How Long Does Weed Last: The Basics
If you are a cannabis lover, you will wonder how long your weed can stay fresh. Weed is organic matter, and like all things natural, it has a shelf life after which it is no longer fit to consume. However, the good news is that your cannabis can stay relatively fresh for an amazingly long time under ideal storage conditions. If being correctly cultivated, dried, cured, and stored, it will remain fresh for six months up to a year.
What Happens To Marijuana Flower As Time Goes By? - Authoritative Answer
Different cannabis varieties have different shelf lives. However, all marijuana flowers age based on the same scientific principle of biodegradation. Made from plant material, marijuana is an organic compound that will break down and decompose as time goes by. When the terpenes in your weed break down, your bud will start to lose its flavor, fragrance, and potency.
If you smoke the bud that has been put aside for several months, you will notice a significant difference in odor, the high you get from it, and the overall smoking experience.
How long is weed good for? Once your weed plant is harvested, it is finite on its freshness and potency. This happens because the weed plant is no longer attached to the root network, so it cannot feed on new nutrients and replenish itself. As cannabinoids break down, the THC found in your cannabis will also decompose. So the longer you wait before you smoke the weed, the less powerful the experience will be.
For a more authoritative and scientific answer to this question, we can turn to the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime. Their research found that, on average, cannabis plant matter loses its THC potency at this rate:
What Makes Weed Go Bad?
Several elements influence how long weed stays fresh and potent. Understanding these factors can help you maximize the lifespan of your cannabis.
Quality of the Weed
- Harvesting and Curing: The way cannabis is harvested and cured plays a significant role in its longevity. Properly cured weed, where the moisture is evenly distributed and gradually reduced, tends to last longer.
- Strain Variations: Different strains have varying shelf lives. Some strains may degrade faster due to their chemical composition, particularly if they have higher levels of volatile terpenes.
Storage Conditions
- Temperature: Cannabis should be stored in a cool environment, ideally between 60-70°F (15-21°C). Higher temperatures can cause the cannabinoids and terpenes to degrade, leading to a loss of potency and flavor.
- Humidity Levels: Proper humidity levels (around 59-63%) are essential to prevent mold growth and keep weed fresh. Too much moisture can lead to mold, while too little can dry out the cannabis.
- Light Exposure: UV light is a major enemy of cannabis, breaking down cannabinoids and terpenes over time. Storing weed in a dark place or using opaque containers helps preserve its quality.
- Air Exposure: Oxygen exposure can oxidize cannabinoids, particularly THC, leading to a reduction in potency. Airtight containers are crucial to minimize this exposure.
Does Weed Go Bad? - How To Judge
Even with proper storage, cannabis will eventually degrade. Here’s how to tell if your weed has gone bad:
Change in Smell
- Musty Odor: A musty or mildew-like smell indicates mold, which can make the weed unsafe to smoke.
- Lack of Aroma: If your cannabis no longer has its distinct aroma, the terpenes may have degraded, leading to a loss of flavor and potency.
Appearance of Mold or Discoloration
- White or Gray Fuzz: Moldy weed will often have white or gray fuzz. If you see this, do not consume the cannabis.
- Color Changes: Weed that has turned brown or lost its vibrant green color is likely past its prime.
Dry or Brittle Texture
- Crumbling Weed: Overly dry weed will crumble easily and may have lost much of its potency. This can happen if it’s been exposed to too much air or stored in low humidity.
Harsh Taste
- Bitter or Harsh Smoke: If your weed tastes bitter or harsh, it’s a sign that it has degraded. This is often due to the breakdown of cannabinoids and terpenes over time.
How to Revive Stale Weed
If your weed has dried out, there are a few ways to revive it:
Use Humidity Packs
- Rehydrate with Humidifiers: Humidity packs, often containing 2-way humidity control, can help restore moisture to dried-out cannabis. Place one in the container with your weed and allow it to rehydrate slowly.
Add Fresh Orange Peel
- Temporary Rehydration: Adding a fresh orange peel to your container can temporarily rehydrate weed. However, this method should be used cautiously to avoid introducing mold.
Steam Method
- Quick Fix: You can steam your weed by holding it over a pot of boiling water. This is a quick fix but can also reduce potency, so it’s best used sparingly.
How To Keep Weed Fresh For Longer？
Now that you have understood the effects of temperature, humidity and sun exposure on the degradation of cannabis, you must want to know how to store cannabis flowers to keep them fresh for longer, so please read on.
Keep cannabis storage in air-tight containers.
Remember to store your cannabis in air-tight containers or ceramic jars to prevent moisture from interacting with your bud. In this way, oxygen exposure is reduced, and the chances of oxidation is minimized.
Mason jars with tight-fitting lids are an excellent weed container if it has been dried well before storage. It is necessary to keep the jar in the dark, cool place as much as possible. The less air held in the jar, the better it is for your weed. It is said that weed stored like this can be kept for up to 2 years. It is better to use a humidity pack inside the jar to ensure the humidity is controlled to avoid mold.
Black glass jars are another good choice. You can purchase these weed jars online or at head shops. They are specially designed with dark glass to block UV light.
Stash Boxes for weed are also ideal as most are smell proof and come with jars that help keep out humidity.
If you have no such containers, make sure that it is stored in a dry yet well-ventilated space.
Put it in a temperature-controlled environment.
You'd better keep the storage temperature to around 70 degrees Fahrenheit. Don't store your weed in a freezer or refrigerator because doing so will cause fluctuations in temperature, which will increase the chances for mold and mildew. Cold buds will attempt to seek water from the air, which may cause them to lose their flavor and weaken their potency.
Avoid plastic bags.
Plastic containers will threaten the quality of your buds because static will attract trichomes. Moreover, plastic can get heated more quickly than organic material and stick to your flowers. You may store your weed in plastic bags and containers temporarily, but do not leave it there for weeks.
Vacuum-sealing.
Vacuum sealing weed is another method to keep your weed in fresh condition for longer. Once the weed is vacuum-sealed, air will be removed so that the weed will get neither too dry nor too humid. However, it will always be best to put weed in a dark, cool place.
The Science Behind Cannabis Degradation
Understanding the science of how cannabis degrades can help you better preserve your weed.
Cannabinoid Breakdown
- THC to CBN Conversion: Over time, THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) in cannabis converts to CBN (cannabinol), a less psychoactive compound. This conversion is a key indicator of cannabis degradation.
- Oxidation: Exposure to oxygen accelerates the breakdown of cannabinoids, leading to reduced potency.
Terpene Loss
- Volatile Compounds: Terpenes, which give cannabis its flavor and aroma, are volatile and can evaporate or degrade over time, especially if exposed to air or heat.
Can You Use Expired Weed?
If your weed has passed its prime, you might wonder if it’s still safe to use.
Safety Concerns
- Moldy Weed: Consuming moldy weed can pose health risks, including respiratory issues. It’s best to discard any cannabis that shows signs of mold.
- Low Potency: While older weed may be less potent, it’s generally safe to consume unless it’s moldy or contaminated.
Using Older Weed
- Edibles and Concentrates: If your weed is safe but has lost its potency, consider using it in edibles or concentrates, where the effects might be less noticeable.
Does Weed Expire - Wrap Up
You should have developed a systematic understanding of the preservation of cannabis weed now. Most importantly, remember that heat, light, and air are not friends with your weed. So, how do you plan to store your favorite cannabis weed? If you find this article helpful, take a look at our other blogs for more guides.
FAQs
How can I tell if my weed is still good?
Good weed retains its aroma, color, and texture. If it smells fresh, is sticky, and has a vibrant color, it’s likely still good.
Does freezing weed extend its shelf life?
Freezing weed can extend its shelf life, but it also risks damaging the trichomes, which can reduce potency. It’s not recommended unless you plan to store it for an extended period.
Can I smoke weed that has dried out?
Yes, you can smoke dried-out weed, but it may be less potent and harsher on your throat. Rehydrating it with a humidity pack can improve the experience.
Is moldy weed always unsafe to smoke?
Yes, smoking moldy weed can be harmful and lead to respiratory problems. It’s best to discard any weed with visible mold.
How does curing affect the shelf life of weed?
Proper curing is essential for extending the shelf life of weed. It reduces moisture content and stabilizes cannabinoids and terpenes, making the weed last longer.
Can the potency of weed increase with time?
No, cannabis potency decreases over time as THC degrades into CBN, which is less psychoactive. Proper storage can slow this process but not reverse it.
