Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Cure Puck? 

The Cure Puck is a smart IoT device that helps ensure perfect curing every time by measuring key indicators in the headspace, the environment in the curing room, and automatically burping containers when required.

Who is the Cure Puck for? 

People who currently cure and want to automate their process.

People who do not know how to cure and want to improve their flower quality.

People who love to know every data point and want to perfect their craft.

Who is a Cure Puck not for? 

Those who believe Curing is Bro Science – sorry the Cure Puck will not be a fit.

Why use a Cure Puck? 

To experience the full potential of a harvest.

Why is a Cure Puck better than simply manually burping the container? 

There is nothing wrong with manually burping a container assuming you regularly remember to do it, know exactly when to do it, and know how much air to exchange (assuming the air you are introducing is controlled as well). The advantage of Cure Puck is it gives more insight into when to burp and for how long. It does this automatically, so you know you are getting the best results every time. Introducing too much very dry air can ruin the cure. As well as introducing too much moist air.

Why is the Cure Puck better than a hygrometer? 

A hygrometer is a common tool for monitoring the relative humidity of curing flower. Unfortunately, most hygrometers do not have the accuracy required for effective decision making. Typically, hygrometers under $100 have an accuracy of +/- 4%, and rapidly lose accuracy. Considering the sweet spot of flower curing is 60% – 63% RH, a meter’s accuracy is important. The Cure Puck uses high accuracy sensors that are +/- 1%. These sensors are also user replaceable. The Cure Puck measures water activity, CO2, temperature, room environment, and burps the container the perfect amount when required. It provides alerts if the flower is at risk of microbial growth.

Can I program the Cure Puck to simply automate my current curing process? 

Yes. If you have a defined process that produces well-cured flower, you can program the Cure Puck to automatically burp based on your parameters.

How do I control the Cure Puck? 

This Cure Puck can be monitored and controlled manually through an onboard interface, automatically with onboard programs or algorithms, or remotely through a web interface.

Is curing flower important?

Those who have been cultivating high-quality flower for a long time and have experienced the difference in well-cured flower certainly understand the benefit. When done correctly, curing makes a noticeable improvement in overall quality, shelf life, and stickiness.

What does it mean to cure flower? 

Curing flower preserves, enhances, and stabilizes the desired properties of flower such as flavor, aroma, potency, water activity, and shelf life. Curing takes place after a flower plant has been cut down and most of the moisture has been removed through the drying process – an 80% reduction in original wet weight. Curing can begin once this majority of moisture has been removed. The remaining moisture is removed and stabilized slowly and controlled in a cool environment. This extends biosynthesis and respiration which allows enzymatic reactions to take place. These reactions occur within cells and involve enzymes, which are proteins that act as catalysts to facilitate and accelerate specific chemical reactions. Enzymatic reactions can breakdown glucose, starches, and chlorophyll improving flavor and aroma. These reactions create other compounds such as cannabinoids and terpenes. This process involves the polymerization of terpenes and other organic compounds, which can form larger, more complex molecules that contribute to the unique characteristics of different flower strains.

What gases are given off in the curing process?

Various gases are produced in curing flower. The most critical gas is water vapor. CO2, particularly in the initial stages of curing can climb up to 2500ppm. Ethylene is produced in low levels, typically below 10ppm. Ammonia can be produced if too much heat and moisture is present during curing. This can produce the cat pee aroma of low-quality flower. Aldehydes, such as hexanal, and their corresponding alcohols and esters are produced when flower is wet trimmed and cured. This combination produces a Cut Grass smell and dissipates over time. 

Is Oxygen good or bad for curing?

Oxygen plays dual roles in curing. It provides the fuel for aerobic activity to take place and enhance the cure process. This process called respiration is the breakdown of stored organic matter such as glucose and carbohydrates by enzymes. This process consumes oxygen and produces CO2. Alternatively, over an extended period, too much oxygen can lead to oxidization. In dried flower oxidization can lead to the breakdown of organic compounds, such as cannabinoids and terpenes. This process can cause a loss of potency, undesirable changes in flavor, aroma, and deterioration in appearance. Proper storage in a cool, dark, airtight container is necessary.

What is the difference between Respiration and Biosynthesis? 

Respiration and biosynthesis are two distinct processes that occur in living organisms. Respiration is the process by which living organisms break down stored organic matter, such as carbohydrates, to produce energy for cellular activities. This process requires oxygen and releases carbon dioxide as a by-product. Biosynthesis, on the other hand, is the process by which living organisms create new organic matter, such as proteins and other complex molecules, from simpler compounds. In flower, biosynthesis is responsible for the production of cannabinoids, terpenes, and other compounds that contribute to the plant’s unique effects, flavor, and aroma. While biosynthesis is most prevalent in the growing and flowering stages of flower, there is evidence this process continues into the preliminary stages of curing.

What gases does the Cure Puck monitor?

Currently, Cure Puck monitors Water Vapor and CO2. Future versions of the Cure Puck may monitor additional gases that are curing markers. At this point, the current monitoring is sufficient to produce a consistent cure.

What is the ideal range of CO2 in curing flower?

The presence of CO2 indicates respiration is taking place – this is a good sign. This can range from 450ppm to 2500ppm and will vary depending on the stage of the cure and the amount the gas is burped. The ambient CO2 levels in Alaska average 400ppm, whereas Bangkok Thailand can exceed 800ppm.

Does a lack of CO2 during curing signify curing has stopped?

While it is an indicator that respiration has dramatically slowed or stopped, it is not a clear indication curing has stopped.

What is the ideal range of Water Vapor?

This can depend on the cultivar being cured, the density and structure of that cultivar, the temperature, and flower on or off the stalk. Ensuring all measurements are taken at a consistent temperature is particularly important. It is recommended to stay between 60F and 65F (15.5C – 18.3C). Do not exceed 70F (21C). In most cases, the ideal range is .60 – .62 water activity. The higher the number, the more moisture in the flower. Over .63 water activity for an extended period can put the flower at risk of microbial growth.

Does curing flower improve quality?

Curing improves the burn, aroma, flavor, and shelf life. Curing has a distinct effect on the flower terpene profile – the flower’s essence will have a different expression after curing. Instead of distinct notes, the aroma is often described as a sweeter compilation or medley. A well-executed curing process can enhance the presence of flavonoids, leading to a richer and more complex flavor profile in the final product. There are anecdotal reports that curing increases potency; however, we have been unable to verify this with lab testing.

What does well-cured flower feel like?

When squeezed, it will compress and then puff back up – like a fresh marshmallow. After the squeeze, it will stick to your finger and hang from it – the longer the better. When pulled from your finger the trichomes sometimes create thin, sticky, and stretchy strings. The stem inside will snap and make a faint audible crack sound. Any trichome covered sugar leaves will be slightly pliable, not brittle.

What is the difference between Terpenes and Terpenoids?

While the terms terpenes and terpenoids are often used interchangeably in the context of flower, technically speaking, terpenes are the primary aromatic compounds found in flower, while terpenoids refer to terpenes that have undergone some form of chemical modification.

What are anthocyanins and their interaction with curing?

While anthocyanins are not a primary concern in flower curing, their presence may have some minor implications for the overall quality and appearance of the final product.

How long does curing flower take?

This depends on many factors. The most important being the moisture content or water activity of the flower. If flower is overdried, curing becomes difficult and often impossible – so in that sense, there is no point trying to cure. The slower the moisture can be removed and stabilized, the longer the curing process will take. At a minimum, 10 days is recommended for curing. Often changes such as a sweeter aroma are not noticeable for 21 days (about 3 weeks).

Should the flower be trimmed before curing?

We recommend the flower be trimmed before curing. If you choose not to trim, it is recommended you remove all fan leaves as they can produce an excess earthy aroma. Trimming after curing can be more difficult as the leaves can be stickier which gums up scissors.

Should the flower be on or off the stalk when curing?

You can cure on the stalk, or off the stalk. A slower and longer cure can be achieved when flower is left on the stalk as moisture can be pulled from the stalk lengthening the biosynthesis period. However, this method requires significantly more container space than bucked flower. Bucked flower requires fewer containers and labor as it takes up less space.

How full should the curing container be when curing?

The container should never be more than ¾ full (ideally no more than ½ full). The headspace in the container – the air above the flower – will accumulate the gas and moisture produced by biosynthesis and respiration in the curing process and the stabilizing of water activity. Insufficient headspace is detrimental to the curing process.