Is this curing?

Is this curing?

In school it was illegal but enforcement was mostly aimed at dealers. After, I had to deal with the required caution in order to acquire product. Now, it’s legal.
I use slow-burning papers(gunpowder in cigs is one of the things for which tobacco execs should be jailed. but I digress) and drill dowels for a tip.
Now to my question. I light the joint but don’t finish. I put it down and it goes out. Often, nearly always, the effect is stronger on re-lighting.
Is this common?
Is there an explanation? I’ve been thinking along the lines of the first ignition tends to ‘cure’ in some way the remaining product. How would that putative curing happen?

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