Pros and cons of freezing marijuana?
With each passing year more and more ways to utilize cannabis for recreational and medicinal purposes are being discovered. But while the majority are fixated on the numerous benefits cannabis offers they overlook a crucial aspect that can never be overemphasized, the proper storage of marijuana. Cannabis is basically like any other plant and once harvested, if it's not stored properly it would be of no use to anyone. The art of properly storing cannabis is one most people have neglected for far too long and what most don't realize is that properly storing your cannabis is the key to long term success as a cannapreneur, and if you just want to enjoy the recreational benefits of the plant good storage techniques won't just save you a fortune but also enhance your experience and take it to a whole other level.
The key is to have a soft, freeze cool breeze circulating the room, as opposed to warm air blowing around at a fast rate. Flowers that were infected with mold should not be dried and are not suitable for consumption. Smoking contaminated flowers or extracts can cause serious health issues. Most Common Mistakes When Drying Cannabis. Freeze drying cannabis was made notable by Ed Rosenthal, author of the Marijuana Grower’s Handbook. He analyzed that by using the frost-free section of a home freezer, one can dry cannabis within 10 to 20 days.
There are several effective techniques currently being employed in the cannabis world to maximize and lengthen the shelf life of harvested cannabis. Some techniques are better suited for flavor and quality while some are more effective in the maintenance of scent and other features like smell, taste, etc. And of all the storage methods currently available, the method I'll be talking about in here is the act of freezing marijuana. Below I'll drive through what it entails, the pros, cons and a brief summary of other storage procedures you can employ to keep your cannabis at peak condition.
- Freeze drying, invented in Paris in 1906, is a very gentle dehydration process used to preserve high quality foods. During WWII, the process was implemented to preserve blood serum. Since then, freeze drying has become a critical process for preserving foods, pharmaceuticals, and a wide range of other products–even cannabis.
- The freeze-dry method This process of freeze-drying (lyophilizing) cannabis has been a long-discussed topic but had never been perfected until recently. Cannabis lyophilization involves drying the buds before curing to preserve the flower’s aesthetic and other useful properties and reduce the moisture.
- There are several sophisticated methods to dry marijuana flowers, including freeze-drying. As it happens, the simplest way to do it is arguably the most effective. The drying (and curing) process begins the second you cut down the cannabis plant.
A closer look at the storing of marijuana
The storage of marijuana is a delicate process, to get the best result, you have to maintain the right conditions of temperature, humidity, light, among others. The process of effectively storing cannabis is all about handling the basics, if you can effectively do this you'll find effectively storing cannabis to be a relatively straightforward process. The basics of cannabis storage that you should take note of include:
After cannabis is cured, to maintain it's quality low temperatures should be employed. Although the temperature shouldn't be too low as that could impair the plant's potency. Research suggests 50-60° to be the optimum temperature.
Cannabis loves the dark
Molds and powdery mildew tend to grow on the cannabis in conditions of 77°F or higher.
The temperature should be relatively cool as too high temperatures aren't good for the essential oils and texture of the plant.
59%-63% is believed to be the optimal level of humidity required.
Freezing of marijuana
Following the harvest of cannabis plants, drying and curing are carried out, and this usually takes about a month. Following the successful completion of this process, the cannabis is at the peak of its powers ready to be utilized. But in most cases, consumers have more weed than they can use so the only other option available is to store the weed and most people opt for the method of freezing.
The technique of freezing marijuana is carried out by carefully arranging cured buds into airtight containers and placing them in the freezer (the coldest areas). This method is relatively simple and straightforward and can be carried out by anyone. The principle behind this method is that the cold temperatures will preserve the growth of microbes on the plant and also prevent it from aging. And although this method has its advantages a lot of experts advise against it because of its downsides, but what exactly are these disadvantages? Read on to find out the pros and cons of freezing marijuana.
Pros of freezing marijuana
A couple of the pros of this method include:
It is cheap to practice
It doesn't require much technical training or expertise
It delays decarboxylation
It helps prolong the THC compounds in the plant.
It is believed to be the most efficient method of storing cannabis solely for making bubble hash.
Cons of freezing marijuana
It reduces the quality and efficiency of the trichomes in the plant (trichomes produce cannabinoids and terpenes).
Irregular freezing temperatures can cause rot of the cannabis buds either as a result of heat, humidity or fluctuating freezing temperatures.
Once weed becomes freezer-burned recovering the weed at premium quality is an impossible task.
If carried out ineffectively molds and other microbes could grow on the buds rendering them useless.
It renders trichomes brittle and rigid which makes the fall off due to the slightest of touch or contact.
Excessively low temperatures have also been linked with drastically lowering cannabis potency levels.
Taking the pros and cons of this method into consideration you can decide if it's a method you can employ or not. Most experts advise against it as there are other safe and easier methods that can be employed to store your cannabis buds and maintain their quality.
Alternatives to freezing marijuana
Based on successful works of research, the best and most effective way to store cannabis is in airtight jars kept in a cool and dark area. It's paramount that the jar is placed in a place that sunlight can't get to it because it has been shown that UV light causes cannabis degradation which impairs its quality. To get the best results from this technique, the humidity levels in the jar should be closely monitored with a hygrometer to make sure optimum conditions are maintained at all times. Glass jars that repel UV rays can also be used to improve the chances of success.
Marijuana Drying Tents
The majority of people make use of several other methods like refrigeration or storing in plastic containers and cardboard. But research has shown that these methods aren't good for preserving the quality of your cannabis buds. Plastic containers, unlike glass ones that have a neutral charge, have static charges on their surface and this attracts trichomes causing them to stick to the container surface which reduces the potency and overall quality of the cannabis over time.
Bottom Line
The importance of properly storing your cannabis cannot be stressed enough. With the right storage technique, you can maintain the quality and potency of your buds for at least 6 months. Store your buds in dark, frictionless, cool conditions and see it last a long time.
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The cannabis plant is filled with a lot of wonder and many health benefits that are yet to be discovered. It also has the medicated traits that are good for multiple ailments, which have been proven to treat many people. With recreational cannabis, so many people will usually forget about these benefits of the plant. Whether medical or recreational, though, cannabis storage is essential to keeping it good enough to stay for a long time. There are a few techniques that have been used to maintain freshness. However, is freezing cannabis one of these techniques?
In this article, we will take a look at what happens after harvesting. As it relates to cannabis storage so as to maximize the shelf life, there are some good options to choose from so that you can maintain the aroma and flavor profile. It is important to note that not every cannabis storage technique provides the appropriate temperature humidity and lighting for an extended period of time. Let’s now look at the basics of cannabis storage.
First, The Basics
When you store cannabis, you can begin with the use of basic and simple methods. One essential thing to always remember is that cannabis loves the cooler and darker temperatures once it goes through the curing process. If the cannabis plant goes over 77 degrees Fahrenheit, then mold and mildew sets in quite easily. Too much dry heat will also crumble the plant because of all the essential oils that it loses. That makes it more difficult to consume and its appearance is crumbly and dry.
On the other hand, if the temperature is too low, it can reduce the level of potency. To get the best out of your cannabis, it is best to have a temperature that is between 50 and 60 degrees Fahrenheit. It should still be in a dark location with humidity up to 60% because this will block the sun’s rays and maintain the cannabis’s flavor and potency. With all that being said, what is the most successful and effective method of cannabis storage.
So… Can You Freeze Cannabis?
Although you can freeze cannabis, it may not be the best way for cannabis storage. The short explanation is that this would not be the method to choose for the basic cannabis storage. Of course, this method would definitely slow down the cannabis’s aging process. Or, it could help the cannabis buds remain firmer. However, cannabis cannot survive without air while it is being cured. Most cannabis will usually age for a few days after they are harvested, dried out and the buds are cured. Therefore, by the time it goes on the shelves, it is cured already and ready to be used.
However, when cannabis sits on a shelf, it will continue its decarboxylation, transferring THC-A to THC, which most recreational users love. When the temperature is lowered as it would if you were to freeze it, the decarboxylation process will be slowed down considerably, resulting in reduced potency over time. In addition, the freezing method will make the THC crystals or trichomes fragile. The trichomes are what is needed to dictate the potency of the cannabis. If you were making cannabis concentrates, the freezing method would be useful.
Research from the University of Mississippi on low-grade weed studied the material for four years at room temperature (68º-72º F). Researchers found that over time THC loss was proportional to its time in storage. Surprisingly, the most THC loss occurred during the first year. THC slowly degrades to CBN, a less potent and more sedative cannabinoid. Here’s a breakdown of their findings:
Freeze Drying Marijuana Curing
- 1 year in storage – 16.6% THC loss
- 2 years in storage – 26.7% THC loss – 10.2% annual net loss
- 3 years in storage – 34.5% THC loss – 7.7% annual net loss
- 4 years in storage – 41.4% THC loss – 6.9% annual net loss
Storing your cannabis flower buds in the freezer can slow down the rate of degradation. Essentially, you can keep your buds relatively fresh for longer. In temperatures below 0º Fahrenheit, THC can degrade at nearly 4% loss a year. In refrigeration, THC can be lost at about 5.4% a year. Basically, a refrigerator can help in the short-term, but freezing cannabis is meant for long-term storage.
Freezing makes trichomes brittle and easy to break off the plant. If you’re not careful when freezing flower, many of the trichomes will break and stick to the bag, jar, or container you’re freezing it in. To keep from losing those trichomes, it helps to wrap frozen weed in parchment paper before you put it in a bag or jar. Then, when it thaws, any trichomes that broke off can be scraped off the parchment and preserved. The recommendation to freeze pot before a cold extraction process is for a similar reason; the trichomes break off and separate from the biomass much more easily when brittle and cold.
How to Freeze Cannabis
If you plan on freezing your buds, make sure you handle them with care to avoid breaking apart the trichomes. When you’re ready to use your buds, remove them from the freezer and give them some time to warm up. The thawing process allows you to work better with the material without ruining the preserved trichomes, cannabinoids, and terpenes. Also, consider the moisture content. Freezing can cause excess moisture to form ice crystals. Drying the weed appropriately can overcome this issue.
Vacuum sealing your weed can get rid of your moisture problems. Vacuum sealing your dried weed can keep it fresh (without ice formation) for several months. However, vacuum sealing can overly compress your buds if you’re not careful. Some growers choose to use carbon dioxide or nitrogen to remove the excess air through the injection of the container. The excess air exits through a separate hole and the holes are sealed afterward.
Don’t have vacuum sealing capabilities? Don’t worry. Glass containers can do the trick. If possible, opt for glass containers without shoulders. Shouldered containers are more vulnerable to cracking than non-shouldered containers. Don’t have glass containers? Wood or metal storage can work just as well.
Some growers choose to store weed in small containers (about a week’s worth) for personal use. When storing small quantities, choose small containers and store the rest in a separate larger container to leave it undisturbed. A small container can last you a few or several weeks while keeping the rest of your stored buds’ trichomes fresh.
Freezing or refrigeration isn’t always the best idea for some growers. However, when making live resin, for instance, it’s a must. Live resin, a type of high-terpene cannabis extract, is made with flash-frozen cannabis buds. Instead of going through the drying and curing process immediately after harvest, the flower is flash-frozen using liquid nitrogen at extremely low temperatures. Freezing the cannabis preserves the plant’s natural compounds for extraction.
Here’s An Alternative
Instead of freezing cannabis, consider cannabis storage in an airtight container such as a mason jar. It will maintain the aroma and flavor profiles over a longer period of time. The Mason jar is an airtight container that keeps the humidity constant and does not dry out the cannabis buds too fast. You should avoid cardboard boxes and plastic bags because it opens up the door for the reduction in potency, mildew and mold. Furthermore, choose an opaque container to protect your buds from heat and light. A white exterior can reflect heat better. Miron jars, for instance, can block out the harmful UVB rays that can degrade potency and flavor.
For best storage, consider using a humidity pack that can release or absorb humidity depending on the container’s levels. Humidity packs come in various relative humidity (RH) options, but the best for cannabis is between 60-65% humidity. Terpenes are especially vulnerable to evaporation due to their relatively low boiling points. Refrigeration and freezing can keep terpenes intact without evaporating as much.
Can You Freeze Cannabis Edibles?
Freeze Drying Books
Now, what about freezing other cannabis products apart from flower buds? Should you do it? If you plan on making a big batch of edibles or cannabutter, refrigeration is critical. Firstly, you don’t want your edibles to spoil if left without refrigeration. However, some edibles like gummies and candies can stay in an outside container without going bad.
Freezing your baked goods (brownies, cookies, etc.), cannabutter, or infused oil can keep them fresher for longer without losing too much potency. Freezing your edibles can extend their shelf life up to six months or more, in some cases. Before freezing them, though, allow them to properly cool to avoid the dreaded freezer burn.
Keeping them cool in the refrigerator before freezing can help the transition. Ideally, you want to wrap each portion with parchment paper since it won’t stick onto the wrap like it would with plastic wrap. Then, put it all in a plastic freezer bag. When you’re ready to use them, take them out and allow them to thaw to room temperature.
Best Cannabis Storage Practices
Cannabis Freeze Dry Curing
Whether you bought or grew your weed, preserving its potency, aroma, and flavor is top of mind. The best cannabis storage practices involve considering every aspect of the cannabis’ storage environment. Follow our industry blog for the best storage tips. Want to learn more about using, storing, and growing weed? Enroll in CTU’s weed education program. We cover every aspect of being a stellar user and grower.