Quick answer:
- If the jar smell changes every day or RH swings hard after sealing, you are not stable yet. Fix the dry. Do not hide it with a pack.
- Use 62% to finish and stabilize the cure (smoother burn, less harshness).
- Use 58% after stability to lock the jar for longer-term storage.
Back to hub: Curing hub (overview + related curing pages).
Decision table (bookmark this)
| Goal | Use | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Finish cure / stabilize jar | 62% | Helps moisture equalize and settle the jar once drying is correct. |
| Long-term storage / “lock it” | 58% | Reduces moisture slightly to keep jars steady and shelf-ready. |
| Wet core / early jar / smell swings | Neither (yet) | Pull it out and re-stabilize. Packs do not fix trapped moisture. |
Stability checklist (the only real test)
You are “stable” when your jar stops changing. That is the whole game.
- Smell stays consistent day-to-day (no wild swings).
- Texture is even (not crispy outside with a spongey center).
- No moisture events: no fogging, no beads, no “wet pocket” areas.
- If you use a hygrometer: RH settles and stays predictable after sealing.
If you are not stable, do not “set it and forget it.” Unstable jars are how people create mold risk and ruin aroma.
When to use 62%
- You dried evenly and the jar is close to stable but still benefits from finishing time.
- You want smoother smoke and less throat bite.
- You are correcting a slightly dry jar without trying to rehydrate aggressively.
62% is the finish setting. It is not a rescue for a bad dry.
When to step down from 62 to 58
- Jar smell is consistent for several days.
- Texture is even across the bud (no wet-core feel).
- Your burn feels stable (less harsh, more predictable).
When to use 58%
- You already hit stability and you want a slightly drier, shelf-ready jar.
- You are storing long term and prefer less moisture risk.
- You care about preventing swings more than chasing maximum softness.
58% is the lock setting. Use it after you are stable.
Common mistakes that ruin jars
- Jarring too early (wet core).
- Trying to “fix” trapped moisture with packs instead of re-stabilizing.
- Storing warm or in light (oxidation and aroma drift).
- Opening constantly and wondering why the jar never settles.
Step 1 is always the dry: see Drying cannabis correctly.
FAQ
Can 62% cause mold?
If the flower is wet inside (early jar / wet core), yes. 62% is safe only when drying was correct and the jar is stable.
Can 58% make my flower too dry?
Yes, if you go to 58% too early or your flower was already borderline dry. Finish stability first.
Do humidity packs replace curing?
No. Packs help maintain humidity. They do not automatically complete the cure or fix a bad dry.
What is the simplest indicator the cure is not finished?
The jar smell changes every day and the burn stays sharp even when the bud looks frosty.
Related reads:
Next steps
- Drying cannabis correctly — Curing only works when drying is stable and boring.
- Why cannabis loses terpenes after harvest — Humidity decisions are terpene decisions.
- Why retail cannabis cannot be properly cured — Why commercial packaging fights real curing.
- Gear Library (Curing kits) — Humidors, packs, and monitoring to keep jars stable.