Drying of cannabis—state of the practices and future needs
Sai Kiran Reddy Challa, N.N. Misra, Alex Martynenko
Abstract
Cannabis is an important source of several bio molecules that possess medical applications. With the growing interest in cannabis processing in Canada, there is a need for innovation in this sector. At present, the cannabis industry relies on slow and inefficient drying practices that result in poor quality product. This review examines the state of the practices and challenges in cannabis drying, and the recent developments. Additionally, some prospective low temperature drying technologies of significance to cannabis industry are discussed. Non-isothermal, microwave-vacuum, electrohydrodynamic, radio-frequency, and freeze drying have been identified as potential candidates for industrial drying of cannabis.