Flash frozen weed? – The guide to fresh frozen cannabis
Understandably, storing your freshly harvested cannabis in the freezer may seem strange or even dangerous. But did you know that some leading cannabis breeders freeze their buds right after harvest? Discover how this process can increase your earnings quality.
What did someone tell you to refrigerate your cannabis? Sounds unconventional, right? But read on. By placing your freshly harvested buds in airtight bags and popping them in the freezer, you skip the time-consuming drying and curing process. And you can keep the valuable terpene and cannabinoid profiles intact, resulting in premium cannabis extracts.
Can you freeze cannabis?
Believe it or not, cannabis can be frozen just like any other product. But why put in the extra effort? You may think it’s just a matter of preservation, but dried and cured bud can last over a year, although THC potency does decrease over time.
The real reason for freezing weed is to produce top quality extracts. By locking in the fragile cannabinoid and terpene profiles of freshly harvested bud, the freezing process sets the stage for the production of premium extracts. This protects these volatile compounds and maximizes their presence in the final product.
Why Freeze Weed?
We have found that freezing cannabis is a huge benefit for both commercial growers and home growers. By bypassing the curing and drying process, growers can enjoy the results of their hard work much sooner. But that’s not all – this fresh-frozen batch also protects vital cannabis compounds like terpenes and cannabinoids. After all, these components are what make growing weed worthwhile in the first place!
Unlike cannabinoids, terpenes are delicate, volatile hydrocarbons that can spoil quickly after harvest. They are sensitive to even small changes in temperature and exposure to light and oxygen. The traditional drying and curing process, which takes at least a month, often exposes the buds to conditions that affect the terpene profile. On the other hand, cannabinoids are a bit more stable but still suffer from the same environmental factors.
Terpenes play a significant role in the distinct aroma, flavor, and overall experience of any cannabis strain. They are also directly involved in the psychoactive effects, with some even affecting the endocannabinoid system, which is affected by THC and CBD. The entourage effect theory suggests that these fragrant compounds can amplify the effects of certain cannabinoids, making them more potent.
By freezing cannabis, you minimize exposure to conditions that could alter its phytochemical composition. Harvesting the buds quickly and placing them in a sub-zero environment protects these valuable compounds from extraction.
What is needed to make fresh frozen marijuana?
Getting started with freshly frozen weed is a breeze and doesn’t require a lot of work or special equipment. The basic furnishing can be done with items that are common in most households. However, if you want to get the best results, you can invest in some additional equipment. Here is a list of what you will need:
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Fresh Buds: Opt for buds that are as fresh as possible and aim to freeze them the same day of harvest.
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Scissors: Cut the buds off the plants and snip off the sugar leaves with scissors. You can use regular kitchen scissors or invest in ergonomically curved trimming scissors.
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Freezer: Make room in your freezer to make room for your weed. You don’t need anything special unless you plan to freeze large batches.
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Plastic Bags: Pack the buds in food-safe plastic bags like turkey bags.
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Vacuum Sealer (Optional): Vacuuming your flowers before freezing is unnecessary but can improve results. These machines remove air from bags, allowing you to store more weed in a smaller space while shutting out oxygen, which can cause terpenes to degrade.
How to freeze weed
Let’s begin the journey of fresh frozen weed! To preserve the potency of your terpenes, follow these simple steps and use the necessary materials.
Step 1: Careful Harvesting
The big day has come! Take some time to focus solely on the harvest. Use sharp scissors to cut the buds off the stems and place them in a handy container. Be careful with the buds and preserve the trichomes. Grab the stems instead to avoid sticky fingers and spilling precious resin. Consider wearing disposable gloves for added comfort.
Step 2: Start trimming
After you’ve harvested your buds, it’s time to trim off any excess sugar leaves. This can be done carefully with scissors, cutting off the small leaves surrounding the flowers and collecting them in a separate container. Don’t leave these little extras untapped – you can use them to make kief or even a strong sugar leaf tea.
Step 3: Pack your buds
Time to prep your buds for the freezer! Place each cut flower in a food-safe plastic bag and fill it about 75% full. Gently squeeze out as much air as possible before fastening the bag with a clip or knot. For an extra layer of protection, consider using a vacuum sealer. This device removes the air, ensuring your buds are securely packaged and ready to freeze.
Step 4: Chill Time!
It’s finally time to store your freshly cut buds. All you have to do is place the bags of cannabis in your freezer and make sure the temperature stays at a chilly -18°C. As long as you’ve packaged your buds properly, they should last as long as you need them. Enjoy the convenience of having frozen flowers ready to use whenever you need them!
Step 5: Allow time to cool
The hardest last step is waiting. Give your buds the time they need to freeze completely. It takes at least 24 hours so be patient. Avoid opening the freezer or handling the bags too much to preserve the quality of your freshly frozen weed.
What to avoid when making fresh frozen cannabis?
Fresh frozen weed can only be successful if you avoid common pitfalls. To ensure your trichomes stay intact, consider the following:
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Be gentle: Avoid shaking or dropping the bags when taking your frozen buds out of the freezer. Trichomes are delicate, so handle them carefully!
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Use immediately: Only take out the frozen buds if you intend to use them immediately. Defrosting for too long damages the valuable secondary plant substances.
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No rush: You cannot press freshly frozen weed as it is full of water. Make bubble hash first before making any packaged products.
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Check for air tightness: Small holes in vacuum bags can cause problems as the buds are exposed to oxygen. Check your bags for defects before using them. Stay cool to reach maximum potency!
Diploma
Freshly frozen weed is the ultimate way to preserve the potency and flavor of your cannabis buds. By following the simple steps outlined above, you can ensure your weed stays fresh, fragrant, and ready to go whenever you crave a delicious and potent smoke. So, gather your supplies, harvest and let’s get frosty! Whether you want to make premium concentrates, enjoy a flavorful vape, or have a solid stash for later, the sky’s the limit when it comes to fresh frozen weed. Stay chilly and get ready to get flamed!
THE ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES OF FREEZING CANNABIS, READ MORE..
THE ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES OF FREEZING YOUR WEED, READ THIS!
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