The Science Behind Flash Frozen Cured™: A Leap Forward in Cannabis Post-Harvest Processing

Cannabis cultivation has seen dramatic advances in genetics, lighting, and environmental controls—but post-harvest processing remains stuck in the past. Traditional drying and curing methods, often involving hang-drying in climate-controlled rooms for 10–21 days, are not only time- and labor-intensive but prone to microbial contamination, terpene degradation, and batch inconsistency.

Enter Flash Frozen Curing™, a patented process that leverages cryogenic freezing and lyophilization (freeze-drying) to create a new category of cannabis: one that preserves the biochemical integrity of the plant while increasing efficiency, safety, and shelf life.

Let’s break it down.

What Is Flash Frozen Curing?

Flash Frozen Curing™ is a two-step post-harvest process:

1. Flash Freezing: Fresh cannabis flower is harvested and rapidly frozen at ultra-low temperatures (typically below -40°C) within hours of cutting. This halts enzymatic activity, prevents microbial growth, and locks in volatile compounds—especially terpenes and flavonoids.

   
   

2. Lyophilization (Freeze-Drying): The frozen flower is then subjected to a vacuum environment where the frozen water content is sublimated—converted directly from ice to vapor—without passing through a liquid phase. This step preserves the flower's cellular structure and avoids the thermal degradation associated with traditional drying.

Why It Works: The Science

Traditional hang-drying relies on evaporative moisture loss in warm, humid conditions. This inevitably results in:

• Loss of monoterpenes, which are highly volatile and begin to evaporate above 20°C

• Uneven drying, leading to over-drying or retained moisture pockets

• Oxidation of cannabinoids, particularly THCA and terpenes, due to prolonged exposure to oxygen and light

• Risk of mold or microbial contamination, especially if drying parameters aren’t tightly controlled

  
  

By contrast, Flash Frozen Curing avoids all of these:

• Cryogenic freezing arrests biological and enzymatic decay instantly

• Sublimation under vacuum removes moisture without applying heat, preserving the plant’s phytochemical profile

• Minimized oxygen exposure reduces oxidation and degradation

• Sterile environment reduces microbial risks without the need for irradiation or antimicrobial treatment

The Result: A New Category of Cannabis

Flash Frozen Cured™ flower isn’t just better preserved—it’s visibly, chemically, and experientially different:

• Volumetric Expansion: Freeze-dried flower retains its structure and expands, often appearing 1.5x to 2x the volume of hang-dried flower of the same weight

• Enhanced Aroma and Flavor: High terpene retention leads to a more vibrant sensory experience

• Ultra-Smooth Smoke: With chlorophyll and other harsh compounds minimized, combustion is cleaner and gentler

• Extended Shelf Stability: Properly stored Flash Frozen Cured flower maintains freshness, aroma, and potency for months longer than traditionally cured flower

• Consistent Output: Automated processes enable repeatable results, batch after batch

  
  

Who Developed This?

Flash Frozen Curing was developed by CannaGenesis, founded in Bellingham WA in 2015; a company focused on advanced post-harvest cannabis technologies. CannaGenesis remains the only licensed provider of commercial-scale Flash Frozen Curing in the United States.

The company’s consumer-facing product line, SpaceWeed™, uses the method exclusively and has drawn attention for its unique texture, smoother smoke, and preservation of plant characteristics.

Industry Impact

For cultivators and processors, Flash Frozen Curing offers:

• Significantly shorter curing times (24–48 hours vs. 2–3 weeks)

• Reduced microbial risk

• Enhanced product differentiation

• Improved margins through reduced shrinkage and volume retention

For consumers, the method preserves more of the original plant qualities—delivering a fresher, smoother experience.

Learn More

Explore the product at www.SpaceWeedTHCA.com.For licensing, contact or partnership inquiries, visit www.CannaGenesis.com or info@cannagenesis.com

—-------------

Author: Eric Young, Founder & CEO, SpaceWeed™/CannaGenesis