Does Weed Go Bad?
How to Keep Your Cannabis Fresh

If you’ve ever found an old stash and wondered, “Does weed go bad?” you’re not alone. Cannabis doesn’t come with an expiration date printed on the package, so it can be tricky to know if it’s still good to use. In this post, we’ll explore whether cannabis expires, how to tell when it’s past its prime, and how to store it properly to keep it fresh for as long as possible.

Is There an Expiration Date for Cannabis?

Technically, cannabis doesn’t “expire” in the way that food or medicine might. It won’t rot, grow mold (if stored correctly), or turn toxic. However, cannabis can degrade over time, losing its potency, flavor, and aroma. This process doesn’t happen overnight, but it’s worth keeping in mind if your weed has been sitting around for longer than a year past purchase date. 

THC Degradation: Over time, the cannabinoids in cannabis, especially THC, will break down. THC, the psychoactive compound responsible for cannabis’s “high,” gradually converts into CBN (cannabinol), which is much less potent. While consuming old cannabis won’t necessarily harm you, it may not deliver the same effects you’re looking for.

Terpene Degradation: The terpenes (compounds responsible for cannabis’s flavor and aroma) also degrade over time, causing your weed to lose its taste and smell. A once-pungent strain may start to smell grassy or stale as the terpenes break down.

How to Tell If Cannabis Has Gone Bad

While cannabis doesn’t have a fixed expiration date, there are a few key signs that your stash might be past its prime. Here’s how to tell when it’s time to toss it out:

1. Smell Test

One of the best ways to determine if your cannabis is still good is by giving it a sniff. Fresh cannabis typically has a strong, distinct aroma, thanks to its terpene content. If your weed smells musty, moldy, or like hay, it’s probably gone stale.

2. Appearance

Take a close look at your buds. Fresh cannabis should be vibrant and covered in trichomes (the tiny, crystalline structures that contain cannabinoids and terpenes). If your weed looks discolored, especially if it’s brown, it might be old. You should also check for mold, which can appear as white, fuzzy spots on the surface of the buds.

3. Texture

Cannabis should be slightly sticky to the touch, but not too dry or too moist. If your buds crumble easily when you handle them, they may have dried out, losing potency in the process. On the other hand, if they feel damp or spongy, they could be harboring mold.

4. Taste

If you’re still unsure, you can always try a small amount to test the flavor. If it tastes harsh, burnt, or just plain bad, it’s probably time to throw it out.

How to Store and Keep Your Cannabis Fresh

To prevent your weed from going bad, proper storage is key. Follow these tips to extend the life of your cannabis and keep it as fresh as possible.

1. Keep It Airtight

Exposure to air is one of the biggest culprits in cannabis degradation. Oxygen can cause THC and terpenes to break down more quickly, so storing your weed in an airtight container is essential. Glass jars with rubber seals work great for this purpose, as they prevent air from seeping in.

2. Store It in a Cool, Dark Place

Light and heat can degrade cannabinoids and terpenes. To keep your cannabis fresh, store it in a cool, dark place, away from direct sunlight. Ideally, you want to keep it in a spot with a consistent temperature—around 60 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit.

3. Avoid Excess Humidity

Moisture is the enemy of cannabis. Too much humidity can lead to mold growth, which is harmful to your health. To maintain the right level of moisture, aim for a relative humidity level between 59% and 63%. Some people use humidity control packs in their storage containers to regulate moisture levels.

4. Don’t Store in the Fridge or Freezer

It might seem logical to store cannabis in the fridge or freezer, but this is actually a bad idea. Freezing cannabis can cause the trichomes (the resin glands on the surface of the buds) to become brittle and break off. Refrigerators, on the other hand, tend to have high humidity levels, which can promote mold growth.

5. Avoid Plastic Bags

Plastic bags are fine for short-term storage, but they’re not ideal for keeping cannabis fresh over the long haul. Plastic can generate static electricity, which can attract trichomes and degrade the quality of your weed. If possible, stick to glass containers.

Summary

While cannabis doesn’t technically expire, it can lose its potency, flavor, and aroma over time. If your stash smells bad, looks discolored, or crumbles easily, it’s probably past its prime. To keep your weed fresh, store it in an airtight container in a cool, dark place, and avoid exposure to light, heat, and moisture. By following these tips, you can extend the life of your cannabis and enjoy it at its best for months to come.

If you need help finding top-quality cannabis products or storage solutions, stop by Aroma Hill’s dispensaries and chat with one of our knowledgeable budtenders. We’re here to help you keep your stash in perfect condition!

Find an Aroma Hill dispensary near you: https://aromahillcannabis.com/locations/