A Couple Tips
- Harvest when the cannabis is mature. You can see this with a 30x-60x magnification scope. 5-15% of the trichomes will have turned amber. Harvest before and you lose potency (45 minute high), harvest after and you lose THC to CBN, which makes you sleepy.
- Use plain water the last 2 weeks in soil and the last 5 days in hydro
- SLOW DRY (7-10 days) using a clean air place with 55% humidity and 70F temps
The Grassy Smell is Chlorophyll Breaking Down
Same reason your lawn smells after being cut. Wet, warm cananbis will cause chlorophyll to break down with the grassy smell you don't appreciate. Causes an off-taste as well if left unchecked.
Dry Properly Before the Cure
I hang my branches and when the stem of a flower barely cracks as I break it off, the moisture is about right. (When dried in a 55%Rh/70F area) This is when I put them in jars and place them in a dark area about 68F. Check them 8 hrs later and they're rehydrated. Open the containers and let them dry out for an hour before re-closing. Let them sit a good 12 hrs and check again.
Use a Hygrometer
Pop a digital hygrometer into a jar with your cannabis flowers. After 12hrs at 70F, you're looking for 55% RH. More than 55%, keep opening the jars every 12 hours for an hour. (burping) Lower than 55%? Oops. :( No cure for those flowers. They won't mold though. :)
Once the cannabis is at 55%, seal it up in an airtight (preferably glass) container and it's on to the cure.
The Cure Takes Place While the Cannabis Sits
The longer the container sits without opening, the longer you can say it has 'cured.'
That's some really good and thorough advice. I appreciate all the specifics, it'll really help so I can quantify my process. I appreciate it!
My pleasure. :)
You'll love the terpene preservation when you get the hang of it. ;)