Drying and curing cannabis is an important part of the cultivation process. It allows growers to preserve cannabinoids like THC after harvest. However, there is some debate over whether drying weed causes it to lose potency compared to fresh flower.
Why dry and cure weed after harvest?
After cannabis is harvested, it contains a very high moisture content at around 80% water weight. Drying cannabis is necessary to reduce the moisture levels down to around 10-15%. This moisture level prevents mold growth and allows for proper preservation of the crop. Additionally, drying causes chemical changes that affect the smell, taste, and effects of cannabis. The drying and curing process aims to smoothly remove moisture while creating the desired aroma, flavor, and psychoactive effects.
If fresh cannabis is not dried, it will quickly decay due to its high moisture content. Mold will render the crop unsmokable. Drying cannabis preserves the integrity of the crop after harvest.
Does drying reduce potency of cannabinoids like THC?
Some argue that drying cannabis causes it to lose some potency compared to fresh flower. They argue that THC, the primary psychoactive compound in cannabis, degrades with drying. While THC does chemically convert and break down through drying and curing, the overall potency loss is minimal. Well-cured buds retain most of their original cannabinoid content.
Studies have analyzed the cannabinoid contents of fresh versus dried cannabis samples. One study found an average THC loss of 13.5% after 7 days of drying. The samples lost around 15% of their THC after a month of curing. While measurable, this small reduction in THC is unlikely to significantly impact potency for most consumers.
The main cannabinoid degradation occurs in the first 1-3 days as moisture levels drop. Careful drying and curing minimizes overall potency loss from conversion and breakdown of THC and other cannabinoids.
Reasons drying may slightly reduce cannabinoid contents
There are a few reasons why drying and curing may cause a slight loss of cannabinoid potency:
- Decarboxylation – Drying converts THC-A to THC through loss of a carboxyl group. THC is less potent by weight than THC-A.
- Oxidation – Exposure to oxygen during drying can degrade and break down THC.
- Terpene loss – Terpenes modulate the effects of THC and other cannabinoids. Some terpene loss may impact potency.
- Light degradation – Light can break down THC during drying, so drying in darkness is ideal.
- Over-drying – Excessive drying time and very low moisture causes more cannabinoid breakdown.
By following proper drying and curing methods, cannabis potency can be well preserved. The small reductions in cannabinoid contents are counteracted by the transformation of aromatic compounds during curing. Well-cured cannabis develops complex aromas and flavors that provide a more robust experience than fresh flower.
Does drying impact how cannabis effects feel?
Subjective effects and perceived potency do not always directly correlate with cannabinoid contents. The drying process transforms aromatic compounds and brings out new flavors. These aroma and flavor compounds, called terpenes, play a major role in the effects users experience.
Although some terpenes are lost through drying, new aromatic compounds also form through the curing process. These transform and enhance the sensory qualities of the cannabis, which can impact subjective effects. Even without major changes in THC levels, the aromatic profile of dried and cured buds creates a different overall high.
Many report that well-cured cannabis provides a more full-bodied, complex effect than fresh flower. Users describe dried flowers as providing a “fuller high” and prolonged effects due to changes in terpene content.
Does the curing method impact potency retention?
The specific drying and curing methods used can impact how well cannabis retains its cannabinoids after harvest. Best practices minimize degradation and preserve potency:
- Slow drying over 7-14 days helps retain terpenes and avoid over-drying.
- Drying flowers whole on the stem helps protect trichome glands.
- Drying in complete darkness prevents THC breakdown from light exposure.
- Curing in sealed glass jars allows anaerobic fermentation to occur.
- Burping jars during curing prevents over-drying and removes remaining moisture.
- Maintaining ideal humidity between 60-65% in the drying area.
- Curing for 1-3 months stabilizes moisture content and provides the smoothest experience.
Proper room conditions, gentle handling, and a slow drying pace allows cannabis to retain its composition and potency throughout the process. Rushing the dry and cure degrades quality.
How does drying affect the taste of cannabis?
Drying and curing has a major impact on the taste and aroma profile of cannabis flowers. As chlorophyll breaks down, new aromatic compounds develop, changing the smell and flavor. These flavor compounds, called esters, greatly enhance the complexity and enjoyment of cured cannabis.
Terpenes are lost as moisture evaporates, but new esters form through chemical transformations. The ester content peaks around 21 days into the curing process. This accounts for the smooth, complex flavor of properly cured buds.
Without drying and curing, cannabis would have a grassy, herbal taste dominated by chlorophyll and vegetal compounds. The fresh plant material requires transformation through gradual moisture removal to develop optimal flavors and aromas.
While there are some minor losses in cannabinoids through curing, the development of fragrant, flavorful esters enhances the overall experience and enjoyment of cannabis.
Should cannabis be dried or smoked fresh?
Most cannabis connoisseurs and experts agree that drying and curing enhances the overall experience of cannabis flowers. Though there is a slight loss of cannabinoids through drying, the changes in aromatic profile counteract the minor loss of potency.
Here are some key reasons well-cured cannabis is superior to fresh flower:
- Prevents mold growth and decay of the harvested crop.
- Allows subtle chemical changes to enhance aromas and flavors.
- Creates more comfortable moisture level for smoking or vaporizing.
- Provides a smooth inhale without throat irritation from excess moisture.
- Produces full-bodied effects due to aroma profile changes.
- Provides a more enjoyable and complex sensory experience.
The enhanced flavor, smoothness, and effects of cured buds outweighs the slight potency loss from drying. Connoisseurs agree properly dried and cured cannabis provides the highest quality experience.
Does rehydrating cannabis restore potency?
Some claim rehydrating dried cannabis can restore the lost potency from curing. Adding moisture back to the flowers in theory allows them to regain degraded cannabinoids. However, rehydrating only partially reverses drying effects and cannot fully restore potency. Oxidation and decarboxylation degradation during drying is irreversible.
Rehydrating cannabis should only be done for a short period before consumption. Extended rehydration promotes mold growth in the dense flowers due to lingering moisture deep inside the buds. A brief one hour rehydration can help increase smoothness and improve combustion for smoking. But this process does not significantly increase potency.
Conclusion
While drying and curing cannabis causes a measurable loss of THC through decarboxylation and oxidation, cannabinoid contents remain high in well-cured buds. The subtle chemical transformations that occur during drying develops complex aromas, flavors, and a smooth experience. For optimal enjoyment and consumption, properly dried and cured cannabis provides a superior experience to fresh flower for most consumers.
