a bitter taste. You also need to allow time to activate the THC of your buds. Drying your buds properly will give them the best taste and can even increase potency. It can also reduce the harsher effects from smoking it, such as anxiety, paranoia, and headaches. For this reason, it is important to dry slowly and monitor your buds throughout.

Start by clipping of the branches of your plant (use a strong pair of scissors or secateurs) and cut off any large fan leaves around the plant (just the larger leaves) and be careful not to cut away any trichomes. Hang them from wires, upside down. This makes the plant believe it is still alive. Use a cool and dark room for this, which will help stop the photosynthesis process. Around 18 degrees Celsius is a good temperature for your room, at about 45-55% humidity. Let the buds dry out naturally (around 4 to 10 days), without any extra heaters or fans to speed things up.

Any leaves left over will slowly start to curl their way around into the bud. Be sure to keep checking for any signs of mould during the drying process. The buds should be completely dry after around 2 weeks. Check that the buds are not too dry, they should still be sticky, with a sweet smell.

Buds that are dried too quickly will end up tasting quite bitter. Do make sure your buds are dried out slowly and keeping the humidity high can also help to create a bud that is not too dry. Ensure the plants are at a good distance from each other so they can dry better.

To check if your buds are dry, take a branch and try to bend it. If it snaps off easily, then the bud is ready to cure. The bud should also feel quite crispy on the outside, however if it crunches into a dust it is too dry.

curing your cannabis buds

After drying out your cannabis buds, curing is when you store the buds in containers to allow the taste and flavours to mature, as well as preserving the buds to be used over a period of time. Curing can affect the quality of smoke, increase flavours, and give a smoother feel. Buds that are stored in a cool and dark place, in an airtight container can even last for a couple of years, whilst still keeping much of the flavour.

To start curing, you will want to trim your buds from the branches and put into an airtight container or jar (plastic, wood and ceramic containers are fine but avoid plastic bags as this can affect the oxygen levels). Put the buds into the container, being careful not to compact them down. Allow the container to be full to around ¾ to give space for a little air. Place the airtight contains in a dark, dry, and cool spot (a kitchen cupboard will do).

The buds should then become softer, as moisture from inside will rehydrate the buds, so they loose that crunchy feeling. If the buds are still dry, it means they have been dried too quickly. Throughout the first week, open the container several times a day to allow fresh oxygen in. After week one, this can be done every few days. Always check each bud for signs of mould and remove any straight away as not to infect the others.

Drying & Curing Cannabis

Growing great cannabis is only half the story.

The final quality of your harvest is determined just as much by what happens after the plant is cut down. You can grow beautiful, resin-covered flowers, but if they are dried too quickly or cured incorrectly, the result may be harsh, grassy, weak-smelling and disappointing.

On the other hand, a properly dried and cured harvest can transform good flowers into exceptional flowers. The aroma becomes richer, the smoke becomes smoother, and the buds retain their potency and freshness for months or even years.

Many beginner growers spend months nurturing their plants, only to rush the final stage. That is a bit like baking a gourmet cake and then dropping it face-first onto the kitchen floor. Technically edible, but not ideal.

This guide explains the complete drying and curing process, from harvest day to long-term storage, with practical advice suited to Australian conditions.

Why Drying and Curing Matter

Freshly harvested cannabis contains:

Excess moisture
Chlorophyll
Sugars and starches
Plant pigments
Various volatile compounds

If consumed immediately after harvest, the flowers often taste like freshly mowed lawn and may produce a harsh smoke.

Proper drying and curing:

Preserves cannabinoids such as THC and CBD
Protects terpenes responsible for flavour and aroma
Breaks down chlorophyll
Reduces harshness
Improves smoothness
Enhances aroma
Prevents mould
Extends storage life

Think of curing like ageing fine wine or cheese. Time allows the flowers to mature and develop their full character.

What Happens During Curing?

During curing, residual moisture slowly redistributes from the centre of the buds to the outside. This gradual process allows enzymes and beneficial microbes to break down chlorophyll and excess plant material.

The result is:

Better flavour
Improved aroma
Smoother inhalation
More consistent burn
Longer shelf life

Many growers notice that buds continue to improve for 4 to 8 weeks, and premium flowers can become even better after several months.

When to Harvest Before Drying

Drying starts with harvesting at the correct time.

Common indicators include:

Most pistils have darkened and curled inward
Trichomes appear mostly cloudy
Some trichomes turn amber depending on desired effect
Fan leaves begin fading

Harvesting too early can reduce potency and flavour. Harvesting too late may lead to a heavier, more sedative effect.

Wet Trim vs Dry Trim

There are two main trimming approaches.

Wet Trim

Leaves are removed immediately after harvest.

Advantages

Faster drying in humid climates
Easier to handle fresh leaves
Lower mould risk

Disadvantages

Can dry too quickly
Slightly reduced terpene retention

Dry Trim

Branches are hung with most leaves attached and trimmed after drying.

Advantages

Slower, gentler drying
Better terpene preservation
Often superior flavour

Disadvantages

More difficult trimming
Requires close humidity control

In many Australian environments, a partial wet trim works very well.

Ideal Drying Conditions

The goal is a slow, even dry.

Temperature

18–21°C

Relative Humidity

55–60%

Darkness

Complete darkness is preferred.

Airflow

Gentle, indirect air movement.

Drying Time

7–14 days, depending on bud size and environmental conditions.

The 60/60 Rule

Experienced growers often aim for:

60°F (15.5°C)
60% relative humidity

This is considered a gold standard for preserving terpenes and ensuring a slow, controlled dry.

If you cannot hit these exact numbers, do your best to stay close.

How to Dry Cannabis Step by Step

Step 1: Harvest the Plant

Cut the plant into manageable branches using sharp secateurs.

Step 2: Remove Large Fan Leaves

Strip off large leaves that contain little resin.

Step 3: Hang Upside Down

Hang branches individually so air can circulate freely.

Step 4: Maintain Ideal Conditions

Keep the room dark, cool and slightly humid.

Step 5: Monitor Daily

Inspect for mould and ensure buds are drying evenly.

Step 6: Test the Stems

When small stems snap rather than bend, the buds are ready for curing.

How Long Should Drying Take?

Drying times vary depending on:

Bud density
Temperature
Humidity
Airflow
Whether whole plants or branches are hung

Typical drying periods:

Small airy buds: 5–7 days
Medium buds: 7–10 days
Dense flowers: 10–14 days

Patience pays off.

Signs Buds Are Ready for Curing

Your flowers are ready when:

Small stems snap cleanly
Outer surfaces feel dry
Buds remain slightly soft inside
Aroma is becoming more pronounced

If buds crumble into dust, they are too dry.

How to Cure Cannabis

Step 1: Final Trim

Remove sugar leaves and separate buds from branches.

Step 2: Fill Glass Jars

Use airtight glass jars, filling them to about 70–75%.

Step 3: Store in a Cool, Dark Place

Ideal curing temperature is 18–21°C.

Step 4: Burp the Jars

Open jars to release excess moisture and replenish oxygen.

Burping Schedule

Days 1–7

Open jars 1–2 times per day for 10–15 minutes.

Days 8–14

Open once every 1–2 days.

Weeks 3–4

Open every few days.

After One Month

Open weekly or only as needed.

Ideal Humidity for Curing

The sweet spot is:

58–62% RH

This range maintains freshness while minimising mould risk.

Many growers use humidity packs to stabilise moisture levels.

How Long Should You Cure?

Minimum Cure

2 weeks

Good Cure

4 weeks

Excellent Cure

6–8 weeks

Premium Cure

3–6 months

If you can resist sampling your harvest every five minutes, your patience will be rewarded.

How Humidity Packs Help

Humidity packs can maintain ideal RH inside jars.

Benefits include:

Prevent over-drying
Stabilise moisture
Preserve aroma
Simplify storage

They are especially useful in Australia’s changing seasonal conditions.

Long-Term Storage

Properly cured flowers can remain high quality for 12–24 months or more.

Store in:

Airtight glass jars
Cool environment
Darkness
Stable humidity

Avoid:

Plastic bags
Heat
Direct sunlight
Frequent opening

How to Preserve Terpenes

Terpenes are highly volatile and can evaporate if exposed to heat and light.

To preserve them:

Keep temperatures low
Dry slowly
Minimise handling
Store in darkness
Avoid over-drying

This is where your flowers develop their distinctive fruity, earthy, spicy or gassy aroma.

Common Drying and Curing Mistakes

Drying Too Fast

Causes harsh smoke and grassy flavour.

Drying Too Slow

Increases mould risk.

Overfilling Jars

Restricts airflow.

Curing While Too Wet

Can cause mould and ammonia odours.

Storing in Warm Conditions

Degrades cannabinoids and terpenes.

Excessive Handling

Knocks off precious trichomes.

Troubleshooting Guide

Buds Smell Like Grass

Chlorophyll has not fully broken down. Continue curing.

Buds Smell Like Ammonia

Too much moisture. Remove from jars and dry further immediately.

Buds Are Too Dry

Use a humidity pack to restore proper moisture.

Buds Developed Mould

Discard affected flowers immediately.

Buds Lost Their Aroma

Likely dried too fast or stored in warm conditions.

Drying in Humid Australian Climates

In tropical and coastal areas, mould risk is higher.

Helpful strategies include:

Use a dehumidifier
Increase indirect airflow
Space branches apart
Remove larger leaves
Inspect daily

Drying in Hot, Dry Climates

Flowers may dry too quickly.

To slow the process:

Use a humidifier
Keep temperatures down
Hang whole branches
Leave more leaf material attached

The Low and Slow Method

Some experienced growers dry at lower temperatures over 10–14 days.

Benefits include:

Superior terpene retention
Better flavour
More even moisture removal

It requires tighter environmental control but can produce excellent results.

Should You Use a Fan?

Yes, but indirectly.

Never point a fan directly at the buds. Direct airflow can dry the exterior too quickly and trap moisture inside.

Should You Use a Dehumidifier?

In humid environments, absolutely.

A dehumidifier can be one of the best investments for preventing mould and maintaining consistency.

Best Containers for Curing

The gold standard is wide-mouth glass jars.

Other options include:

Stainless curing containers
Food-safe ceramic containers
Vacuum-sealed jars for long-term storage

Glass remains the simplest and most reliable choice.

How to Tell if Cannabis Is Properly Cured

Well-cured flowers typically have:

Strong natural aroma
Slightly sticky texture
Even moisture throughout
Smooth smoke
Clean white or light grey ash
Slow, consistent burn

Can You Over-Cure Cannabis?

Not really, provided conditions remain stable.

Many growers find that flowers continue improving for several months.

The main risks are heat, excessive dryness and repeated exposure to oxygen.

The Importance of Darkness

Light degrades cannabinoids and terpenes.

Always dry and store flowers in darkness.

Your buds are sun lovers while growing, but after harvest they prefer to live like vampires.

Does Curing Increase Potency?

Curing does not create additional THC, but it can improve the overall experience by preserving cannabinoids and allowing the flavour and aroma to fully develop.

Many people perceive properly cured flowers as stronger because the smoke is smoother and more enjoyable.