For many marijuana lovers, coming across a long forgotten stash of weed during spring cleaning is nothing new. However, if you’re relatively new to weed, and don’t remember how old this certain stash is, you’re probably wondering whether it has gone bad at some point
While the short answer is no, it’s probably still okay to smoke, but how good your weed is does depend on the packaging and storage method, and what your definition of bad is.
Weed certainly doesn’t spoil the way milk or mayonnaise does, but it can still have a noticeable drop in potency.
So how long does weed stay fresh for? How do you know if your weed is old? And most importantly, what is the best storing method for weed?
Let’s start answering these questions.
How long does weed stay fresh?
The first thing all weed lovers need to know is that while time does affect weed, unlike food, it does not become unsuitable for consumption. What this basically means is that consuming old weed will not have any adverse effects on your body, though it may not be as potent as it was before.
This is simply because of the fact that, unlike food, cured and dried cannabis is not a breeding ground for microorganisms and bacteria. However, dried weed does begin to lose potency after approximately 6 to 12 months.
This is due to the fact that there are more than 110 cannabinoids in the marijuana flower, including THC, CBD and CBN. After the flower has been harvested, cut, and dried, these cannabinoids start reacting with the amount of heat, light, and oxygen available to them, and gradually begin to lose their psychoactive properties.
This is the reason why many experts advise against storing weed for longer periods of time. But how do you know if your weed is old? Let’s find out.
How do you know if your weed is old?
The biggest giveaway of weed past its prime is the smell. In most cases, the aroma changes drastically, or disappears altogether. Other strains might develop a harsh taste if they have been sitting too long.
At the same time, the appearances of some strains also change. If your weed crumbles away as you touch it, or if it feels a bit too spongy, then it is probably too old.
If stored in an unsealed container, some strains can even play host to bacteria and develop mold, which can be quite hard to see unless you look very, very closely. And while this mold doesn’t usually cause health problems, people with weaker immune systems may experience a coughing fit, nausea and vomiting as well.
The best way to avoid this is by making sure you store your weed properly.
The best way to store your weed
Light, warmth, humidity, and even the amount of oxygen present can all affect your weed’s potency, taste and aroma. Which is why storing it properly is extremely important. These are the two things you need to look out for.
1. The right container
Plastic baggies don’t do the trick any more, nor do those funny little tins. Both can let in too much oxygen and affect the delicate trichomes found on the buds. Instead, use glass jars with airtight seals. Not only do they limit oxygen exposure, but also are extremely cheap and easy to find.
2. The right place
Direct sunlight can cause your weed to break and crumble, while too much heat can cause mold and moisture. Which is why it is absolutely imperative to find a cool, dark, and dry place to store your weed container.
And that’s about it. That’s all you need to do to keep your weed fresh and potent for a quite a long time. Happy smoking!
