This is for those stoners who do not get through their entire stash of pot in a reasonable short period. It is meant for folks who have been so high that they have forgotten where they stashed their cache.
Now that marijuana is becoming increasingly legal and commercially available in many jurisdictions, one issue arises: Does weed have an expiration date? And what happens if something goes wrong?
It’s a truth that, contrary to what some man on a message board may have told you, marijuana does not expire or decay in the same way that milk or meat do.
If you keep it for a year, it will not get much less potent or mature as gracefully as a quality wine would be expected.
Even yet, one could argue that weed has an unspoken “best used by” date that should be adhered to.
The majority of specialists think that after a year, it begins to lose its potency and becomes less pleasurable to smoke in general.
Does Weed Expire?
Yes, weed expires because it contains active chemicals such as THC which begin to break down after harvesting. Properly-stored weed can last up to 12 months before going bad. Healthline indicated that weed expires after 12-18 months even with proper storage.
Since Marijuana is a plant, it is prone to the same natural laws that control all other plants.
All living things must die and decompose in order to provide nutrients for other species and make way for fresh life.
It’s actually rather lovely.
Cannabis has an expiration date. But don’t feel obligated to finish that 1/8 of Space Queen in a weekend simply to beat the clock.
Marijuana, when properly prepared and maintained, may survive anywhere from 12 to 18 months without losing its potency, according to industry experts. It was nowhere like the 20 years depicted in the Roseanne episode, but it was still astounding.
The Chemical Process of Weed Expiring
Exposure to natural elements including air, heat, and light causes marijuana to lose its potency over time. The more you handle it, the less potent it becomes.
Weed has an active component called Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC).
Small sacs/glands create the active compounds (THC, etc.).
When you handle marijuana, the sacs are broken, revealing the chemical.
THC begins to break down into other cannabinoids after roughly a year. The terpenes in marijuana, which give each strain its distinct aroma and flavor in part due to flavanoids, begin to deteriorate considerably faster.
This is because to the psychoactive chemicals’ volatility, or their proclivity to ‘sublimate’ into the air or chemically deteriorate over time.
With that stated, I’m not sure whether we can claim that weed necessitates a little extra caution when being stored.
What Factors make weed go bad?
1) Humidity – Humidity encourages the growth of mold spores, which can be hazardous when smoked. This happens quickly when the humidity is too high.
2) Light – The most damaging thing that could ever happen to weed and its valued cannabinoids is sunlight exposure. Direct light Heat causes cannabinoids in marijuana to oxidize, or break down.
3) Temperature – High temperatures break down cannabis quickly, converting THC to cannabinol (CBN). To avoid this problem, keep your buds at a temperature of 20°C to 30°C.
4) Air – While air is necessary for curing cannabis, too much air can be detrimental once it has been cured. Oxygen has a tendency to steal electrons from materials, resulting in rusting or dry rot. It will also dry up the oils that contain the cannabinoids in weed, giving them a harsh flavor and reducing their efficacy.
How long does weed stay fresh?
If properly stored, the cannabis can last anywhere from six months to a year. The dried cannabis begins to lose its strength and aroma once this time period has passed. According to studies, when pot is stored for a year, it loses 16 percent of its THC content, and it continues to diminish from there.
After one year, it drops to 26% THC loss, 27% THC loss in two years, and 34% THC loss in three years. If you don’t use marijuana for more than four years, you’ll lose 41% of your THC. What is the point of weed if it doesn’t contain THC? Why would you keep the cannabis for such a lengthy period of time?
It’s possible that you left the weed inadvertently; perhaps you traveled for a long period or forgot that you had it. Regardless of the reason, you should be deliberate about how you use your pot, and don’t buy it if you won’t use it within six months.
How can I tell if my weed has gone bad?
(i) Its smell
The cannabis that has been left too long will have a strange scent and aroma from what you originally purchased.
Some weeds have an unpleasant odor and taste, which can be a major turn-off for anyone.
(ii) Its appearance
When you split a piece of fresh cannabis, it should not crumble or look spongy: if it does, it is too old. It has gotten too old to use if it appears to be too dry or even too damp.
(iii) Feeling sick after consumption
We hope you don’t come across this third indicator because it’s not only nasty, but it’s also an indication of old weed.
Can You Smoke Old Expired Weed?
No, you should not smoke expired weed. If you consume old weed, you may become ill as a result: the most common symptom is an upset stomach. If you’re not sure how long you’ve been away from the weed, do not use it to avoid this terrible encounter.
It may be okay to smoke weed that is only 1-2 months past its expiration date.
How can I check for mold on my weed?
You must be very watchful when looking for molds because it is possible to miss them. Molds might be difficult to spot unless you examine carefully and closely.
When you look closely at the cannabis, you’ll notice microscopic white fuzzy specks with a powdery sensation.
Molds have a musty odor that is similar to that of hay.
Can You Freeze Weed?
No, you should not freeze weed when storing. If you put the weed in the refrigerator, it will become brittle and easily break. Refrigerators also expose the weed to too much moisture, which contributes to mold growth, so avoid them.
Your trichomes will quickly begin to break off as a result of the cold, and the chemical makeup of cannabinoids will be damaged.
How can I store my weed properly?
Now we must learn how to properly store marijuana, we have a few things you should be aware of. The taste, aroma, and potency of your cannabis are all affected by oxygen, temperature, humidity, and light.
As a result, in order to store marijuana safely and avoid the bad consequences we’ve outlined, you need do the following:
(i) Use the most appropriate jars
Plastic bags should not be used to keep marijuana because they contain static, which can destroy the trichomes.
Trichomes are the portions of the cannabis plant that create cannabinoids and terpenes, and the weed’s potency would be lost without them.
A glass jar is generally the ideal option for storing weed because it is airtight, does not have a static charge, and restricts the plant’s exposure to oxygen.
Glass jars are very reasonably priced and readily available.
(ii) Watch out for the humidity of storage location
When storing the cannabis, keep an eye on the humidity level: it should be between 59 and 63 percent and no higher.
If it exceeds this amount, too much moisture will be trapped inside the container, increasing mold growth.
If you’re unsure about the humidity, acquire a humidity pack for the containers you’re using, one specifically designed for cannabis, and you’ll be OK.
(iii) Keep the weed in a cool, dry, and dark place
Weed should be stored in a cool, dry, dark location away from direct sunlight.
If you leave the weed in the sun, it will decompose and mold will begin to grow on it. Keep it in a dark spot, such as a cupboard, at a temperature below 77 degrees Fahrenheit.
Last Words
Dried flower has a finite shelf life, even when fully cured. The average time it takes for cannabis to grow is one to two years.
A one- to two-year estimate is based on the assumption that you know how to properly store pot and that you utilize sufficient weed containers.
Otherwise, you can find that your bud has developed a mold problem. Or, as a result of exposure, your weed will lose its potency.
THC degrades into CBN, which has a variety of psychological consequences. This degradation will be accelerated by heat, light, and extra oxygen.
You should anticipate your weed to last anywhere from 6-12 months if it’s been properly harvested, undergone proper drying, well-cured, and stored.