🌱 Cannabis Dry & Cure Timer

Get optimal temperature, humidity, and timeline recommendations for drying and curing your harvest

Calculate Your Dry & Cure Plan

Ambient Temperature (°F)

Current temperature of your drying space

Ambient Humidity (%)

Current relative humidity of your drying space

Harvest Quantity

Drying Method

Storage Container for Curing

Container you plan to use for the curing phase

Your Dry & Cure Plan

Estimated Drying Time (days)

Target Conditions

Temperature: 60-70°F

Humidity: 55-65%

Airflow: Gentle, indirect

Light: Dark preferred

Environment Assessment

Daily Check Schedule

Days 1-3

Check every 12 hours. Rotate buds/branches for even drying. Ensure adequate airflow and look for any signs of mold.

Days 3-7

Check daily. Feel for outer dryness -- the outside of buds should start feeling dry to the touch while the inside may still be moist.

Days 7-14

Check stems daily. When small stems snap (don't bend), drying is complete. Larger stems may still have slight flexibility. Buds should feel dry on the outside but not crispy.

Cure Timeline

Week 1-2: Initial Cure

Burp jars 2-3 times daily for 10-15 minutes. Check for ammonia smell (indicates too much moisture -- leave lids off for an hour). This is the most critical curing period.

Week 2-4: Good Cure

Burp jars once daily for 5-10 minutes. Buds should be developing improved aroma. Chlorophyll breakdown is in progress, resulting in smoother smoke.

Week 4+: Excellent Cure

Burp jars 1-2 times per week. Terpene profiles are maturing, flavor complexity is increasing, and the smoke is becoming notably smoother. Many growers cure for 8+ weeks for premium results.

Humidity Pack Recommendation

Pro Tips for Your Conditions

Start low, go slow!

THE MORE YOU KNOW: The Drying & Curing Process

The Science of Drying

Drying cannabis is the process of slowly removing moisture from freshly harvested buds. Ideally, buds should go from roughly 75-80% water content down to 10-15% over 7-14 days. Slow drying at cool temperatures preserves terpenes (the aromatic compounds responsible for flavor and therapeutic effects) that would otherwise evaporate in higher heat. Proper drying also begins the conversion of non-psychoactive THCA into active THC.

Terpene Preservation

Terpenes are volatile compounds that evaporate at relatively low temperatures. Monoterpenes like myrcene and limonene begin evaporating around 70°F, which is why keeping drying temperatures at or below 70°F is crucial. Drying too fast or at high temperatures results in harsh, flavorless cannabis -- even if the THC content remains high. A slow, cool dry preserves the full spectrum of terpenes that contribute to the entourage effect.

Curing Chemistry

Curing is a controlled aging process that occurs after drying. During curing, aerobic bacteria break down residual chlorophyll and sugars that cause harsh, "green" or "hay-like" taste. Enzymatic processes convert remaining THCA to THC, potentially increasing potency. The breakdown of chlorophyll is why properly cured cannabis tastes smooth while quick-dried cannabis tastes harsh. Curing also allows moisture to redistribute evenly throughout the bud from the inside out.

Why Patience Matters

Rushing the dry or cure is the most common mistake new growers make. Quick-dried cannabis at high temperatures may look and feel ready, but it will taste harsh, lack flavor complexity, and may have reduced potency. The difference between a 5-day quick dry and a proper 10-day slow dry followed by a 4-week cure is dramatic -- like the difference between cheap wine and a properly aged vintage.

HOW TO USE THIS Calculator

Measure the temperature and humidity of your drying space using a hygrometer
Enter your ambient temperature in degrees Fahrenheit
Enter your ambient relative humidity percentage
Select the size of your harvest (number of plants)
Choose your preferred drying method based on available equipment
Select the container you plan to use for curing
Click "Calculate Dry & Cure Plan" to get your customized recommendations
Follow the daily check schedule and cure timeline for best results

CALC'S FAQ HOTLINE

How long does it take to dry cannabis?

Cannabis typically takes 7-14 days to dry when hung as whole plants, 5-10 days when hung as branches, 5-8 days on a drying rack, or 7-10 days using the paper bag method. Actual drying time depends on temperature, humidity, and airflow in your drying space.

How do I prevent mold during drying?

To prevent mold, maintain humidity between 55-65%, ensure good air circulation (gentle fan, not blowing directly on buds), keep temperatures between 60-70°F, and check for mold daily. If humidity is above 70%, use a dehumidifier immediately and consider trimming more leaves to expose buds to airflow.

When should I start curing cannabis?

Start curing when small stems snap (not bend) when folded, the outside of the buds feels dry but not crispy, and the buds no longer feel wet or spongy. This typically occurs after 7-14 days of drying. If stems still bend, continue drying.

What is the best container for curing cannabis?

Mason jars (wide-mouth quart size) are the most popular and recommended curing container. CVault stainless steel containers are excellent for larger quantities. Grove Bags offer built-in humidity control. Turkey bags work in a pinch but are not ideal for long-term curing.

How long should I cure cannabis?

A minimum cure of 2 weeks is recommended, but 4-8 weeks produces noticeably better results. The curing process breaks down chlorophyll and refines terpene profiles, resulting in smoother smoke, better flavor, and improved potency. Some growers cure for 6 months or more for premium results.

What does burping jars mean?

Burping jars means opening your curing containers to exchange stale air with fresh air and release built-up moisture. During the first two weeks, burp 2-3 times daily for 10-15 minutes. Weeks 2-4, burp once daily for 5-10 minutes. After week 4, burp 1-2 times per week. This prevents mold and ensures an even cure.