Drying and curing your cannabis harvest is a crucial step that directly affects the quality, taste, and overall experience of your final product. Done right, these processes preserve the plant’s natural terpenes and cannabinoids, while removing excess chlorophyll and eliminating the harsh, green taste.
After harvesting, cannabis buds still contain a significant amount of moisture—up to 75% of their weight. Drying removes most of this moisture, while curing refines the flavour and texture of the flower. A proper dry and cure ensures buds are smooth to smoke, flavourful, and free from mould. Before you start, make sure you’re kitted with the right tools and gear from Grow Folk’s Harvesting, Drying & Curing collection. From trimming scissors to drying racks, it’s all there.
Drying Cannabis: The First Step
Dry Trimming vs Wet Trimming
Dry Trimming: Buds are dried first, then trimmed.
Wet Trimming: Buds are trimmed straight after harvest, then dried.
Each method has its pros and cons. Wet trimming speeds up the drying process, while dry trimming helps retain the plant’s shape and terpene profile.
How Long Does Drying Take?
Drying typically takes 2 to 7 days, depending on trimming method, environmental conditions, and plant size.
With dry trimming, hang whole plants or branches upside down using string or hangers.
With wet trimming, place trimmed buds on mesh drying racks to allow airflow.
When Is Cannabis Dry Enough?
Check the stems after a few days. If a stem snaps cleanly when bent, the buds are dry. If it only bends, give it more time.
Setting Up a Cannabis Drying Room
Ideal Conditions for Drying
Temperature: between 16–21°C
Humidity: between 55–65%
Darkness: light degrades potency
Airflow: use a small fan (not directly on buds)
To monitor your environment, a reliable hygrometer is essential. The ProHygro Medium from Grow Folk is perfect for tracking humidity and temperature in your drying space.
“A slow, steady dry and cure is the difference between mediocre weed and top-shelf flower—preserving terpenes, boosting flavour, and ensuring a smoother smoke.”
Curing Cannabis: The Secret to Great Buds
Once dry, buds go into curing jars. This is where the real magic happens—developing smooth smoke, better aroma, and full potency.
How to Cure Cannabis Properly
Place dried buds into airtight containers like glass jars or sealed storage tubs.
Technically yes, but it’s not worth it. Quick-dried or rushed-cured buds often result in harsh smoke and lackluster flavour.
What humidity should buds be at before curing?
Buds should feel dry on the outside but still have some internal moisture. Ideal jar humidity is 55–65%.
Should I use a fan?
Yes—but don’t point it directly at your buds. Air movement helps prevent mould and evens out the drying process.
Why is curing important?
Curing breaks down leftover chlorophyll and sugars while locking in terpenes and cannabinoids. The result? A better burn, smoother flavour, and maximum potency.
Final Thoughts
Drying and curing might be the most overlooked part of the grow cycle, but it’s where quality is truly defined. Take it slow, use the right tools, and you’ll be rewarded with flavourful, fragrant, and powerful buds.
Explore the full range of drying, curing, and storage gear at Grow Folk to make the most of your harvest.
The Ultimate Guide to Drying and Curing Cannabis in South Africa
Drying and curing your cannabis harvest is a crucial step that directly affects the quality, taste, and overall experience of your final product. Done right, these processes preserve the plant’s natural terpenes and cannabinoids, while removing excess chlorophyll and eliminating the harsh, green taste.
Download our Groen Seeds Drying & Curing Checklist
Why Drying and Curing Matter
After harvesting, cannabis buds still contain a significant amount of moisture—up to 75% of their weight. Drying removes most of this moisture, while curing refines the flavour and texture of the flower. A proper dry and cure ensures buds are smooth to smoke, flavourful, and free from mould. Before you start, make sure you’re kitted with the right tools and gear from Grow Folk’s Harvesting, Drying & Curing collection. From trimming scissors to drying racks, it’s all there.
Drying Cannabis: The First Step
Dry Trimming vs Wet Trimming
How Long Does Drying Take?
Drying typically takes 2 to 7 days, depending on trimming method, environmental conditions, and plant size.
When Is Cannabis Dry Enough?
Check the stems after a few days. If a stem snaps cleanly when bent, the buds are dry. If it only bends, give it more time.
Setting Up a Cannabis Drying Room
Ideal Conditions for Drying
Curing Cannabis: The Secret to Great Buds
Once dry, buds go into curing jars. This is where the real magic happens—developing smooth smoke, better aroma, and full potency.
How to Cure Cannabis Properly
If you prefer a tech-savvy approach, the Grove TerpLoc Windowed Humidity Bag offers a convenient all-in-one solution for curing and storing.
How Long Does Curing Take?
Storing Your Cannabis After Curing
Properly cured cannabis can stay potent and flavourful for up to two years—if stored correctly.
Ideal Storage Conditions
The Transparent Storage Bin with Seals is ideal for storing large quantities while keeping your buds fresh, clean, and protected.
FAQs: Drying & Curing Cannabis
Can I speed up drying or curing?
Technically yes, but it’s not worth it. Quick-dried or rushed-cured buds often result in harsh smoke and lackluster flavour.
What humidity should buds be at before curing?
Buds should feel dry on the outside but still have some internal moisture. Ideal jar humidity is 55–65%.
Should I use a fan?
Yes—but don’t point it directly at your buds. Air movement helps prevent mould and evens out the drying process.
Why is curing important?
Curing breaks down leftover chlorophyll and sugars while locking in terpenes and cannabinoids. The result? A better burn, smoother flavour, and maximum potency.
Final Thoughts
Drying and curing might be the most overlooked part of the grow cycle, but it’s where quality is truly defined. Take it slow, use the right tools, and you’ll be rewarded with flavourful, fragrant, and powerful buds.
Explore the full range of drying, curing, and storage gear at Grow Folk to make the most of your harvest.
Check out our other articles on 10 Essential Cannabis Harvesting Tools for Home Growers, Understanding Light Hours in South Africa: A Comprehensive Guide for Growers, Solving Common Cannabis Plant Issues: A Grower’s Guide, How to Harvest Cannabis Plants, How to Grow Cannabis Indoors.
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