Observer
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im sure you know more than me about this but i was curious and just to possibly add more information i ran it through gemini and chatgpt and just to see what they spit out.
GPT -
- Bro science and placebo: There's a lot of anecdotal evidence and personal experiences (bro science) when it comes to cannabis. People often share what has worked for them, but it might not always be scientifically validated.
- What is a cure?: In the context of cannabis, curing refers to the process of drying and aging the buds after they are harvested. This process is believed to enhance flavor and potency by allowing certain chemical changes to occur in the plant material.
- Does it get less harsh over time?: Many users report that properly cured cannabis is smoother and less harsh to smoke or vaporize compared to freshly harvested buds. This perception could be influenced by both subjective experiences and potential chemical changes during curing.
- Chlorophyll breaking down: It's commonly believed that curing helps break down chlorophyll, which can contribute to a smoother smoke. However, the extent to which chlorophyll specifically breaks down over a month-long curing process may vary and hasn't been extensively studied in all contexts.
ok do we do this with any other fruits herbs or things we smoke?
Curing is a process primarily associated with cannabis due to its unique characteristics and the specific effects it aims to achieve. However, similar principles of drying and aging are applied to other herbs and agricultural products for various purposes:
- Tobacco: Tobacco leaves undergo a curing process after harvest to reduce their moisture content and develop flavors desired by smokers. Curing can involve air-drying, flue-curing (using heated air), or sun-curing methods.
- Tea: Some types of tea undergo a curing or fermentation process after harvesting to develop their characteristic flavors. For example, black tea undergoes fermentation, while green tea is typically steamed or pan-fired to prevent fermentation.
- Herbs: Culinary herbs such as basil, oregano, and thyme are often dried after harvest to preserve them for culinary use. Proper drying helps retain their flavors and aromas for extended periods.
- Fruits and Vegetables: While not exactly curing, many fruits and vegetables are dried or undergo controlled drying processes to preserve them for longer storage periods. This is common with fruits like apples (dried into apple chips) and vegetables like tomatoes (sun-dried tomatoes).
- Meat: Curing in the context of meat involves the preservation process where salt, nitrates, or sugar are applied to meat to inhibit microbial growth and enhance flavor. This process is often seen in products like bacon, ham, and sausages.
Gemini
Curing and Harshness:
- Moisture: The key to smooth smoke is well-cured bud. Properly cured weed has lower moisture content, around 10-15%. This allows for a slower, more even burn that produces less irritation in your throat. Harsh smoke often comes from bud that's too wet, which burns hot and quick.
- Terpenes: These aromatic compounds in weed contribute to flavor and effects. Some terpenes, like pinene and myrcene, are known for their smoother smoke. During curing, some harsher terpenes might degrade, contributing to a smoother experience.
- The science on chlorophyll breakdown specifically is inconclusive. While chlorophyll might contribute slightly to harshness, its role in the "cure" is likely less significant than moisture control.
- If smoking is too harsh, consider alternative methods:
- Vaporizing: Heats weed to a point where cannabinoids vaporize but doesn't combust, potentially creating a smoother inhale.
- Edibles: THC is absorbed through the digestive system, bypassing the lungs entirely.
- Everyone's experience is unique. Experiment with different strains, curing methods (if you grow), and consumption methods to find what works best for you.
- Freshness matters. Properly stored weed (airtight container, cool, dark place) can maintain quality for 6 months to a year. Beyond that, it might lose potency and become harsher.
what is a cure
In the context of cannabis, It refers specifically to the drying and aging process that cannabis flower undergoes after harvest.
Here's a breakdown of the curing process:
- Drying: Freshly harvested cannabis has a high moisture content. The goal is to slowly dry the flower, typically at temperatures around 60-70°F (15-21°C) with good air circulation. This prevents mold growth and allows the chlorophyll to break down.
- Aging: Once dried to a specific moisture level (around 10-15%), the cannabis flowers are placed in airtight containers for a period of weeks (usually 2-4). This allows for further breakdown of chlorophyll and other compounds, potentially leading to a smoother smoke, enhanced flavor, and improved potency.
- Improved Quality: Curing can create a smoother smoke, enhance the flavor profile of the terpenes, and potentially increase the potency.
- Preservation: Properly cured cannabis has a longer shelf life and is less susceptible to mold growth.
Do we do this with any other fruits herbs or things we smoke?
You're right, curing isn't unique to cannabis. Curing or air-drying is a technique used for various purposes with some fruits, herbs, and even tobacco. Here's a breakdown:
Fruits:
- Sun-dried fruits like raisins, prunes, and figs undergo a drying process similar to cannabis curing. Here, the goal is to remove most of the moisture content to preserve the fruit and concentrate its flavors. Curing isn't typically used, but drying achieves a similar effect.
- Drying herbs like rosemary, thyme, and basil is a common preservation method. Unlike cannabis curing, herbs are typically dried quickly at warmer temperatures (around 95-115°F) to retain their volatile oils and color. Curing wouldn't be beneficial here.
- Tobacco curing is a specific process that involves drying and manipulating the leaves to achieve desired flavors and burning characteristics. There are different curing methods for tobacco depending on the type (flue-cured, air-cured, etc.) While similar to cannabis curing in some ways, the specific goals and techniques differ.
