The Art of Drying, Curing & Storing
Where Tradition Meets Innovation
At Old Growth Vermont, we are committed to delivering the highest quality sun-grown cannabis. An essential step in achieving this excellence is the meticulous process of drying and curing our harvest. This process is not just a routine post-harvest step; it's a critical art that significantly impacts the quality of the final product. In 2023, we embraced innovation by transitioning from traditional drying and curing methods to implementing a custom dry/cure/store room run by state-of-the-art Cannatrol System.
Here's why it matters and how we ensure perfection using Cannatrol.
What is a Cannatrol System?
The Cannatrol System is advanced technology designed for the precise drying, curing, and storing of cannabis, ensuring optimal preservation of terpenes and cannabinoids. It utilizes a patented Vapor Pressure control, giving us independent control of both temperature and dew point, adjusting the vapor pressure to fine tune conditions throughout the process. Control over the vapor pressure is what helps us to reach that sweet spot in Water Activity which is the key! No other dry/cure solution offers this unique and advanced technology. Why is water activity the key? Click here to learn more.
Our choice to use the Cannatrol System is backed by science and driven by our commitment to quality. Here's how Cannatrol sets our product apart:
Optimized Terpene Retention: Research, including a study by the Cannabis Research Coalition, has shown that the Cannatrol Cool Cure system significantly improves terpene retention. With up to 16% more total terpenes preserved compared to traditional drying methods, our cannabis maintains its unique aroma and therapeutic properties.
Consistent Quality Control: The Cannatrol system offers precise control over dew point and temperature, crucial for drying and curing. This consistent control ensures our buds are dried and cured evenly, without the fluctuations that can compromise quality.
Prepared for Longevity: As sun-grown farmers, we understand the importance of storing our product properly through the seasons. The Cannatrol System helps us prepare our cannabis for long-term storage, ensuring it remains fresh, aromatic, and potent through the following summer. This enables us to reassure customers concerned about “last years outdoor” by highlighting the distinguishing factors that set us apart.
Biscotti OGVT Sun-Grown; Cannatrol Cured
Photo Credit: Ben Grunow, Treetop Alliance
Why Proper Drying and Curing Matters
Preservation of Terpenes and Cannabinoids: Improper drying and curing can lead to the degradation of these essential compounds, diminishing the quality and experience of the final product.
Prevention of Mold and Bacteria: Without proper drying and curing, the moisture trapped within the buds can become a breeding ground for mold and bacteria, posing risks to consumers and reducing shelf life.
Enhanced Potency and Experience: The process of curing not only preserves the flower's quality but can also enhance its potency. Proper curing allows for the slow breakdown of chlorophyll and prevents the degradation of THC into less psychoactive compounds, ensuring a smoother and more enjoyable experience.
Water Activity: The Key
Water activity is an important measure not only for cannabis farmers, but in food and any preservation environment where mold might grow.
When flower is dried, cured and held at a stable water activity level between 0.6 and 0.65, the maximum level of ‘bound’ moisture is retained -without danger of mold growth.
Cannatrol Systems provide a level of control to achieve the optimal water activity level – every harvest – consistently and never over dried.
