The Cure

PecosTheCat · Post by **PecosTheCat** » Sat 22nd May 2010 07:24 am

I'm getting ready for my first plunge into growing my own stash. I'm starting with an outdoor grow of autoflower AK47. I know there is not a lot of love for autoflowers here, but so be it. I'm a bit limited for space, need to be discrete and my consumption habits are very modest.

I'm looking for a bit of advice and suggestions with regards to the best technique for drying and curing bud. A good cure and the taste associated is very important for me and I really want to use the best technique. Time really isn't a consideration. I'm looking for the best result.

Boner · Post by **Boner** » Sat 22nd May 2010 08:16 am

Dry it at a constant temp until the branches snap then put the weed in a sealed glass jar 'burping it' (opening it to let the air circulate) for at least 2 weeks, the longer you do the latter the better.

PecosTheCat · Post by **PecosTheCat** » Sat 22nd May 2010 10:35 am

Sounds easy enough. I'll have to check to see if Ball Mason jars has a local distributor where I can buy their goods.

Boner wrote:Dry it at a constant temp until the branches snap then put the weed in a sealed glass jar 'burping it' (opening it to let the air circulate) for at least 2 weeks, the longer you do the latter the better.

Uncle Ron · Post by **Uncle Ron** » Wed 9th Jun 2010 08:51 pm

Drying - Dry the bud in a darkened area, temps between 65F-75F (room temp), low humidity, with fresh air exchange. Either hang the bud while attached to the stem/stalk, or make a drying rack. Procure some insect netting, wood, a few nails, four eyelet screws, and some string. Build two frames, stretch the netting around one of the frames tightly, then join the frames. Trim off excess netting. Screw in the eyelet screws, one on each corner, attach the string and hang.
You could also search the internet and find prefab racks that may suit your needs as well.

Curing - According to most experts, glass is the best material to use for curing, and mason jars fit the bill nicely. I once used a glass casserole dish with a locking plastic lid. Worked like a charm.

To start off, I only fill the container(s) 1/2 to 3/4. I place the container(s) in a dark place at room temperature (like a kitchen cabinet). During the first two weeks, I open the container every day for approximately one hour. During the third and typically final week, I open the container every other day, also for one hour. FYI - Look over the bud carefully and pay attention for signs of mold.

Cure is done when you are satisfied.

Good luck.

metal4mullets · Post by **metal4mullets** » Thu 10th Jun 2010 11:19 pm

All the previous advice was absolutely great.

I'd like to add that, for me personally, I've never been able to dry to the point where the stems would snap. The bud ALWAYS gets too crispy before this point. It all depends on ambient temp, humidity, and air circulation.

Drying is best done by hanging, IMO. At one point, to be frugal, I used hobby-wire (the kind you use for hanging picture frames) strung between a couple of chairs. To hang the branches I used small paperclips (new and CLEAN) which I bent one leg out and pushed through the ends. You then get a little "hook" you can use to place the branch on the wire.

In my experience, it's taken about 3-4 days before the bud starts to get crispy. If you gently squeeze the buds you'll feel them crinkle. If they're really crispy they're TOO dry. As soon as they start getting crispy, I'll gently place them in a brown paper bag for another day or two before they go in to the jars.

For curing, I use large sealable stoneware jars that are completely dark inside. You can get them at department stores and they're supposed to be for storing flour, sugar, and all that. Use the "burping" procedures described above and you should be all set

USbongLord · Post by **USbongLord** » Fri 11th Jun 2010 01:10 am

hehehehehe....you kids think way too much....hang till snap,smoke..put in container,smoke some more...orange peels and other crap invites mildew and mold..

murphyscafe · Post by **murphyscafe** » Fri 11th Jun 2010 08:42 pm

USBONGLORD wrote:hehehehehe....you kids think way too much....hang till snap,smoke..put in container,smoke some more...orange peels and other crap invites mildew and mold..

^^^^
what he said!

echc1 · Post by **echc1** » Thu 17th Jun 2010 12:36 pm

^^^^ i'm with them.....you gotta keep doing test burns until you know it's ready...and why use wires and other kit....you got side branches!? there are yer hooks and an old coat wire hanger/string is ideal in an airing cupboard to string up as you harvest...might need a few though unless you have a staggered harvest.....to avoid fook ups, remember K.I.S.S./Keep It Simple Stupid !!! it works...it's not rocket science....happy drying

Ghost · Post by **Ghost** » Thu 17th Jun 2010 02:54 pm

echc1 wrote:^^^^ i'm with them.....you gotta keep doing test burns until you know it's ready...and why use wires and other kit....you got side branches!? there are yer hooks and an old coat wire hanger/string is ideal in an airing cupboard to string up as you harvest...might need a few though unless you have a staggered harvest.....to avoid fook ups, remember K.I.S.S./Keep It Simple Stupid !!! it works...it's not rocket science....happy drying

Agreed with the above posts, the branch's are your hooks, i just hook the side buds over a piece of string that i pin up, leave till stems just snap/crack, then stick it in your jars, as Usbl said smoke and cure at the same time, especially with all the shite weed in this country