Weed Shelf Life - How Long Cannabis Flower Stays Good
How long is weed ok to use? Cannabis flower, when stored correctly, can preserve its potency, flavor, and aroma for six months to a year. However, the shelf life of cannabis flowers varies significantly depending on storage conditions and factors such as light, humidity, and oxygen.
Luckily, cannabis products sold in dispensaries are typically tested for mold and freshness before they hit the shelves. After purchase, you can keep your weed fresh by storing it in an airtight container in a cool, dark place.
How Long Does Weed Stay Good?
The general consensus is that cannabis flowers can be kept for six months to a year if stored properly. However, one study showed that carefully prepared herbal and resin cannabis extracts could stay stable longer—as long as two years if stored at room temperature in the dark.
Keep in mind that old weed, while potentially safe for consumption, won’t have an optimal flavor or aroma. It also might not get you (particularly) high. Cannabis deterioration occurs naturally over time due to various factors, such as exposure to light, heat, air, and moisture, so consuming your weed fresh is always the best approach to take.
THC Degradation Explained
THC degradation refers to the process by which tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the primary psychoactive compound found in cannabis, breaks down over time. During THC degradation, the chemical structure of THC molecules begins to change and this cannabinoid transforms into the more sleepy (and less psychoactive) CBN. This can result in a decrease in the buds’ potency and psychoactive effects.
What External Factors Affect the Shelf Life of Weed?
Environmental factors, including pH, oxidation, light, and temperature, impact cannabis shelf life. In addition, environmental factors during production, processing, and packaging can also affect THC degradation. In one study, cannabis plant material stored at room temperature lost 16.6% of its original THC content after a year and 26.8% after two years.
The most common factors affecting THC degradation are:
Light: Direct sunlight or UV light can degrade THC over time. Stored plant material can also break down with prolonged exposure to UV radiation.
Air: Cannabis, when exposed to oxygen, will break down more quickly than it would if stored in an airtight environment.
Heat: A certain amount of heat decarboxylates the acidic or “raw” forms of THC and CBD (THCA and CBDA) so that they become psychoactive. Any more heat exposure than that and the THC will start to degrade.
Moisture: Too much moisture can accelerate the breakdown of THC in cannabis and encourage the growth of mold and mildew. You should never smoke moldy weed.
Time: Cannabis, like most organic materials intended for human consumption, will eventually break down.
How to Determine if Your Cannabis Is Past Its Best
Sometimes, you can determine if your cannabis is past its best by just examining it with the naked eye. For example, fresh marijuana should have a vibrant green color with orange or red hairs and be dense and sticky. Stale or expired weed could appear brown or grey and even develop mold growth. These are some other tell-tale signs that your cannabis has gone stale:
Appearance: If your bud appears dry, brittle, or brown, your cannabis may be stale. The color of healthy cannabis is a vivid green with hints of red, orange, and even purple. Magnification tools like a jeweler's loupe can help identify fresh buds. Fresh buds should have clear, milky, or amber trichomes visible on their surface.
Aroma: Cannabis flower that emits a musty smell is probably past its best. Fresh cannabis should have a distinct aroma that is pungent but pleasurably fragrant.
Moisture: Cannabis that is too dry or too moist could be past its best. You can give your cannabis the "snap test" to make sure it doesn't crumble between your fingers or feel damp or limp. If your bud has white patches, feels moist or mushy, or any combination of these, your weed could be moldy.
Taste: Stale cannabis is often bland or even void of flavor. Bud that is past its prime may also taste "off" or rotten. While strain plays a huge role in cannabis flavor, fresh cannabis will exhibit an earthy, sharp, and grassy flavor profile.
How to Store Cannabis for Maximum Freshness
Storage conditions play a crucial role in preserving the quality of THC-containing products. For maximum freshness:
Store weed in an airtight glass container to prevent exposure to air and moisture. Mason jars, glass containers with rubber seals, and specialized storage containers designed for cannabis are excellent options.
Reduce the amount of time your cannabis is exposed to the air in general, as oxygen can deteriorate your weed's quality over time.
Limit light exposure by storing your cannabis in a cool, dark place. The ideal temperature for storing weed is between 60-70°F with 59% to 63% relative humidity.
Keep your cannabis stored away from strong-smelling substances, such as cleaning products, spices, or perfumes.
What Can I Do With My Stale Weed?
Unlike old lettuce or spoiled milk, stale weed that isn’t moldy doesn’t have to be discarded. Old weed can be salvaged and made into edibles. Check for mold or mildew before attempting to use old weed. If your weed appears to be in good condition, you can break your buds onto a baking sheet and decarboxylate your cannabis. Once you've decarboxylated your cannabis, you can use it to make sweet weed treats like cannabutter, brownies, or even marijuana ice cream.
Fresh Is Best
Cannabis is sensitive to air, light, humidity, and other environmental factors. As a result, “how long weed lasts” will vary depending on handling and storage. For the best flavor and therapeutic effects, you should ideally consume your cannabis within the first few months of purchase.
In the meantime, make sure you take appropriate measures when storing your fresh weed to maintain its potency and rich aromas. Correct cannabis storage practices will ensure that your weed is fresh and delicious for many weeks and months to come.