Recommended Humidity for Curing Cannabis
The recommended humidity for curing cannabis is 62% relative humidity. This level is the top pick. It preserves terpenes. It prevents mold. Curing takes 2 to 4 weeks. Temperature should be 60°F to 70°F. Air circulation must be low. Light must be absent.
Top Pick: 62% Relative Humidity
62% relative humidity is the top pick for curing cannabis. At 62% RH, water activity stays below 0.65. Mold requires water activity above 0.65. 62% RH slows drying. Slow drying lets enzymes break down chlorophyll. Chlorophyll causes harsh smoke. 62% RH keeps terpenes in the flower. Terpenes evaporate at low humidity. A study from Royal Queen Seeds says 55% to 62% RH preserves terpenes. Penn State Extension says 55% to 65% RH for curing rooms. Use a hygrometer to measure. Use two-way humidity packets to hold 62%.
best humidity for cannabis storage with boveda
Option 2: 58% Relative Humidity
58% relative humidity is an option for storage after curing. 58% RH reduces mold risk more than 62%. But 58% RH causes slight terpene loss. Use 58% RH if you live in a humid climate. Use 58% RH for long-term storage over 6 months. Buds stay less sticky at 58% RH. Some growers prefer 58% RH for vaping. Vaping works better with drier flower.
Option 3: 55% Relative Humidity
55% relative humidity is an option for short-term storage or if buds are wet. 55% RH dries buds fast. Fast drying traps chlorophyll. Chlorophyll makes smoke harsh. 55% RH causes terpene loss. Terpenes are volatile. 55% RH is below the recommended range for curing. Use 55% RH only if you must avoid mold. Mold risk drops at 55% RH. But quality drops too.
What Humidity Should Cannabis Be Stored At?
Tools to Measure and Control Humidity
- Hygrometer: measures relative humidity. Place inside jar. Calibrate with salt test.
- Two-way humidity packets: hold 62%, 58%, or 55% RH. Replace every 2 to 3 months.
- Mason jars: glass, airtight, 1 quart or 1 gallon. Fill 3/4 full.
- Burping: open jars for 5 to 10 minutes each day for first week. Then each week.
How to Cure: Step-by-Step
- Dry plants until stems snap. Not bend.
- Trim buds. Keep sugar leaves.
- Place buds in jars. Fill 3/4 full.
- Add 62% humidity packet. Seal jar.
- Keep jars at 60°F to 70°F. In darkness.
- Burp each day for first week. Then each week for 2 to 4 weeks.
- Check hygrometer. Keep 62% RH.
Conclusion
62% relative humidity is the top pick for curing cannabis. 58% RH is for storage. 55% RH is for short-term or wet buds. Measure with a hygrometer. Control with two-way packets. Cure for 2 to 4 weeks. Burp jars. Keep temperature at 60°F to 70°F.