CAN YOU FREEZE DRY CANNABIS?
CRYO CURE FAQS

Freeze drying isn’t just for removing water from fruits and vegetables! Freeze-drying is an excellent way to preserve cannabis and hemp at the peak of freshness.

However, not every cannabis freeze drying method does the job right. Other freeze dryers and techniques render the flower dry, with a loss of valuable terpenes. Cryo Cure is the best freeze drying method on the market for producing a flavorful and potent flower with cannabinoids preserved, terpenes enhanced, and trichomes intact.

Yes! Freeze drying cannabis is a sought-after cannabis drying and curing method. Promoted by master breeder Ed Rosenthal, hobbyists and commercial producers alike have long explored how freeze drying can improve shelf life and reduce damage-causing moisture. Additionally, it’s a preferred process tool for extraction artists preparing flower and biomass for all types of extraction. Higher yields and superior quality, stabilized.

While it is not uncommon for cannabis consumers to use a freeze-drying machine at home, these devices are not designed or programmed to preserve cannabis or hemp. (However, Cryo Cure machines can also be used to freeze-dry flowers and food.)

No, you do not. It’s never a good practice to rehydrate your flower after any drying and curing method. It defeats the purpose of Cryo Curing.

Cryo Cure machines utilize a patented process fine-tuned specifically for cannabis and hemp, resulting in a final product that we call “Cryo Cured” cannabis. The machine dials in the right combination of time and temperature to preserve the delicate trichomes that contain phytocannabinoids and terpenes. Regular freeze-drying machines have no such settings.

There’s a lot more to the differences between Cryo Cure machines and freeze dryers. Read more on our blog, Six Ways Cryo Cure Beats Freeze Dried Weed.

The freezing process takes between 2 to 12 hours at -10°F or lower.

Yes, you can pre-freeze your flower for at least 2 hours at -20°F before going into the Cryo Cure machine. This shortens the time flower spends Cryo Curing to 12 to 14 hours, plus one “burp,” to even out the desired moisture.

Cryo Cure can be wet trimmed or dry trimmed before Cryo Curing. You may prefer wet trimming during large runs because sugar leaves tend to act like hook and loop closures, which can make it more difficult to separate stacked buds. If you keep the sugar leaves on, arrange the cannabis in a uniform, single layer.

Cannabis that goes through the Cryo Cure process falls between 8 percent and 12 percent moisture content.

The ideal water activity (aW) for Live Resin Flower is 0.7 aW.

Cryo Cure machines are not preprogrammed for specific cultivars. However, you may find that certain time settings may work better for some cultivars (strains). You can save your preferred times as presets on the machine.

We offer several Cryo Cure machine sizes:

• Our High Capacity (HC) models are available in three sizes: the HC4, the HC7, and the HC10. 
• The HC4 holds four roll-in racks and accommodates approximately 400 pounds of material (wet weigh-in).
• The HC7 holds seven roll-in racks and accommodates approximately 700 pounds of material (wet weigh-in).
• The HC10 holds 10 roll-in racks and accommodates approximately 1,050 pounds of material (wet weigh-in).
• The High Capacity Pilot Model introduces cultivators to the capabilities of Cryo Cure’s high capacity machines in a compact, efficient package.
• The CC260 fits up to 20 pounds (wet weigh-in) of material, an ideal size for craft growers.
  

Visit the Cryo Cure cannabis freeze dryer model information page to read more details about each model.

No. Our patent-pending process leaves your flower with a perfect moisture content of 8 to 12%. Though the cannabis looks larger than the stated scale amount, remember that there is no shrinkage to the flower. This means 1 gram in weight is double the size it would be if traditionally cured.

Freezing is required before using Cryo Cure. You may use your own chest or walk-in freezer, as long as it’s capable of reaching -10°F to -20°F. You can also purchase a walk-in freezer from Cryo Cure. We have 10×10 and 20×20 options available. Our freezers are manufactured in the United States.

Cryo Cure machines are serviced on site by your local HVAC service provider or electrician. These professionals can replace parts or perform service on Cryo Cure machines. That’s what makes Cryo Cure great – there’s no specialty, pricey maintenance involved.

We are happy to offer financing options for Cryo Cure cannabis curing machines. Financing is provided by Leasing Innovations Inc. Fill out the Cryo Cure financing interest form to request more information.