Do Cannabis Edibles Expire?
If you've found a bag of cannabis-infused edibles at the back of the pantry or bought several packets of gummies on special, you might be wondering whether they'll be ok to eat or whether you might need to throw some out. The short answer to "do edibles expire" is "yes"—cannabis edibles expire as quickly as their non-cannabis counterparts. However, when stored properly, edibles that are high in sugar or citric acid generally have a shelf life of a few months.
Why Edibles Have the Same Shelf Life as Regular Food
Cannabis oils and distillates can last for months—sometimes a year or more—so this naturally leads some customers to associate cannabis products in general with a long shelf life. However, the reality is that it's not the cannabis itself that gives cannabis concentrates a longer shelf life. Rather, it's the lack of botanical material in highly refined extracts that prevents them from spoiling quickly. If you think about dried cannabis flower (which definitely expires and can even go moldy), you'll understand what we mean.
Expiration Timelines by Edible
Different cannabis edibles have different shelf lives, just like regular food. Check this edible-specific guide before you store edibles or eat expired cannabis-infused food.
Do Cannabis Cookies Expire?
Cannabis-infused cookies contain ingredients like eggs, butter, and milk that spoil in days if not consumed. Generally, marijuana cookies will stay fresh for up to a maximum of a week, especially if they contain preservatives. A cannabis cookie that's past its expiry date will become stale and dry and eventually start to grow mold. If you make weed cookies at home, it’s best to consume them in the first two or three days.
Do Cannabis Brownies Expire?
Edible cannabis brownies last for as long as regular brownies, which—like cookies—is around a week, especially if kept in the fridge. After buying fresh baked goods from one of our Seattle dispensaries, we recommend eating them right away!
Do Edible Gummies Expire?
Because they're made from sugar, gelatin, often citric acid, and cannabis resin oil (or distillate), edible gummies last far longer than baked goods—three to six months if they are kept in an airtight container and haven't been exposed to germs.
The great thing about gummies is that they contain two natural preservatives: citric acid and sugar. When stored properly, gummy edibles have been known to last up to one year.
Do Candy Edibles Expire?
Similar to gummies, confectionaries like cannabis lollipops, hard candies, and THC-infused chocolates can last a pretty long time. Keep them in their plastic wrappers and don't put them back after they've been licked, as the bacteria can cause them to spoil. While these cannabis edibles are best consumed before their expiration dates, they should still be safe to eat for up to one year.
Do Cannabis Edibles Lose Potency?
So, some kinds of edibles (gummies and candies) can last a pretty long time. But what about cannabinoids? Do edibles lose potency? According to research from the United Nations published in 1999, around 16% of the THC in cannabis products is lost in the first year, 26% in two years, 34% in three years, and 41% in four years.
As THC degrades, it turns into CBN which makes you feel sleepy rather than high. The more oxygen your edibles are exposed to, the quicker the THC will degrade. So it's still best to consume your edibles soon after you buy them. You'll have a much more satisfying experience.
How to Maximize the Shelf Life of Your Cannabis Edibles
If you've bought some cannabis edibles and want to draw out the fun, you'll want to protect your edibles from all of the things that will make them spoil:
Light
Heat
Air
Moisture
Bacteria
In the case of a cookie or brownie, it’s best to place it in the freezer. Anywhere else and it'll be stale and dry in a few days. For gummies and candies, just store them in their original unopened (or resealable) packaging or put them in airtight containers with a humidity-controlling pack.
If you’re new to edibles and just want a little bit, cut it off with a clean knife rather than biting a piece off, as this introduces bacteria. Then, put it in an airtight container in a cool, dry, dark place like a sock drawer or kitchen pantry.
Can You Eat Expired Edibles?
Let's imagine that you've spent money on some amazing edibles, stored them safely away, and forgotten they were there. If you later find the packet and see that it's past its expiration date, there are a few things you need to check:
Has the edible lost or changed color?
Does it have a bad smell?
Does it have any mold spores?
Is it dry and brittle?
Are there condensation droplets in the packet?
If you see any of these signs, reseal the packet (to prevent pets from finding and eating it) and throw it in the trash.
If the edible still seems to be ok, you could take a small bite to test the taste. If it still tastes good, it probably won't make you sick—it just might not get you as high.
The Best Solution: Enjoy While Fresh!
Here, we've addressed the "what ifs" of shelf life with respect to cannabis edibles. However, under ideal circumstances, these masterpieces are best enjoyed fresh. By eating your cannabis edibles right after purchase, you'll enjoy:
Stronger and more delicious flavors
A superior texture
More potent cannabinoids
A more kick-ass high
If you don't think you'll finish them all yourself, buy a packet to share with friends!
When consuming infused treats, remember to "go low and go slow." The THC in an edible can take up to an hour to kick in but the effects last for several hours, so it’s definitely worth the wait. And if your edibles are past their best, throw them out and buy some more. Your taste buds—and cannabinoid receptors—will thank you.