Well, all I can tell you is that this is how I've always done it -- like, for several decades -- and I've never had a problem. No fungus, no mold, no overly dry hay. ( I've let bag weed go dry, but never during cure.)
Understanding what is happening during the curing process may help you understand why it really IS as simple as it is. We want the moisture content to be consistent in the bud, meaning we want it to be as wet on the outside as it is on the intside while it is drying. That's why we put it in jars. When the lid is closed on the jar, the weed begins to sweat as the moisture from the inside moves to the outside of the bud and then into the air inside the jar. You may even see beads of sweat on the inside of the glass, especially during the first few days. (Always wipe off any moisture from the underside of the lid using a clean paper towel). After you close the jar and let it sit a few hours, when you open it and squeeze a nug, you will notice that it now feels more moist than it did when you first put it in the jar. As you let it sit for 10 minutes with the lid off, the air inside the jar is replaced with fresh, dry air from the room. Close lid and repeat. Each time you close the lid, the moisture in the bud escapes and raises the humidity level inside the jar, pulling moisture out while keeping the moisture level of the weed consistent. Open lid, the humid jar air is replaced by fresh air from the room, and so on.
People who end up with mold or fungus either 1) neglect to open lids often enough for sufficient air exchange; 2) use a dirty jar / lid; 3) contaminate the product before putting it in the jar; 4) use weed that has mildew or fungus already growing on it; 5) or a combination of these. All easy issues to avoid when you care to avoid them. And I suspect that you wouldn't make those mistakes.
The only thing I didn't mention before (because it is a step I often neglect to do, without apparent harm) is that some people like to "stir up" the bud in the jar to bring the bottom bud up to the top. I don't see any reason to do it, nor have I seen a difference when I have taken the time to do it, but I mention it anyway. (Also, you don't HAVE TO use glass jars. Plastics, with tight-fitting lids, work just as well. Some people prefer plastics because they always have a wider opening.)
And now I really am going to bed. Granny glasses are now off, and computer is shutting down ...
.They may help BUT are not necessary...my .02¢
Good job. I found that curing can be a pain in da ass too...
