When to harvest
Ripeness shows in the trichomes, the small resin glands on the buds. Under a loupe or phone scope, clear trichomes indicate it isn't ready, milky or cloudy indicates peak potency, and amber leans toward a heavier, more sedative effect. A common harvest point is mostly cloudy with some amber. Pistils (the hairs) browning and curling in is a rougher secondary signal.
Drying
Hang the trimmed branches in a dark space around 60°F and 55 to 60% humidity, with gentle air circulation rather than air aimed at the buds. A 7 to 14 day dry is typical. It's ready when small stems snap instead of bending. A rushed dry is a common cause of harsh flower.
Curing
Once dried, seal the buds in airtight glass jars filled about three-quarters full, with a small hygrometer inside. Target 58 to 62% humidity. For the first week or two, open the jars ("burping") for a few minutes daily to release moisture and exchange air, then less often. A cure of 2 to 4 weeks or more smooths the smoke and develops aroma, and accounts for much of the difference in final quality.
If a jar reads above about 65% or smells of ammonia, leave the lid off until it drops. That smell is an early sign of mold.
Trimming
You can trim wet, right after cutting, which is stickier but easier to shape, or dry, after drying, which is gentler on the buds. Either way, remove the large fan leaves and tidy the smaller sugar leaves around the buds. Spring-loaded fine-tip scissors make the job easier.