The short answer; YES. Weed can go bad when it is not stored correctly.
The other day my daughter said, “Mold is so gross.”
I told her to “respect its culture.”
The typical scenario plays out. You find a bag of Weed at the bottom of your tin (I tend to use old tin cookie jars) and stare at it, trying to remember; “‘ Was this the bag I got from Jackie last summer?’, ‘Or was this the one that Harry brought me back from his trip to San Francisco?'”. Weed is generally stored in airtight containers and kept away from light, heat, moisture, and air to prevent spoilage. Store it at a cool temperature and in a dark location to avoid pest infestation.
While it would be good to be reminded of and reminisce about good friends, the pressing question is, “Can I consume this weed now?”
How Long Does Cannabis “Keep” or Stay “Good”?
Most people think that Cannabis has an indefinite lifespan. However, this is not true. When Cannabis expires, it will lose its potency and scent.
The lifespan of a Cannabis product is different depending on the type of product, quality of Cannabis, and storage conditions. Cannabis can stay “good” for several days or even weeks. There is no set standard time to determine when Cannabis has reached its expiration date.
Many states with legal Cannabis have no regulations on the expiry dating system. This lack of regulation poses a problem as people may not be aware that their “fresh” Weed is already stale, which means they could be wasting money on Cannabis that has passed its prime before they even open the bag or consume it.
Legislation governing quality control is highly complex. The American States with legal marijuana programs are developing laws to protect the public, and many production processes (ISO) are already being adhered to buy high-quality producers.
How Long Do Concentrates Keep?
The shelf life is about one month (some concentrates can last up to 3‒-4 weeks, others will only last a few hours or days.) if stored in a cool, dry place.
The shelf life of Cannabis concentrates is influenced by the difference in boiling points between the cannabinoids and terpenes. CBD tends to be stable, while THC tends to degrade over time. However, cooling down your Cannabis concentrate before consuming it can minimize this degradation.
Make sure to keep in mind that Cannabis concentrate products such as shatter and wax have different shelf lives due to their potency and consistency.
Does Hash Go Moldy?
The short answer is yes. But the long answer is that this depends on the type of Cannabis strain and the quality of hash.
How Long Do Weed Brownies Last?
Three different factors determine the length of time they can stay fresh.
The first factor is the potency of the product. According to a study by Forensic Services, weed brownies with 30% THC content have a shelf life ranging from two and half months to three months.
The second factor is the texture and consistency of the product. If it is too thick or too hard, it may degrade faster than thin, moist ones like chocolate cake mix, which can last for several weeks at room temperature.
Thirdly, ask yourself how long you have stored that brownie in that container before eating it.
Can Weed go Bad? How To Identify Old Weed
If you want to know what age your Weed is, you need to look for the following signs:
The smell of it is different than when it was new.
The texture has changed in some way.
Any mold or weird spots on the heads can signify old Cannabis sitting around too long.
There are usually more stems and seeds in an old bag of weed than in a fresh one.
The color is not as vibrant as when it was new.
Effects of Stale Weed ‒ Will Old Weed Make You Sick?
People have reported feeling sick or unwell after smoking older plant material. But there is no scientific evidence to support this claim, and most studies on this topic are inconclusive.
The effects of stale Weed are not yet well understood, but it is important to note that the Cannabis plant has over 450 different cannabinoids and their reactions are complex.
Smoking old plant material increases the consumer’s risk: mold or microbial contamination such as E. coli or salmonella. “Most molds are relatively harmless and ubiquitous in the environment, but some may present a health threat when inhaled, particularly to immunocompromised medical Cannabis users.”
Ways to Test For Mold on Your Marijuana
Let me count the ways;
Easiest way? An even easier takeaway will be to take a whiff of the suspected material. Are strong odors present? If you smell a musty or damp odor, your marijuana may have mold on it.
You can also test your marijuana by using a black light (an ultraviolet light) and a magnifying glass to check for any growth. Did you find spots or patches of colors on your marijuana? Mold could have penetrated the surface of the Cannabis and grown throughout the whole piece.
Another way is by burning a small piece of the suspect material and then observing how dark it gets when burned compared to new pieces.
Take a bud of dried Cannabis and gently roll it between your fingers. If your fingers leave marks on the surface of the bud, it could indicate moisture or humidity present inside it.
Remember, the taste of Cannabis should not change with time!
How to Keep Your Weed Fresh Longer
Keep your Cannabis buds in a cool dark place like a drawer or cabinet. If you don’t have these options, try storing them in an opaque container or glass jar with a lid that keeps light and air out.
- Avoid using plastic bags or wrapping it in aluminum foil.
- Never put your Cannabis near food or drink, as they will absorb the nutty flavor of the plant.
Keep your Cannabis stored away from heat sources such as radiators and ovens.
American Herbal Pharmacopoeia (AHP) recommends storing Cannabis between 60 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit (16 to 27 degrees Celsius).
The optimum humidity for storing dried Cannabis is 65%, and you can achieve this by using a desiccant. Desiccants such as silica gel bags (those that you get in shoeboxes) absorb water from the air, so they are ideal for drying Cannabis.
Make sure to keep the jar sealed, so no air gets in. You can also use jars with silicone lids and rubber seals.
Keeping it in a dark place is most important. Light will alter the plant’s chemical composition and considerably reduce its medicinal benefits.
How Long Does Weed Last In Storage?
Most people want to know how long Weed lasts in storage. As marijuana is a dried plant used for medical and recreational purposes, people need to know the shelf life of their stash.
Marijuana can last anywhere from one week to one year in storage, depending on the temperature and humidity levels. It also depends on the strain of marijuana you have bought, the size of the bag, and how well you store it.
The key is to have a cool, dry place with constant temperatures where you can store your stash safely.
Can Weed go Bad if Frozen?
This question is philosophical since the answer depends on who you ask. However, in general, freezing Cannabis can have both positive and negative effects on the quality of the Weed.
If you have a lot of Cannabis and don’t know what to do with all of it, freezing it might be an option.
It is important to remember that not all freezing methods will preserve marijuana’s quality and potency. The best way to enjoy your Weed for as long as possible is by properly storing it in an airtight container at room temperature.
When to Throw Out Your Cannabis
If you are asking the question “Can Weed go Bad?”, you already have suspicions.
Smell it. If the scent is not potent and has an earthy or mild odor, then you should probably toss it out.
What Makes Cannabis Edibles Go Bad?
Cannabis edibles are long-lasting and preserve the flavor for a long time. However, they do not last forever. Over time, they can go bad and turn a brownish or grayish color.
Many factors can cause Cannabis edibles to go bad: heat, light, moisture, oxygen, and poor storage conditions.
For more details on Cannabis edibles and their effect, please take a look at our blog on “The Latest on How Long Cannabis Edibles Stay in Your System?”
What Kind of Container Should I Use for My Cannabis?
Most people are familiar with Weed’s standard glass or ceramic container, but their effectiveness is debatable. They can create a lot of heat when left unattended, which can cause combustion and dry out your Weed too quickly.
Airtight containers are more efficient and convenient because they have an airtight seal that keeps in the moisture and preserves the aroma of your Cannabis.
Glass containers retain heat better than plastic or metal, but their rigid exterior is not conducive to optimal Cannabis storage conditions.
Scientific Papers: Can Weed go Bad?
