Have you ever wondered if your cannabis stash can handle the cold? Freezing might seem like a good idea to keep your bud fresh, but it comes with its own set of rules.
In this article, we’ll take a peek into the freezer to understand the good and the less good of chilling your weed. By the time you’re done reading, you’ll know if your cannabis is cool to freeze.
What Happens When You Freeze Weed
Freezing weed is like hitting the pause button on its aging process. Once your cannabis is in the freezer, the extremely low temperatures slow down the activity of the enzymes that degrade cannabinoids and terpenes. The cold environment preserves the THC content, meaning the psychoactive potency of the cannabis is maintained for longer periods.
Yet, this icy environment has a major effect on trichomes. The trichomes—those tiny, sticky glands on the surface of cannabis flowers—are very fragile. They hold most of the plant’s cannabinoids and terpenes, which give each strain its unique effects and aroma. In freezing conditions, trichomes become brittle and can easily break off. This is both good and bad. For extracts, it means they can be collected more efficiently. For flower consumption, however, losing trichomes can mean a decrease in the overall quality of your weed.
Another factor to consider is moisture. If your weed isn’t properly dried before it’s frozen, the remaining water inside can form ice crystals. These crystals can damage the plant cells and further break off the trichomes, leading to a less potent product. And, if weed isn’t stored in an airtight container, the moisture in the air can contribute to this problem, or worse, lead to mold.
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When Should You Freeze Weed
When you have an ample outdoor cannabis harvest, you might think of freezing it right away to keep it fresh. However, before you stash your buds in the cold, it’s essential to dry and cure them first. This step can’t be skipped if you want to maintain the quality of your weed.
The drying process is critical because it removes moisture from the buds, reducing the risk of mold and decay. This is a major concern, especially if you’re preserving your harvest for future use.
Curing is just as vital; it’s a controlled phase where the flavors and aromas of cannabis mature, much like fine wine or cheese. Both processes help to develop a smoother, more refined smoke.
Skipping drying and curing could mean trapping moisture inside the buds. When this moisture freezes, it can form ice crystals that damage the cellular structure, leading to a less potent and less enjoyable experience. By properly drying and curing your cannabis before freezing, you ensure that the buds are stable and that the risk of degradation, even at freezing temperatures, is minimal.
Freezing Weed for Making Rosin
When you’re interested in making rosin, freezing your cannabis first can be a game-changer. Rosin is a solventless extract made by applying heat and pressure to cannabis material. To create rosin that’s rich in flavor and aroma, starting with material that has a robust terpene profile makes all the difference—and that’s where freezing comes into play.
Here’s why: fresh cannabis contains terpenes that provide the plant’s smell and taste. However, terpenes start to break down soon after harvesting. Freezing the buds immediately after chopping them preserves these fragile compounds.
If you’re using a rosin press, you’ll want to start with the best possible material—flower that’s as close to its natural, just-harvested state as possible. The idea is to maintain the integrity of the trichomes and keep the terpenes intact until extraction.
Drying and curing your buds won’t be necessary if you plan on making rosin. Drying and curing helps remove chlorophyll which can give weed a grassy taste. The chlorophyll will stay in the leaves when you press the plants.
The best method is to freeze your weed after harvest for two days, the you press them. With this method, you’ll likely notice a higher yield of rosin, which will have a more potent aroma and flavor profile, very similar to that of the living plant before harvest.
Do’s and Don’t of Freezing Weed
Freezing your cannabis can be a smart way to preserve its potency and terpene profile. Here’s a straightforward list of do’s and don’ts to help you keep your buds frosty and fresh.
Do’s:
- Do use airtight containers or vacuum-sealed bags. This will protect your buds from freezer burn and moisture.
- Do pre-freeze your harvest in small batches. This makes it easier to thaw only what you need without exposing the entire stash to thawing and refreezing.
- Do label your containers with the strain and date. Keeping track of what you have and how long it’s been frozen will help you consume your oldest stock first.
- Do place your containers in the back of the freezer. This keeps them away from the door, where temperatures fluctuate the most.
- Do freeze freshly harvested buds quickly if you’re planning to make concentrates. This preserves their terpenes and cannabinoids at peak levels.
Dont’s:
- Don’t freeze your weed if it hasn’t been dried and cured properly. Excess moisture can ruin your buds during freezing. This is optional if you’re making rosin.
- Don’t skip the step of burping your buds during the curing process before freezing. This releases humidity and helps prevent mold. This is also optional if you’re making rosin.
- Don’t freeze and thaw your buds repeatedly. This can degrade quality, so only thaw what you’ll use in the immediate future.
- Don’t jostle your frozen weed or crush it.This can damage the bud and cause the brittle trichomes to fall off.
- Don’t rush the thawing process. Allow your buds to naturally come to room temperature to avoid condensation and moisture issues.
Alternatives to Freezing Weed for Long Term Cannabis Storage
While freezing weed is a solid option for long-term storage, there are other methods you can use to keep your stash fresh. Consider these alternatives:
Glass Mason Jars
Storing cannabis in airtight glass jars is a tried-and-true method. It helps maintain the buds’ moisture levels and protects them from air, light, and contaminants. Keep the jars in a dark, cool place to help preserve the potency and flavor of your weed.
Humidity Control
Incorporate humidity packs (like boveda), which are designed to maintain the ideal humidity inside the storage container, usually around 62%. This helps prevent your cannabis from becoming too dry or too moist. To keep a check on humidity levels, you can consider a hygrometer.
CVault Container
These are top-notch storage solutions designed specifically for cannabis. Cvault containers are constructed from durable stainless steel, providing light-proof and air-tight storage. They can also be used with humidity packs to maintain the ideal humidity level, ensuring your buds stay fresh.
Always ensure that wherever you store your cannabis, it remains at a stable temperature and away from excessive light to maintain its quality and freshness.
Whether you’re aiming to maintain your buds’ freshness for enjoyment or preserve those terpenes for top-notch rosin, freezing your cannabis can be a viable solution. The key is in the preparation and the understanding of how freezing impacts your buds. If you’re unsure whether to freeze or opt for alternative storage, do a small test batch to see what works best for you!
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Mike Drouin is the co-founder of Reefertilizer. He’s an experienced craft cannabis grower and a writer of many articles regarding the process. Mike lives on Vancouver Island and enjoys cycling and camping and will sometimes combine the two.