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The chart below illustrates the fresh frozen price curve for deals transacted during March and April. Deals from 20 pounds to 100 pounds averaged $50 per pound. From 100 pounds up to 650 pounds, prices declined from $45 to $20 per pound. All deals observed from 650 pounds to 4,000 pounds averaged $20 per pound.
Fresh frozen cannabis refers to the process of harvesting and immediately freezing the cannabis plant material, preserving its most desirable properties before any drying or curing occurs. This method offers several benefits, including preservation of delicate cannabinoids and terpenes that can be degraded or lost during the drying and curing process. Because the terpenes are preserved, the resulting cannabis products often have a more robust and fresh flavor and aroma compared to those that have been dried and cured. The quick transition from harvest to freezing can also prevent the growth of molds and bacteria that might occur during the drying process. Bypassing the drying and curing stages can simplify the harvest process, as growers do not need to maintain controlled environments for these stages. Fresh frozen material can lead to a more consistent end product, especially when used for making concentrates like live resin, which are known for their high quality and terpene profile. Additionally, freezing the plant immediately helps to preserve the trichomes. The use of fresh frozen material can speed up the production of cannabis extracts and concentrates since the material is often already prepped for processing. And because it is frozen, it enables manufacturers to produce extracts from “fresh” material year-round. However, the need for cold storage and the potential for a more complex logistics chain are some considerations that growers and processors must take into account.