Innovating Cannabis Podcast

135_The Art of Manipulating Cannabis in the Curing Process

Episode Notes

When we talk about crafting the best cannabis products, we often focus on extraction and preserving key compounds. But what happens in the curing process is just as crucial—if not more—when it comes to manipulating and enhancing a strain's unique characteristics.

Joe Edwards knows a lot about this and has engineered decontamination and curing technology for Yofumo where he is the chief science officer. He is a biochemist, engineer, and expert on various agricultural systems and operations. He has won multiple awards for his post-harvest curation methodologies. Join us as we geek out and get deep into the weeds of curing.

https://yofumo.com/pro-cure/

#cannabiseducation #biochemistry #extraction #cultivation #curing

Episode Transcription

Joe Edwards, Chief Science Officer at Yo Fumo, discusses the importance of decontamination and curing in the cannabis industry. He highlights the need for non-invasive methods to preserve volatile compounds and meet stringent microbial standards. Yo Fumo's technology, which controls temperature, humidity, and atmospheric composition, can cure cannabis in seven days compared to 30 in traditional methods. Edwards emphasizes the importance of consistent curing for medical and recreational products, noting the industry's shift towards sustainable farming and the potential for vintage strains. He calls for standardized analytical testing to improve consistency and quality across the industry.

Outline

• Pam Chmiel, welcomes listeners and introduces Joe Edwards, Chief Science Officer at Yo Fumo, who has engineered decontamination and curing technology.
• Joe Edwards shares his background, mentioning his involvement in the cannabis industry since Colorado went live in medical cannabis in 2009.
• Joe discusses the development of the cannabis industry, the regulatory landscape, and the importance of microbial regulation and compliance.

The Evolution of the Cannabis Industry

• Joe Edwards talks about the birth of a new agrarian, commodity-based industry despite federal illegality.
• He highlights the unique microclimates and state regulations that have preserved the industry's history and techniques.
• Joe mentions the academic environment that has emerged, bringing together various cultivation methodologies and techniques.
• Pam and Joe discuss the wide-open road ahead for the cannabis industry and its potential for growth.

Yo Fumo's Decontamination Technology

• Joe Edwards explains that Yo Fumo is a decontamination company focused on remediation and state compliance testing.
• He discusses the challenges of microbial standards across different states, using Oregon and Michigan as examples.
• Joe highlights the issues with current testing methods that fail to account for beneficial bacteria and enzymes used in traditional cultivation methods.
• He emphasizes the need for non-invasive decontamination methods that preserve volatile organic compounds, cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids.

Regulatory Challenges and Industry Trends

• Joe Edwards discusses the stringent microbial standards in the cannabis industry compared to food safety standards.
• He mentions the impact of MSOs on smaller cultivators and the tightening of microbial standards.
• Joe talks about the importance of differentiating high-end cannabis in the market through proper drying and curing.
• He highlights the need for standardization in cultivation methods to maintain consistency and quality.

Living Soil and Organic Farming in Cannabis

• Pam asks about the industry's shift towards living soil and organic farming.
• Joe Edwards explains that while sustainable farming practices are the new norm, they can sometimes present challenges in contamination control.
• He discusses the use of organic cocoa husk material and its potential to grow bacteria, which can affect cultivation consistency.
• Joe emphasizes the importance of remediation in maintaining the value of cannabis and meeting market demands.

Curing Process and Biosynthesis

• Joe Edwards explains the concept of curing, which involves controlled chlorophyll decomposition and the breakdown of starches and glucose.
• He describes various curing methodologies, from traditional methods like turkey bags to modern systems like Yo Fumo's.
• Joe discusses the importance of water activity in the curing process and how it affects the transfer of resins to trichomes.
• He highlights the need for consistent curing practices to ensure quality and consistency in cannabis products.

Yo Fumo's Curing System

• Joe Edwards introduces Yo Fumo's curing system, which uses a hermetic chamber to control temperature, humidity, and atmospheric composition.
• He explains how the system speeds up the curing process, reducing the time from 30 days in a bucket system to about seven days.
• Joe discusses the importance of controlling these variables to achieve the ideal curing outcome for different strains.
• He emphasizes the need for small, space-efficient tools that can be easily integrated into existing cultivation facilities.

Consumer Demand and Terpene Profiles

• Joe Edwards talks about the increasing consumer demand for terpene profiles and the importance of consistent curing practices.
• He explains the analogy of terpenes as the destination, cannabinoids as the vehicle, and potency as the velocity.
• Joe discusses the role of terpenes in the user experience and the need for cultivators to focus on these compounds.
• He highlights the importance of analytical testing in achieving consistent terpene development and user satisfaction.

Vintage Cannabis and Aging Processes

• Pam asks about the potential for vintage cannabis and aging processes.
• Joe Edwards explains the concept of terpene development and how it can be manipulated through curing practices.
• He discusses the importance of understanding the bell curve of terpene development and how to achieve consistent results.
• Joe mentions the potential for heirloom cultivars and the role of breeding programs in developing new strains.

Data and Analytical Testing in the Cannabis Industry

• Joe Edwards emphasizes the need for data and analytical testing to understand microbial contamination and curing processes.
• He discusses the importance of understanding the development of cannabinoids and terpenes across different stages of cultivation.
• Joe highlights the need for standardized testing methods to ensure consistency and quality in cannabis products.
• He mentions the challenges of sharing data and proprietary information within the competitive cannabis industry.