After harvest, what next

[DasPachy]

Buds have been drying for 2 days now, what next? Few more days of drying, then 4-5 days in a paper bag? Then how long to cure?

DasPachy Reviewed by DasPachy on 02-14-2009. After harvest, what next Buds have been drying for 2 days now, what next? Few more days of drying, then 4-5 days in a paper bag? Then how long to cure? Rating: 5

[cigarettes42]

ish keep it out of the paper bag. when its dried just put your bud in a mason glass jar and cure it in there, while opening the jar for about 30 minutes from time to time and moving your buds around so it cures evenly.

[DasPachy]

Why do you say ixnay to the paper bag? I'm not disputing you, I'm just curious, some of the things I've read recommend the paper bag. So how long should the buds dry before curing?

[Loafyboy]

When the stems snap (make a snapping sound) instead of bending they are usually dry enough to start curing. I would use a jar or small airtight containers for curing. I'm not saying paper bags are wrong, just don't know anyone that has used them. You can always put a bit of newspaper in the jar with the buds when curing, and change the paper every few days. That can help with the curing process. And as cigarettes42 said, open the jar for a short while a few times a day to let out moist air. :thumbsup:

[cigarettes42]

Why do you say ixnay to the paper bag? I'm not disputing you, I'm just curious, some of the things I've read recommend the paper bag. So how long should the buds dry before curing?

people do use paper bags but if you use em they can dry your stuff out too fast. also air tight jars will allow the oils and resins to distribute better in your finished product by using jars. glass jars are also pretty steril from smell too with helps curing. ive heard of some people using paper and it picks up foreign smells

[Rusty Trichome]

I use a couple of methods:
(keep in mind, I grow for wife and self only)
If out of smoke, I'll break-down a plant to popcorn-sized buds, lay 'em out on a cookie sheet, and bake at 145 degrees f. (thc melts at around 170, so keep well below that) Set timer for an hour, and after it goes off, I check on progress, mix it a tad, and in for about 30 minutes to 45 minutes. (varies)
Works fine, but a tad harsher than slow-dry.

But for a slow cure I'll lay out the branches on a sheet of shade cloth (the green stuff...allows air circulation under the buds) for about two days. Remove buds from branches, stack 'em in a brown unwaxed grocery sack (white ones are usually waxed, and don't breathe) ...fold the top over to loosely close the bag. Check on the buds a couple of times daily, rotating the buds within the bag to avoid wet spots.

If your cannabis collects any odors while being in the bag...clean your friggin house.

Once your secondary (smaller) buds feel pretty dry, semi-pack in a glass jar for curing. (not too lose, not crammed-in) Give fresh air daily. (open jar, and leave open for 10 to 15 minutes per day, or remove from jar daily for a few minutes) If you forget to add fresh air daily...buds will mold and be unsmokable.