Every edible comes with an expiry date and weed is no different. Although it will last longer than other stuff in your refrigerator’s drawer, consuming it when it’s freshest will ensure you get the most of its natural cannabinoids and compounds.
Here we will take you through the shelf life of marijuana, how it may change over time, and some practical tips to keep its freshness intact.
So, whether you are an experienced smoker or have just begun exploring weed, the information you are just about to read will take your marijuana experience to the next level.
Let’s go!
What is the Shelf Life of Weed?
While weed doesn’t expire technically, its shelf life mainly depends on how it is stored. When stored in a cool and dark place, it can maintain its flavor and effectiveness for up to a year.
But as weed crosses the 12-month mark and also with exposure to heat, light, and air, its THC content starts losing its flavor and potency.
So to extend weed’s shelf life and freshness, always store it in airtight containers, away from direct sunlight and humidity. Also, try to use it within the recommended period to enjoy the best experience.
Does Weed Expire?
Yes, weed does expire, but not in the conventional sense like perishable foods. It just loses its flavor and efficacy due to the breakdown of cannabinoids and terpenes, leading to a decrease in its potency and a less vibrant taste and aroma.
Unlike a pack of milk that can go bad within a few days, weed doesn’t become unsafe to consume as it ages, it just loses its flair.
However, a concern with old weed is the development of mold which can make it unsafe to use.
While proper storage can extend the shelf life of cannabis significantly, you can prevent mold growth on your weed by keeping it away from sunlight and maintaining optimal storage conditions.
In this way, you can keep your weed safe to consume for up to a year but also keep checking for any unusual odor to make sure that it is still good to use.
How to Tell When Cannabis Has Gone Bad?
Knowing when your weed has degraded in quality is important for ensuring a safe and pleasurable experience. Here are some indicators to do it:
Smell and Taste
One of the first signs that cannabis has gone bad is a significant change in its pleasant and aromatic scent. If cannabis starts to emit a moldy, musty, rotten egg smell, it is a clear sign that it has gone bad.
Similarly, a change in taste can signal spoilage. While fresh weed usually has a clean, crisp taste, bad cannabis starts to taste unpleasant and acrid, indicating the quality decline and time to discard the product.
Change Colour
Cannabis that has gone bad shows significant color changes. While fresh weed flowers are vibrant green, if they have turned brown, yellow, or grey, just know that they have gone bad and it’s time to discard them.
Changes in Texture
Fresh cannabis is always a bit sticky, pliable, and resilient when handled. If the buds become overly dry and crumbly, crumble into a powder easily, or feel too slimy, it’s a sign that your cannabis has gone bad.
You See Visible Molds
The most alarming sign of weed’s expiration date is the formation of mold or mildew. If you see any green or white fuzzy spots on your weed, or if it smells like damp grass, just don’t consume it and dispose of it immediately.
Not only does mold eliminate weed’s potency but it also makes it dangerous to consume due to its mycotoxins content.
Effects on Potency
Expired cannabis can lose its effectiveness, resulting in weak or nil effects. If you observe that your cannabis isn’t giving you the desired results, it might be past its prime.
How To Store Cannabis Properly?
Here are some ways to store cannabis properly:
Select the Right Container
The first method to store cannabis is using airtight containers such as glass jars to keep it away from the air and prevent moisture loss. Vacuum-sealed bags can also be used to maintain the freshness of weed.
Just avoid using plastic containers or bags, as they can contaminate cannabis and make it unfit for use.
Monitor Humidity Levels
Maintaining the humidity levels of any edible is important, be it cannabis or any other stuff. It should be stored at a relative humidity of 55 to 62% to prevent mold growth while also preserving its potency and flavor. You can also try humidifying packs for this purpose.
Store it in a Dark Place
To keep cannabis potent and fresh, it should always be kept in a cool, dark place so that heat and direct sunlight can’t degrade its quality. The ideal temperature for storing weed is between 15-21 Degree Celsius (60-70 Degree Fahrenheit).
Avoid introducing moisture
Do not handle the batch of your cannabis with your hands as it can introduce moisture and contaminants into it. Always use clean utensils to do it and store your cannabis in a stable environment to extend its shelf life and preserve its quality.
By taking these measures and staying alert to these signs, you can make sure that your weed experience is safe and enjoyable. Also don’t forget to inspect your weed product before use.
Conclusion
So finally, does weed expire? Yes, it does. It’s just about staying aware of its shelf life and spotting the signs of expired cannabis early such as changes in smell, appearance, and texture and you can make sure that your cannabis consumption is safer.
Whether you are using cannabis vape cartridges, baked goods, or topical creams, always store them in a cool, dark, and dry place to maintain optimal moisture levels.
Also use airtight containers, vacuum-sealed plastic bags, or glass mason jars and follow your weed expiration date guidelines as expired cannabis not only loses its potency but can also pose health risks such as mould-related infections and respiratory issues.
We hope this article has empowered you to make better decisions about when and how to consume weed and maximize its benefits.
FAQs About Weed Expiration
Can I Freeze Cannabis Products?
Yes, you can freeze cannabis products but only if you are looking for a short-term solution. Doing it for more than 2-3 days will degrade its potency and quality.
How Long Can I Keep Weed Once Opened?
You can keep weed for up to 18-24 months as long as you store it in a cool, dark, and dry place.
Does Marijuana Lose Potency Over Time?
Yes, marijuana can lose its potency over time due to exposure to light, heat, air, and other environmental factors. So it is important to store it in airtight containers, and away from light and moisture to keep its potency intact.
Does THC Expire?
Yes, THC shelf life is real. As cannabis ages, its THC content converts into CBN (cannabinol) which is less psychoactive. So to maintain its potency, always store cannabis in airtight containers, away from light and heat, and in a cool and dark place.
How Long Does It Take Weed to Expire?
Weed usually stays good for about 6-12 months when stored properly. After this period, it starts to lose its flavor and effectiveness. But if you take some extra care and store weed in airtight containers, away from light and moisture, it can be used for up to 24 months.