​Can You Freeze Cannabis?

Can You Freeze Cannabis?

When stored correctly in the freezer, 

the degradation process almost completely stops. Before you do this, however, you should know a few things.

Cannabis is at its most potent when it is dried and cured. Over time that potency degrades, especially when exposed to light and heat. 

There are several methods to prevent potency degradation in cannabis. One way to do this is to store the weed in a freezer. 

If you purchase a large amount of cannabis or harvest a healthy crop of homegrown cannabis, you may find yourself looking for ways to maintain its potency. Freezing your weed could be a good option. 

What happens if you put cannabis in the freezer?

When you freeze weed, you stop the degradation process, the process by which marijuana loses its potency.

A 1999 study by researchers at the University of Mississippi found that an average of one-sixth of THC in marijuana was depleted within the first year. The potency degradation will slow in consecutive years.

16.6% potency reduction after one year.

26.8% potency reduction after two years.

34.5% potency reduction after three years.

41.4% potency reduction after four years.

Putting weed in the freezer can indeed preserve it, but there will be some loss.
This is good news for anyone who wants to store cannabis for a long time without worrying about its potency. However, you should know a few things before freezing your weed.

MAKE SURE ANY CANNABIS YOU FREEZE HAS BEEN PROPERLY CURED FIRST.

If you put freshly harvested cannabis in the freeze when you defrost it you'll juts get a pile of mush. So ensure its correctly cured and dry before freezing. 

Firstly, you should not store weeds in the freezer for long periods of time. If you do, the potency of your weed will suffer. This is because thawing and refreezing reduce the quality. 

Only store weed in the freezer for short periods - no more than a few months and only take out what you are going to use. 

It would be best if you put the weed in airtight, freezable containers before putting it in the freezer. 

This will protect your weeds from being exposed to too much moisture, which can degrade quality.

It would be best if you also labeled the container with the date it was frozen. That way, you know how long it's been there and can consume it accordingly. 

Finally, when you are ready to use the frozen weed, let it sit at room temperature for a few hours to thaw slowly. Do not put it out in the sun, microwave it or try to speed up the process in any way, as this will reduce the quality.

When thawing cannabis, make sure it is completely dry; otherwise, mold and other bacteria can grow. Use it within a week or two. After that, weed quality will begin to decline. 

Can you freeze CBD oil?

Now that you know you can freeze cannabis, you might also want to know, "Can you freeze CBD oil?" 

CBD oil has a shelf life of about two years. After two years, the oil tends to become cloudy and clumpy. Just like eating old food, consuming old CBD oil can make you sick.

Similar to fresh cannabis flowers, CBD oil should be stored away from sunlight and direct heat sources. This will help it retain its effectiveness. Freezing CBD oil can extend its shelf life, but it is important to note that the oil will not freeze like water. Putting CBD oil in the freezer can cause its viscosity to change and prevent it from deteriorating faster, but it can also make the oil difficult to use when removed.

Can you freeze cannabis edibles?

Edibles can be stored in the freezer, just like a weed and CBD oil. The main difference between frozen herbs, oil, and food products is that food products will contain additional food ingredients. These can be susceptible to bacteria. 

If you find yourself with more cannabis edibles than you will use in a few weeks you can freeze the extra portions immediately to prevent them from spoiling.

When freezing it's important to remember that they will become firmer and crispier. Therefore, it is best to pack them individually before putting them in the freezer. That way they won't all stick together and need breaking up when you remove them.

To help keep track of how long food has been in your freezer, mark the date on them.

How to freeze edible gummies?

To freeze edibles like gummies, place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. 

Make sure the gummies are not touching. Place the baking sheet in the freezer for a couple of hours or until frozen. 

Once frozen, transfer them to an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator. Consume your edibles within six months of freezing.

Does keeping cannabis in the freezer do any good?

Freezing cannabis helps prevent THC degradation. Freezing cannabis may damage the THC because the plant will become more fragile. 

If bumped, the crystallized trichomes may break off more easily, causing your herb to lose some of its potency. 

Also, if your weed thaws too quickly, it can cause excess moisture, making it susceptible to mold. 

It is important to remember that freezing cannabis is not a perfect solution for extending its shelf life. Your weed will still degrade -- just not as fast. For this reason, it is best to use frozen weed within a few months.