Fresh Frozen: Exploring this extraction method and its benefits

The different finishes of cannabis resin extractions are evolving as professionals and enthusiasts gain greater access to this plant that has fascinated humanity for millennia. Cannabis lovers continue to experiment with the possibilities that marijuana offers, seeking new ways to process and create different, innovative, and surprising products. A great example is Fresh Frozen, so lets discover what it is

What is Fresh Frozen?

One of these products is Fresh Frozen, which is made using the Bubble Hash extraction method, with the difference that the herb is frozen right after harvesting instead of using dried flowers and leaves. This results in a very creamy and sticky hash, with a higher terpene content, giving it a more intense flavor and a much more aromatic profile.

What is an extraction?

An extraction is the process of separating the trichomes from the rest of the plant material. Trichomes are small resin glands that contain all the cannabinoids and terpenes responsible for marijuana’s effects, flavor, and aroma. Therefore, the more trichomes are utilized and concentrated, the more potent and flavorful the final product will be. There are many extraction methods, ranging from the simplest, like hand rubbing, to the most sophisticated, using modern technology. Cold temperatures are a great ally for extractions because they make it easier to detach trichomes from the plant.

How is Fresh Frozen made?

To make Fresh Frozen, the buds and sugar leaves are frozen immediately after harvest, when all the trichomes, loaded with terpenes, are intact and at their peak. Let’s go over the step-by-step process:

Required materials

• Ice bags (2 to 4) and very cold water.
• Two 20-liter containers.
• About 8 bubble bags (special mesh filter bags).
• A large stirring spoon.
• Absorbent and non-stick paper.

Freezing the marijuana

For a Fresh Frozen extraction, the buds and sugar leaves must be frozen within 72 hours of harvesting. The challenge with freezing fresh flowers is that they retain their natural water content. Trichomes also contain lipids and water. When frozen, the internal liquid forms ice crystals that can pierce the tissue and release chlorophyll, which can cloud the product and ruin its flavor. To prevent this, there are two options: rapid freezing or maintaining a constant temperature of 4°C to prevent ice crystals from forming.

Procedure to make Fresh Frozen

After freezing, the process is the same as for making Bubble Hash.

Preparing the ice buckets

• First, fill one of the 20-liter containers with ice and cold water, leaving enough room to add the frozen marijuana.
• Add the buds, ensuring they are fully submerged in water.

Stirring the mixture

• Next, stir the mixture gently with a spoon or a large stick for at least 20 minutes to detach the trichomes.

Filtering with the bags

• Prepare the mesh filter bags. Each bag has different micron sizes to progressively filter the product. Arrange the bags in ascending order, with the last one being 220 microns.
• Secure the bags to the second container and slowly pour the mixture from the first container into the bags.
• Let the water drain and remove the first bag. Add cold water again to rinse out any remaining trichomes caught in the mesh. Repeat this process with all the bags. Each bag contains hash of different quality: the Fresh Frozen from the smallest micron bag will be the finest, although filtering smaller microns takes more time. Patience is essential for achieving optimal hash.

You can also use an extraction machine (washing machine) if you don’t want to do the process manually. It’s much more convenient and provides greater purity, reducing the risk of contamination by plant material.

Drying and storing

Once you have completed the extraction, the next step is to dry the Fresh Frozen. It is recommended to spread it out on a tray covered with absorbent, non-stick paper to prevent contamination. Leave it in a cool, dry place for several days. You can also let it dry in the refrigerator. Over time, the product will take on a more translucent color. Once dry, store it in a dark or opaque glass jar with an airtight seal.

Marijuana vs. Hash

In Spain, the consumption of cannabis (both marijuana and hash) has continued to increase in recent years. According to 2024 data, marijuana is the most commonly consumed form of cannabis, with 53.8% of regular users preferring it compared to 21.7% who choose hash. This trend is consistent among both men and women, with higher prevalence among younger users. Most people mix cannabis with tobacco, usually smoking it in joints. However, extracts offer clear advantages over raw flowers.

Higher concentration

Extracts like Fresh Frozen or other hash varieties allow precise control over cannabinoid concentration, whether THC or CBD hash. This means you can know exactly how much of the compound you are consuming.

Increased potency

Since extracts are concentrated, they have a higher percentage of cannabinoids, resulting in stronger and faster effects compared to using raw flowers.

Multiple consumption methods

Another major advantage of concentrates is their versatility in consumption, as they can be vaporized, used as sublingual oils, in capsules, in edibles, or applied topically.

Discretion

Extracts like Fresh Frozen are more discreet to transport because they take up less space and do not have as strong an odor as raw buds. They can also be consumed discreetly, often mixed with tobacco.

Greater purity

Hash, in all its forms, is a product that comes directly from cannabis resin without plant material. In the case of Fresh Frozen, no solvents are used, unlike other processed extracts, ensuring that there are no residual chemicals that could affect health.

As you can see, Fresh Frozen is a relatively simple way to process marijuana to obtain a high-quality extract that is highly valued by experienced consumers.