Freeze drying, or lyophilization, is a method for preserving food, herbs, etc., like cannabis, by removing moisture from the material. It’s becoming more popular because people want top-notch cannabis products for medical emergencies and other purposes. Knowing how the freeze dryer machines works and how long it takes is super important for people who grow cannabis and those who love using it.

To know more about freeze drying cannabis, read the article below!

Freeze drying works by freezing cannabis and then putting it in a machine called a freeze dryer, where it’s dried out in a vacuum. This process makes the water present in the plant turn directly into gas without becoming liquid first. It keeps the quality of cannabis intact and makes it live longer to preserve. 

These machines are used to freeze cannabis and to freeze dry other products, such as dairy products, seafood, fruits, etc. They are available in a variety of sizes and types for both residential and commercial applications.

Time Require to Freeze Dry Cannabis

Freeze drying cannabis using a freeze drying machine usually takes a bit of time. It relies on a variety of factors, including the amount of moisture in the cannabis and the size of the buds. The complete process can normally take anywhere between a day and a few days. But it’s worth it because freeze drying helps keep the cannabis fresh and potent for longer.

The period it takes to freeze dry cannabis depends on several factors, including the batch size, the moisture content, and the specifications of the freeze drying machine. 

Step 1: Pretreatment

Before freeze drying cannabis, it’s essential to prepare it properly. This includes trimming excess leaves, letting it cure to enhance flavor and potency, and sometimes even putting it in the freezer beforehand. Although this extra step adds more time to the whole process, it’s crucial for getting the best results.

Step 2: Loading

How cannabis is loaded into the freeze dryer can impact the duration of the cycle. Ensuring even distribution without overcrowding the trays is crucial.

Step 3: Freezing

The freezing step can typically take between 6 to 48 hours, depending on the machine and the desired final moisture content. Quick freezing is important to create tiny ice crystals, which help with subsequent sublimation.

Step 4: Primary Drying

This stage can take anywhere from 24 to 72 hours. The vaporization or sublimation of ice at a low temperature causes the freeze-dried material to become porous and ready for the final drying step.

Step 5: Secondary Drying

The final drying stage is the longest and is often where cannabis processors need to exercise patience. It involves raising the temperature to room temperature and can take between 12 and 36 hours to remove any residual moisture.

Step 6: Packaging

Once the cannabis is fully freeze-dried, it is vacuum-sealed or stored in airtight containers to maintain quality until it’s ready for sale.

 

 

Factors Affecting Freeze Drying Time

Several factors influence the time required to freeze dry cannabis, which is mentioned below:

Moisture Content

The initial moisture content of the cannabis plays a significant role in determining the duration of the freeze drying process. Cannabis with higher moisture levels will take longer to dry.

Size and Density of Cannabis Buds

More extensive and denser buds will require more time to freeze dry than smaller and less dense ones. Properly spacing the buds on trays ensures uniform drying and reduces overall drying time.

Temperature and Pressure Settings

The temperature and pressure settings of the freeze drying machine can be adjusted to expedite or slow down the drying process. However, altering these settings should be done cautiously to avoid compromising the quality of the final product.

Pre-Freezing Stage

Pre-freezing the cannabis before placing it in the freeze dryer can help reduce drying time. This step involves placing the cannabis in a freezer to initiate the freezing process before transferring it to the freeze dryer.

 

The Effects of Machine Specifications

Not all freeze dryers are created equal, and their specifications significantly affect the speed of the freeze-drying process.

Batch Size

Larger batch sizes typically mean longer drying times. It’s a balancing act—too small means wasting energy and space; too large means increasing time and potentially compromising quality. So, keep the size optimal for appropriate drying.

Temperature Control

Machines offering precise temperature controls can speed up the process by effectively managing the critical stage of primary drying when ice is removed under reduced pressure.

Vacuum Pressure

Lower vacuum pressures can lead to quicker sublimation. The vacuum pressure in the freeze dryer is a critical factor in the speed of the process and must be carefully calibrated.

Shelf Spacing

Adequate spacing between trays is necessary for uniform drying and airflow. Machines with adjustable shelf heights accommodate different cannabis sizes and can impact the efficiency of the drying process.

 

How to Increase the Efficiency of Freeze Drying Cannabis in the Machine?

To maximize efficiency and minimize drying time, producers can implement the following strategies:

Proper Harvest and Curing

Harvesting cannabis at the optimal time and properly curing it before freeze drying ensures the best possible quality and reduces drying time.

Uniform Tray Loading

Making sure there’s equal space between each cannabis bud on the trays helps them dry out evenly. This even drying process helps speed up the overall drying time.

Regular Monitoring

Monitoring the progress of the freeze-drying process allows producers to adjust settings as needed and ensure optimal results.

Quality Control

Conducting regular quality checks throughout the drying process helps maintain the integrity of the cannabis and ensures that it meets the desired standards.

 

Why is Grow Cycle the Best Choice for Buying a Freeze Drying Machine?

Choosing Grow Cycle for the freeze drying machine used for cannabis is a smart move as they offer top-notch quality and reliability. With Grow Cycle, growers can trust that their cannabis will be dried efficiently, preserving its quality and potency. Our machines are designed to make the process easy and effective, giving the peace of mind knowing they are getting the best results.

 

The Bottom Line

So, freeze drying cannabis using a freeze drying machine takes some time, usually a day or more. However, the exact duration depends on factors like how much moisture is in the cannabis and how big the buds are. 

To get the best results, it’s important to prepare the cannabis properly, load it evenly into the freeze dryer machines, and be patient throughout the process. While it may take some time, freeze drying helps preserve the quality of the cannabis and ensures it stays fresh for longer, making it worth the wait.

 

Disclaimer: This material is for informational purposes only and should not be relied on for legal, medical, financial, or any other form of professional advice.