Edibles are a rising segment in the cannabis industry. Of all the options available, CBD edible gummies are the most popular in most regions of the country.
They stand out for plenty of reasons such as their variety of flavors, textures, doses, and low manufacturing costs as compared to other forms.
Despite these benefits, you may want to know more about them such as ‘Do CBD Edibles Expire?’ so that you can enjoy them without any worries.
And that’s what we are here for – to cover everything about a gummy’s expiration date, how to tell when they go bad, and how you can store them properly for the longest shelf life possible.
What is the Shelf Life Of CBD Edible Gummies?
Like any food or beverage, CBD edible gummies are best enjoyed when fresh. When evaluating their suitability to eat, consider both their shelf life and cannabis content.
Usually, CBD edible gummies last for 1 to 2 years before going bad. Even this time period can change depending on various factors such as storage practices and products quality.
You should be aware of when your CBD edible gummies’ expiry date is coming. Pay attention to gummies’ change in quality, flavor, and effectiveness.
If you experience these changes regularly, it could be a sign that your CBD edible gummies have gone bad. Please don’t risk your health by eating a past-due gummy as doing so can result in an upset stomach and modified effects.
How Long Do CBD Edible Gummies Take to Expire?
The expiration time for CBD edible gummies varies but usually, they can last for about 6-12 months if stored properly before they go bad. They are good to eat for a long time as they are a combination of sugar, water, and gelatin.
Gummy formulas can also affect when edibles expire. As cannabis products usually stay good in airtight containers, storing your CBD edible gummies in a cool, dark place can extend their time before they go bad.
CBD edible gummy packets that haven’t been opened may last longer than the ones that are opened as opening the packet exposes the gummies to air and microorganisms.
Also, note that handling opened sweets exposes them to a variety of bacteria and speeds up their deterioration.
Do Edible Gummies Lose Potency Over Time?
Yes, not only CBD edible gummies, but the potency of cannabinoids in any cannabis product diminishes over time. Their taste and flavor might stay the same but their ability to give you the desired effects surely takes a hit with time.
According to United Nations research, the THC content of cannabis products declines by about 16% in the first year, 26% in the second, 34% in the third, and 41% in the fourth.
As the potency of THC degrades, it transforms into CBN, which induces fatigue instead of a high. The more CBD-edible gummies are exposed to oxygen, the faster their potency degrades.
Thus, it is advisable to consume your CBD edible gummies shortly after purchase to ensure a more potent and satisfying experience.
What Factors Affect the Shelf Life of Edible gummies?
Here are the five factors that affect the shelf life of your CBD edible gummies:
Ingredients
It goes without saying that ingredients affect the shelf life of every edible. This is true especially for gummies as some manufacturers use preservatives in their products so that they last longer while some use natural ingredients such as fruits that shorten it.
Make sure to always check the ingredients of your edible before buying and consuming it.
Storage Temperature
It’s best to store your CBD edible gummies in a cool, dark place free of UV rays and other harmful elements like mold.
You may also need to freeze them or keep them at room temperature depending on the product. As mentioned above, check your label packaging for any storage instructions.
Humidity
Humidity plays a huge role in the production process of gummies. Just a slight change in temperature and/or moisture can result in gummies becoming crusty and hard or sticky and slimy to the touch.
In either case, the product can become less enjoyable to consume and more inconvenient to handle. Always store your gummies in a cool and dark place and check the label for any suggestions to be safe.
Exposure to Light
Exposure to UV light is one of the most critical factors in preserving cannabis as UV light can speed up the degradation of terpenes and cannabinoids and ultimately shorten the shelf life of gummies and other cannabis products.
Always store your CBD items in a cool and dark place. You can also use UV-protected glass which will allow you to leave your CBD items wherever you want, be it kitchen counter, table, or bedroom.
Packaging
How your CBD edible gummies are packaged also plays a huge role in their shelf life. Packages like polypropylene are popular for stopping oxygen from entering the bags when properly sealed so that the content inside will have a longer shelf life.
Other high-quality packaging might also work but always double-check their capacity to keep air out before putting them to use.
Like other cannabis products, a simple glass jar might be the best storage option, rather than relying on the manufacturer’s packaging.
What Happens If You Consume An Expired Edible Gummy?
Eating expired CBD gummies isn’t a major issue generally. They just might lose flavor and texture after a certain period of time. The main concern is just the degradation of THC, resulting in a weaker high.
There’s also a chance of fungi, mold, and bacterial growth, which can be detected through the gummies’ smell or appearance, letting you make a smarter choice regarding their consumption.
Also, be careful that consuming expired CBD edible gummies can lead to food poisoning so it’s advisable not to eat anything after its expiration date.
How to Tell If Your Edible Gummies Have Gone Bad?
Here are some key details that will help you to figure out whether your CBD gummies have gone bad or not:
Date of Production & Expiration Date
Look for the information provided on the packaging, including the date of production and best use-by. You can also scan the QR code on the package of your cannabis edibles for lab test results and get a better understanding of when and how it was made.
Physical Signs
Edibles show signs of aging just like any other beverage or food. Symptoms of upcoming expiry or expiration include changes in the gummy’s texture, color, and smell.
Change in taste is also a crucial sign but the previous three tips are more important to consider before consuming any old edibles.
Potency
Cannabis products can lose potency over time. This effect is particularly true when THC gets old and turns into cannabinoid.
If you notice any potency decline, see if the same thing happens the next day or whenever you consume your edibles next. If it happens again, you may be dealing with old edibles.
The best way is to treat edibles like any other item you purchase from the market or grocery store. It’s best to start with the eye test, smell the product, and finally taste it if you feel like it.
Otherwise, keep up on the expiration dates of your products and consume them with care if you think your edibles may have lost their freshness.
How Do You Store Edible Gummies to Last Longer?
Proper storage of your CBD gummies is important to extend their shelf life and make sure that they don’t lose potency and go bad. Here are some factors to consider when storing your cannabis edibles:
Temperature
A slight change in temperature can affect the consistency of a gummy significantly. Always store your edibles in cool and dry places to avoid undesirable changes to their textures or consistencies.
Humidity
Humidity plays a huge role in the freshness of cannabis products. Storing them in cool, dark places is best, but humidity control packs are also great as they manage the space well even after you turn off the lights.
Light
UV light speeds up the degradation of organic matter. Keeping your edibles and other cannabis products away from UV light will preserve their freshness for a long time.
Airtight Containers
Exposure to air breaks THC into CBD. Air also promotes food spoiling by allowing the growth of microorganisms, like yeast and mold.
So for both these reasons, storing your CBD edible gummies in airtight containers is your best way to minimize these risks and extend their freshness.
Proper Labeling & Date Tracking
Always buy CBD edible gummies that have accurate and clear product labels as they can give you an idea about their date of production and use-by dates.
Other crucial information to look for is the ingredients, allergens, and a website link or QR code to check the lab results of the product.
Final Thoughts
Do CBD edible gummies expire? Of course, just like any other food or beverage, CBD gummies have a limited shelf life. To ensure that they don’t lose potency and last longer, they must be stored properly.
Cannabis edibles expire due to various factors such as mold, bacterial growth, and spoilage, just like regular food items. While some edibles may last longer, having an understanding of their expiration timelines is important for safe consumption.
CBD edible gummies have a shelf life that can be enhanced with appropriate storage. Freezing is a method, but it may impact their texture and taste.
The degradation of THC over time can lead to a weaker high. It’s best to consume CBD edible gummies while they are fresh in order to fully enjoy their flavor and effects.
Maximizing the shelf life of CBD edible gummies involves protecting them from heat, light, air, bacteria, and moisture. Proper storage, such as using airtight containers for gummies or freezing baked goods, can help protect their quality.
Slicing small portions with a clean knife can also prevent bacterial contamination. To ensure an enjoyable and safe experience with CBD edible gummies, it is important to understand storage methods and expiration dates.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do THC gummies expire?
Yes, THC gummies can expire, with factors like storage and ingredients affecting their shelf life. Make sure to check your cannabis edibles packaging for the expiration date.
Should you keep edible gummies in the fridge?
While keeping edible gummies in the fridge can slow down their degradation, it’s not necessary. A cool, dark place will suffice.
How many CBD gummies should I take for sleep?
You should start with a low dosage of 1-2 CBD gummies, each containing 10-25mg of CBD for sleep, and gradually increase it. For personalized advice regarding CBD gummies dosage for sleep, consult a healthcare professional.
How long do edible gummies last after the expiration date?
Consuming edible gummies after their expiration date may lead to a decline in their taste and potency. It’s advisable to follow the recommended shelf life.
Are CBD gummies good for you?
CBD gummies may offer health benefits, such as improved sleep and stress relief. However, individual responses vary, and talking to a healthcare professional is recommended.
Are expired edible gummies safe to eat?
Consuming expired CBD gummies may be unsafe due to changes in their flavor, texture, and bacterial growth. It’s advisable to discard them after their expiration date.