Quality and freshness are essential for cannabis products to deliver a satisfying experience. But like any natural product, cannabis doesn’t last forever. Understanding the shelf life and expiration of cannabis products helps you make the most of your stash, ensuring it stays potent, aromatic, and effective for as long as possible.
In this guide, we’ll cover the shelf life of different types of cannabis products, what causes them to go stale or lose potency, and how you can properly store them to extend their freshness.
Why Does Freshness Matter in Cannabis Products?
When you have fresh cannabis, the cannabinoids (such as THC and CBD) and terpenes (the compounds that give cannabis its aroma and flavor) are all at their best. So, in other words:
- Stronger potency
- Richer aroma and flavor
- Smoother, more enjoyable consumption experience
Once cannabis begins to degrade, it’s less potent. Terpenes evaporate and cannabinoids break down, reducing both smell and effect.
Shelf Life of Different Cannabis Products
Each type of cannabis product has a different expected shelf life:
1. Dried Cannabis Flower
Dried cannabis flower, often referred to simply as “weed” or “bud,” is the most typical form of cannabis used. If it is stored correctly, dried cannabis can keep for a long time without losing its potency.
- Typical Shelf Life: 6-12 months if properly stored
- Signs of Staleness: Loss of aroma, dry or brittle texture, fading color
- How to Store: Keep in an airtight container in a cool, dark place. Humidity packs (55%-65% relative humidity) can help keep it from drying out.
After a year or so, the cannabinoids in dried flower start to degrade. For example, THC begins to convert to CBN, which has more sedative effects. So, while it might still be safe to consume, it may feel different than when it was fresh.
2. Edibles
Cannabis edibles include gummies, chocolates, baked goods and other food products infused with cannabis. Edibles have a much shorter shelf life than dried cannabis flower due to their perishable ingredients.
- Typical Shelf Life: 2-6 months (or as indicated by the “best by” date)
- Signs of Staleness: Change in texture, color, or taste; possible mold growth
- How to Store: Store edibles in a cool, dry place or follow the instructions on the packaging. Some may need refrigeration to maintain freshness.
Since edibles can be made with things like dairy, sugar, or oils, they can go bad or stale before the cannabinoids do. Be sure to look at the packaging and follow the storage provided to get the most out of your stash.
3. Concentrates (e.g., Wax, Shatter, Oil)
Cannabis concentrates, like wax, shatter, and THC oil are highly potent extracts that can have a longer shelf life than flower but still break down over time.
- Typical Shelf Life: 6-12 months
- Signs of Staleness: Darkening in color, change in consistency, loss of aroma
- How to Store: Keep concentrates in airtight containers in a cool, dark place to avoid exposure to heat and light.
Concentrates can remain potent for months - however, they are extremely light and air sensitive. When exposed to light or air, concentrates may oxidize, causing the concentrate to lose potency as well as flavor.
4. Tinctures
Cannabis tinctures are alcohol or oil based extracts that can be ingested sublingually (under the tongue).
- Typical Shelf Life: 1-2 years
- Signs of Staleness: Change in color, thickness, or flavor
- How to Store: Store tinctures in a dark glass bottle, away from heat and light. Avoid exposing them to direct sunlight.
The alcohol or oil base that tinctures are made with act as a preservative, allowing tinctures to have a longer shelf life than many other forms of cannabis. That said, the cannabinoids in your tincture might break down and lose potency over an extended period of time.
5. Topicals (Creams, Lotions, Balms)
Cannabis topicals are products meant for use on the skin. Topicals are most commonly used for localized pain relief or for skin care. They often contain oils, waxes, or other potentially perishable ingredients.
- Typical Shelf Life: 6-12 months
- Signs of Staleness: Changes in color, texture, or scent; separation of ingredients
- How to Store: Keep topicals in a cool, dark place.
Like edibles, topicals can go bad or lose their potency as the oils break down over time. Keep an eye out for any changes in smell or texture; those are usually good signs that something is off.
Factors That Impact Cannabis Shelf Life
(Don’t do this - sandwich bags are ok in a pinch, but you should never use them for long term cannabis storage.)
There are many environmental elements that affect how long marijuana products will stay fresh and potent. Here’s what you should know about them:
1. Light
Cannabinoids and terpenes actually break down in the presence of light, especially sunlight, eventually degrading into smaller particles and resulting in an overall degradation of potency and flavor. Placing marijuana products in dark containers can help limit this effect.
2. Air
Oxygen can degrade cannabis, resulting in lost potency and aroma. To limit oxygen exposure, always store your cannabis products in airtight containers. When storing concentrates and tinctures, it is especially important to keep the container open for the least amount of time.
3. Heat
Excessive heat can dry out flower, alter the consistency of your concentrates, and cause your edibles to spoil faster than you’d like. Most cannabis products should be stored between 60-70°F (15-21°C). Don’t keep the stash near any heat sources, such as stoves, along windowsills or near electronics.
4. Humidity
Cannabis also needs the right level of humidity to stay fresh, particularly if you’re storing a lot of flower. Too much humidity and it could become moldy. Too little humidity and it’ll dry into dust. While humidity packs work best for flower, for most other products (like edibles or tinctures) you want a nice dry place.
How to Know When Your Cannabis Product Has Expired
Cannabis products don’t often come with an expiration date, but there are some signs you can look for to determine if they’re past their prime:
- Lack of aroma: If you break open a bud and it doesn’t smell as strong as it once did, the terpenes have likely degraded.
- Taste change: For edibles, a bad or stale taste is a sure sign that it’s past its prime.
- Appearance change: Discoloration, dryness, or mold on flower and concentrates indicates degradation.
- Texture: Products that are dried out, sticky, or crumbly often aren’t fresh.
(Moldy weed)
While consuming cannabis that’s past its prime isn’t necessarily dangerous, it won’t be an enjoyable experience. Moldy or otherwise spoiled products should always be tossed, as they can make you sick.
How to Extend the Freshness of Cannabis Products
To get the most out of your cannabis products, follow these storage tips:
1. Use Airtight Containers
Glass jars with rubber seals work well for storing cannabis flower and concentrates. They limit exposure to air, helping preserve potency and flavor.
2. Store in a Cool, Dark Place
Heat and light are the biggest enemies of cannabis freshness. Keep your products in a cabinet, drawer, or another area that doesn’t get direct sunlight.
3. Use Humidity Packs for Flower
Humidity packs help maintain the right moisture levels in your storage container, keeping flowers from drying out or becoming too moist.
4. Minimize Handling
Try to avoid opening containers unnecessarily. Each time you open them, you expose your products to air and light, which can speed up the aging process.
Final Thoughts
Knowing the shelf life and expiration of cannabis products can help you get the most out of your purchase and prevent waste. With proper storage, you can keep your cannabis flower, edibles, concentrates, tinctures, and topicals potent as well as flavorful or aromatic.
And always trust your senses when assessing your cannabis products. If it smells bad, tastes off, or looks moldy or funny—throw it out. Following storage best practices will give you fresh weed every time so that you can have the optimum experience.
