Over time, the potency and effectiveness of weed can decrease. So it is important for users to understand how
- Long it remains fresh and
- How to keep it smelling fresh
In this article, we will discuss the factors that can affect the shelf life of weed and provide some general guidelines for how long it is typically good for.
Factors that influence the shelf life of weed
Flowers generally stay good till a year, if stored properly, while edibles need to be consumed much earlier.
According to a 2011 study, the single most critical factor in cannabinoid (e.g., THC) loss is exposure to light (not direct sunlight). Furthermore, oxygen, temperature changes, and humidity all contribute to cannabis losing potency or growing mildew.
The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) undertook a study in the late 1990s to investigate the concentration of the cannabinoids CBN and THC—the cannabinoid recognized for its psychoactive properties—in dry cannabis samples served as an indicator of how long cannabis is stored. This study found that cannabis plant matter (flower) loses THC potency at a rate of:
| Years | Potency Lost |
| 1 | 16.6% |
| 2 | 26.8% |
| 3 | 34.5% |
| 4 | 41.4% |
From the above table, you should now have a good idea of how long does weed stay good.
As you see cannabis products can be stored properly for up to a year. Despite this, it is better to consume cannabis flowers or other cannabis products within six months of obtaining them from a dispensary.
If you were unable to use cannabis in the prescribed amount of time, learn more about how to increase its shelf life.
How to extend the shelf life of your weed
To ensure that your flower retains its freshness, it is important to minimize its exposure to direct sunlight and fresh air. This will help to maintain the relative humidity at an appropriate level, typically between 54 and 63 percent. One way to do this is to use a small Mason jar or a container specifically for storing marijuana.
Keep the container lid securely, avoid opening it too frequently, and store it in a cool and dark place. Specialized cannabis humidors or other products can also be used to control humidity. Alternatively, you can store your weed in a humidor specifically designed for marijuana.
Edible preservation
To ensure the freshness and flavor of your perishable desserts, it is important to store them properly. This also applies to your weed – you may be wondering how long Does weed stay good when stored correctly. However, it should be noted that edibles should be consumed at the earliest as other ingredients present in the recipe might not have a long shelf life.
To preserve the potency of edibles, keep them sealed in their original packaging and stored in a cool, dark location, avoiding exposure to open air and direct sunlight.
Concentrate products preservation
If you’re still wondering how long does weed stay good, storing your concentrates in specialized containers designed for dabbing is the best way to preserve their potency and freshness. These containers are typically made of glass or silicone and are ideal for keeping your concentrates fresh and ready to use. By putting your concentrates in these small containers, you can ensure they keep their quality and potency over time.
Vape cartridges
When storing your vape pen, it’s important to keep it in a dark, cool place away from excessive light. This will help maintain the freshness and potency of the weed oil inside the cartridge. Additionally, because the cartridge is airtight, you don’t have to worry about exposure to air or humidity. As a last tip, keep your vaporizer standing up so that the oil stays at the bottom of the cartridge and is easy to get to.
How long does potency last?
One question that may come up when discussing weed potency is “How long does weed stay good?” The answer to this question will depend on various factors such as the type of weed, the storage conditions, and the amount of THC present.
- Light – Cannabis should always be stored in a dark place to prevent degradation. Just like how sunlight can fade a poster, light can also damage the potency of weed. While a living cannabis plant requires sunlight to grow and thrive, light can break down the plant’s compounds, negatively impacting its quality.
- Humidity –Another factor that can impact the potency of weed is humidity levels. Similar to temperature, there is a sweet spot for the humidity that is optimal for cannabis growth and preservation. This ideal range falls between 55 and 62%. When humidity levels rise above 65%, it can damage the physical structure of the buds rather than affect the cannabinoids. Maintaining the right humidity levels is crucial for maintaining the potency of your weed.
- Temperature – Storing your weed at the right temperature is crucial for maintaining its potency. Too hot or too cold can cause it to lose its potency and flavor quickly. The ideal temperature for storing weed is between 40 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit, according to many dispensaries. This “Goldilocks zone” ensures that your weed stays fresh and potent for longer.
In conclusion, the answer to the question of how long does weed stay good depends on a variety of factors, including the storage conditions, the type of weed, and the age of the weed. On average, properly stored weed can last for up to six months before it begins to degrade in quality.
However, some strains of weed can last much longer, while others may start to lose their potency after just a few weeks. The key to ensuring that your weed stays good for as long as possible is to store it in a cool, dark place, such as a refrigerator or a well-sealed container. By following these simple tips, you can enjoy your weed for months to come.
