In the unlikely event that you have tried smoking cannabis and were turned off by how harsh the taste was and how much it felt like freshly cut grass, the cannabis may not have been cured.
It is not advised to smoke uncured marijuana without an online marijuana doctor’s advice, even though it is theoretically possible. Not only does smoking uncured cannabis have a bad taste and smell, but it also lowers the quality of the bud and makes it more likely that mold or mildew will grow on it.
Cured Weed vs. Uncured Weed: What’s the Difference?
The components of cannabis begin to degrade as soon as it is harvested.
Its progression is slowed down by the curing process. Curing is a traditional method of preserving organic material using various plants and other biodegradable materials.
Properly cured marijuana differs from uncured marijuana in a number of ways. These include the cannabis’s strength, duration of effects, aroma, tastes, and the whole smoking experience.
Potency
More tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) can be produced from tetrahydrocannabinol acid (THCA) and other trace cannabinoids when cannabis is cured. The main cannabinoid in cannabis that contributes to its euphoric effects is THC.
Additionally, curing slows down the process of degradation, which happens more quickly in uncured cannabis, and preserves the terpene profile and cannabinoids already present in the cannabis buds.
These are the reasons why curing marijuana helps it stay at its highest potency for longer.
How Long Does It Last?
Curing weeds stops moisture from growing and lets the remaining moisture escape. This aids in preventing the growth of mold, mildew, and airborne bacteria on the buds.
Furthermore, cured cannabis has a longer shelf life than uncured cannabis. Sometimes, it takes up to two years for cured cannabis to lose its potency and start to degrade the cannabinoids.
Commercial growers should pay special attention to this since they frequently need to find secure ways to store their cannabis until it is ready to be sold.
Scent
Curing marijuana produces a subtle scent when smoked, which helps to evaporate any moisture that may have remained in the buds during the drying process. This pleasing scent is also aided by the preservation of terpenes.
But uncured or improperly cured cannabis can have an ammonia-like smell, which is a sign of bacterial or mold growth. It may also smell like freshly cut grass, a sign that the buds have too much chlorophyll and that the curing process isn’t quite complete.
Flavors
All the flavors and scents you would anticipate from a cannabis plant are present in cured marijuana.
On the other hand, malcured cannabis frequently has an acrid taste. This is because the buds still contain all of the vegetative plant matter, including chlorophyll. Terpenes are essential to the development of distinct strain flavors, which is another reason their preservation is critical.
Smoke
Properly cured cannabis should have an ash color that is light gray or white when smoked. Users who use cured cannabis report smoother, gentler, and clearer smoke.
Cannabis that has been improperly cured is darker in color. It is said to be difficult to smoke and could hurt the lungs.
Can You Smoke Weed That Is Uncured?
Smoking uncured cannabis is not recommended if you want a smooth, fulfilling, and pleasurable cannabis experience.
It may not be enjoyable to smoke uncured cannabis because it is unlikely to have all the desirable flavors and aromas that cannabis has to offer. Additionally, using uncured marijuana may have certain negative effects, even though smoking it isn’t thought to be harmful. This might involve a sore throat that makes you cough, which could be brought on by the chlorophyll that did not decompose.
Nonetheless, some do consume uncured cannabis by inhaling live resin. Instead of drying and curing fresh cannabis buds, live resin is a cannabis concentrate made by freezing them right away.
One thing to keep in mind is that in order to use marijuana for medical purposes or to treat any health condition, you must obtain an online medical card that will allow you to use the drug legally without facing any legal ramifications.
How to Cure Cannabis Properly
Cannabis curing is a patient and time-consuming process.
In most cases, it takes two to four weeks. Some choose to cure their cannabis for up to six months in order to optimize its flavor, potency, and taste.
The moment the drying process is finished, the curing process should start. The primary indication that cannabis is ready for curing is when the buds can be easily snapped off with little force and the dried stems are brittle rather than flexible.
When curing cannabis, it is essential to make sure that the surrounding conditions are ideal. Important pointers consist of:
- Make appropriate storage use: Transfer the buds to a glass, ceramic, metal, or wooden jar that can be sealed tightly. Steer clear of plastic, as it might cause the buds to smell plasticy.
- Check the humidity in your space: A humidity of between 55% and 65% is ideal for the right amount of moisture content. The wet weed and moist buds may encourage the growth of microbes and reduce the amount of THC that is biosynthesized if the humidity is too high at this point. Conversely, too low a humidity level can cause the buds to dry out and lose their resinous compounds, which will lessen the potency of the buds.
- Ensure that the temperature is right: Make sure it’s between sixty and seventy degrees Fahrenheit (15 and 21 degrees Celsius).
- Don’t overfill the jars: Two-thirds of the jars should be filled with buds. This permits all of the buds to breathe and lowers the moisture content.
- Keep your cannabis away from light: To avoid UV light destroying the terpenes and cannabinoids, store the jars in a dark room.
It is necessary for you to “burp” the jars once or twice daily. To ensure uniform curing, this entails shaking the buds around in the jars for a few minutes after they are opened. Burping is an essential step, especially during the first week of curing, for the following reasons:
- It permits oxygen to enter the jars and the release of gases and moisture into the atmosphere.
- It enhances the flavors and scents of the buds.
- It lets you get rid of any mildew or mold that has developed on the buds.
In Conclusion
Although it might seem laborious, correctly curing cannabis is the last crucial step in getting it ready for ingestion. The flavor, aroma, and chemical composition of the buds are all preserved in cured cannabis, making the finished product strong and of the highest caliber.
While smoking uncured marijuana is probably not going to be harmful, there are a few reasons why it’s always advisable to be patient and take your time curing weed.

