Cannabis, also known as marijuana, is a plant that has been around for medicinal and recreational purposes for centuries. With the legalization of cannabis in many states, people are curious about the shelf life of the drug. Does cannabis expire? If so, what is the shelf life of different forms of cannabis?
In this blog post, we’ll answer these questions and provide tips on how to properly store cannabis to extend its shelf life.
Expiration
The shelf life of cannabis is a complex topic, and while it doesn’t technically “expire,” it does undergo a degradation process that affects its quality and potency over time.
Typically, cannabis products can last up to a year if stored under ideal conditions, but several factors can affect their longevity, including the form of the product, its moisture content, and how it’s stored. The drying process of cannabis can cause it to become too dry, leading to a musty taste, loss of flavor, and diminished potency. On the other hand, high humidity levels can lead to mold and other harmful pathogens that can affect the quality and safety of the product.
In short, while cannabis doesn’t technically expire, proper storage and monitoring of its condition are essential to ensure its optimal quality and safety for consumption. You won’t get sick from expired cannabis (unless you have moldy weed), but it might be stale and not ideal.
Method of Consumption
Cannabis shelf life varies by the form it comes in. For example, cannabis flower may not expire as quickly as edibles because it doesn’t contain added ingredients like sugar and oil found in edibles. These ingredients can cause them to grow mold or bacteria and go bad.
The shelf life of smokable cannabis can range from 6 months -12 months. While edibles can expire in 3-6 months, depending on their ingredients.
The shelf life of cannabis can also depend on the form it comes in. For example, cannabis or CBD oil can last 1-2 years.
However, concentrates like wax or shatter can expire within a year to 18 months due to the exposure to light and air. Light and air causes them to change in texture and flavor. Vape pens typically last 6-12 months. Topicals and lotions are usually good for 1-2 years.
Storage Tips
To prevent cannabis from expiring and ensure it stays fresh, it’s essential to store it in the right conditions. The common enemies of cannabis are moisture, light, air, and heat, so it’s important to keep it in a cool, dark, and dry place, away from direct sunlight or temperature fluctuations. Airtight containers, such as glass jars or bags with a seal, can help preserve the quality of your cannabis. To read more about storing your cannabis, read our blog post on how to store your cannabis here.
To check if your cannabis is expired, pay attention to your senses. If it smells musty or moldy, has a different color, tastes off, or feels dry and crumbly, it may be expired. It’s always better to be safe than sorry and dispose of cannabis that has gone bad. This is to prevent any possible health risks.
How Do I Know If My Cannabis Expired?
Are you curious about whether your cannabis has reached its expiration date? There are several telltale signs to keep an eye out for.
Firstly, you might notice a change in aroma. Expired cannabis can emit a musty odor or no smell at all, rather than the alluring scent it had when you first purchased it. Additionally, you can determine if your cannabis is past its prime by its texture. Stale cannabis tends to be dusty and crumbly, unlike its usual sticky and malleable texture.
If you detect a change in taste, such as a decrease in flavor or an increase in harshness when smoking, that is another indicator that your cannabis may have expired. This is due to the dryness of old cannabis, which can result in throat irritation and an unpleasant taste. Old cannabis loses potency and does not have all the flavorful cannabinoids and terpenes as when it was fresh.
If you notice any mold on your cannabis, it is important that you do not consume it. Smoking moldy cannabis can lead to lung problems and illness. Look for white powder or fuzz on the bud, as this is usually a sign of mold.
Final Thoughts
In summary, cannabis does expire. The shelf life can vary depending on the method of consumption and the form of cannabis. Smoking cannabis can last up to a year, while edibles can expire in 1-3 months. Raw cannabis can last up to 2 years if stored properly, while concentrates expire within a year due to their exposure to light and air. To prevent cannabis from expiring, store it in a dark, cool, and dry place, away from moisture, light, air, and heat.
Remember to use your senses to check if your cannabis is expired and dispose of it if it is. With these tips in mind, you can extend the shelf life of your cannabis and enjoy its benefits for a long time.
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