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Does Weed Expire?

Weedbates Contributor
11/28/2022

Have you ever wondered if a marijuana bud that's a few months old can still be enjoyable to smoke? It's time to give this intriguing issue a shot at being broken down, with particular attention paid to the problems that can arise from cannabis that is either too dry or too moldy. You'll be provided with the answers to your queries about determining whether or not marijuana that has been stored for many months is still suitable for smoking.

If you do not properly store your weed, you can be confident that your cherished buds will remain fresh for a good number of months. To have fresh weed or fresh cannabis edibles, you should store them properly.

Mold can grow on cannabis if it is kept in conditions with a high humidity level throughout the surroundings. This ensures that the flowers will never have any traces of mold because they will always be appropriately dried. If you are fortunate enough to reside in a country where the purchasing of this plant is authorized, the marijuana that is generally acquired from a dispensary has been produced and processed utilizing techniques that are both reliable and professional.


Reputation Of The Seller

The cannabis you purchase, whether it comes from a legal dispensary or a reputed dealer selling weed of a specific standard, should always meet reasonable quality requirements regardless of where you purchase it. However, it is not rare to discover dealers in underground marketplaces possessing moldy marijuana. Because of this, it's strongly recommended that you always only rely on dealers that have a good reputation in the industry. 

Be extremely cautious if someone tries to sell you pressed marijuana in bunches. In most cases, the cannabis is pressed while it is still slightly damp, and it is not tanned or stored appropriately, creating ideal circumstances for mold growth. 

You need not be concerned about having mold-filled buds on your hands, though, unless you purposefully expose your weed to extremely high levels of moisture. In that case, you should be very careful. On the other hand, if you are concerned that mold might grow on your marijuana over time, make sure to read the following sections of this article, which also contains advice on how to properly store cannabis. 


Use Of Weed Has Many Advantages

Researchers are now afforded broad authority in their investigations of the cannabis plant as many countries have elected to decriminalize the drug for medical and recreational purposes.

cannabis grow pot

There is an increasing interest in and demand for reliable data regarding cannabis and the potential advantages and disadvantages associated with using it. Cannabinoids are chemical compounds found in cannabis that have been studied extensively due to their possible therapeutic benefits.

Reduces The Inflammatory Symptoms That Are Present

Inflammation is both a cause and a symptom of a wide variety of chronic disorders, such as multiple sclerosis (MS) and muscle spasms, epilepsy, glaucoma, Alzheimer's disease, and a number of other conditions. Inflammation can also be a symptom of acute conditions, such as a cut or scrape, or an infection can cause it.

Inflammation is one of the most frequently encountered medical disorders, and weed usage is effective in treating this illness. Cannabinoids, such as cannabidiol, also referred to as CBD, are among the most potent anti-inflammatory compounds found in cannabis.

Pain Alleviation

A wide range of chronic aches is one of the most common factors contributing to lost time at work and a decline in overall quality of life. Many people suffer from debilitating pain every day, debilitating pain, which can range from cramps caused by premenstrual syndrome and migraines to arthritis and chronic neuropathic pain.

Weed, whether applied topically or taken orally, not only alleviates pain but also helps prevent reliance on potent opioids and other over-the-counter medicines that can lead to organ damage. This is true whether marijuana is administered topically or taken orally.

The use of prescription opioids for either a short period or on an ongoing basis is linked to an elevated risk of morbidity and mortality. A decrease in the number of opioid prescriptions written, the number of opioid dosages taken, and the usage of other drugs, as well as alcohol and cigarettes, has been linked to the increased accessibility of medical cannabis.

There is "strong evidence" that cannabis and cannabinoids can be used as a treatment for chronic pain, according to the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine.

Helps Get Rid Of Nausea

Because of digestive issues, drugs, treatments such as chemotherapy, and other factors, many people feel nausea regularly or on occasion. Weed has been shown to be effective in treating abdominal pain and regulating digestive functions within the body, such as metabolism.

Cannabis has been shown to interact with receptors in the brain, which helps regulate feelings of nausea and other unpleasant sensations. People who find it challenging to eat as a result of nausea may benefit from it because it might enhance their appetite.

Cannabinoids such as CBD, which have been the subject of both preclinical and clinical research, show promise as potential therapies for the clinical management of nausea and vomiting. According to the findings of a few studies on THCA, this particular cannabinoid possesses a greater ability to alleviate nausea and vomiting.

woman smokes joint

According to the findings of one study, using THCA rather than THC is "a more effective option in alleviating nausea and vomiting." Additional study is required in this field in order to thoroughly investigate the various cannabinoids and the therapeutic value they offer.

In the meantime, the Food and Drug Administration has already given its blessing to the use of synthetic versions of THC, such as dronabinol and nabilone, for the treatment of nausea and vomiting caused by cancer chemotherapy. Additionally, dronabinol has been given the green light to improve appetite and weight growth in AIDS patients.

Alleviates Feelings Of Depression And Anxiety

In a study published in 2010, researchers from Harvard University found that when used in low dosages, weed can calm users, enhance their mood, and function as a sedative. According to the findings of a study published in 2018 that looked at the power of cannabis to relieve anxiety, the anxiolytic effects of cannabis are somewhat reliant on the strain, the terpenes, and the ratio of THC to CBD.

According to the findings of the study, delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol, or THC, which is well-known for the psychoactive effects it produces, can alleviate anxiety when taken in moderate quantities but can raise tension when taken in high doses.

On the other hand, CBD appears to be effective in reducing generalized anxiety, despite the fact that it does not have any adverse side effects, such as the paranoia that is associated with being intoxicated. When cannabinoids are used combined, studies have shown that CBD can reduce some of the anxious feelings that THC brings on.




Less Pain With Cannabis

An observational study on the antidepressant and anxiety-reducing effects of cannabis use was carried out in 2021. The study found that cannabis use "was associated with less self-reported depression" and that "users of medical cannabis also reported better sleep, a better quality of life, and, on average, less pain."

woman uses weed for sleep

Both of these findings were found to be true. A significant reduction in anxious and depressive symptoms was related to beginning cannabis usage for medical purposes during the follow-up period. This effect was not detected in control groups that never began cannabis use.

Although the study came to the conclusion that cannabis use may lessen anxiety and depression symptoms in clinically anxious and depressed populations, it did caution that future studies that are placebo-controlled are required to reproduce these results. In a similar vein, a comprehensive review conducted in 2021 concluded that cannabis is connected with a reduction in symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), which commonly include feelings of anxiety and sadness.


Can Weed Go Bad Over Time?

THC, like anything else, will degrade over time. Concentrates and buds of cannabis have a somewhat longer shelf life if they are stored correctly; nonetheless, the quality of the drug's effects and flavors might degrade over time. However, how long does it take for cannabis to go bad?

You have definitely come upon a bag of pot at some point, either hidden behind a closet door or tucked away beneath your bed. When you did, the majority of you probably asked yourself, "Should I smoke it?" Alternatively, "Will it make me high?" If it appears to be only slightly brown and has a crumbly texture when you touch it: it is possible to smoke it, although there is no guarantee that it will continue to be pleasurable to smoke.

Does Weed Expire?

If it is not stored correctly, cannabis does indeed have a shelf life and can "age." The herb can overdry, and its components can break down more quickly if exposed to direct sunshine and air. Because of this, it is highly recommended that marijuana be kept in a location that is both cool and dark (read the following paragraphs for more information). Heat is another factor that might diminish the quality of cannabis. Because of it, a cannabis product can lose potency.

Cannabigerolic acid, also known as CBGA, is created by Cannabis plants during the course of their growth. This acid is then used as a precursor in the synthesis of the three primary cannabinoids, which are CBDA, CBCA, and THCA. These cannabinoids undergo a transformation known as decarboxylation, during which they are converted into CBD, CBC, and, of course, THC. This transformation takes place when the marijuana is heated.

Cannabinol, also known as CBN, is a type of cannabinoid that acts as a potent sedative, relieves pain, combats sleeplessness, and stimulates bone formation. THC can transform into CBNA if it is subjected to heat and light for an extended period. CBNA can then be turned into CBN if the marijuana is smoked or vaporized after the transformation has taken place. It is also one of the cannabinoids found in cannabis.


High Temperature And An Excessive Amount Of Light

A company that specializes in conducting experiments with cannabis claims that a dose of 5 milligrams of CBN is just as effective as a dose of 10 milligrams of diazepam, a pharmaceutical sedative that is typically recommended by physicians. In contrast to THC, cannabinol, or CBN, is not psychoactive. This implies that it is unable to produce feelings of euphoria, or "highs," and that, depending on its application, it may confer distinct advantages in therapeutic settings but generate minimal interest in recreational contexts.

Therefore, according to what has been established by the Colorado Pot Guide, exposing marijuana to an excessively high temperature and an excessive amount of light for extended periods of time might cause cannabis to become significantly more sedative. On the contrary, it is highly improbable that a person would be able to duplicate similar settings within their own home without purposefully adjusting the levels of light and other aspects of the environment.




How Long Can Marijuana Be Kept In Storage?

Can cannabis products, including medical marijuana be kept in storage for a longer period of time ? This is not an exact science by any means, and the cannabis content will take on the form that it is in according to the conditions in which the buds have been stored. For instance, if the weed has been in contact with moisture for an entire year, it is pretty unlikely that even attempting to eradicate it will be successful. On the other hand, if it has been stored in a cool and dry location, the THC content of its trichomes can still be relatively high.

cannabis trichomes

The following are some very approximate calculations, but it seems likely that THC will degrade at this rate:

Consequently, the answer to the question "can the weed go bad?" is yes, but in a somewhat stretched-out time frame." Cannabis has the potential to be preserved for a number of years if the conditions are just right. Even when stored in the most inefficient manner, marijuana is able to maintain all of its active components for at least one month. As long as adequate levels of humidity are maintained, and the environment is kept appropriately dark, cannabis should not deteriorate too quickly. Maybe it was once a potent weed , but now it could become a less potent weed.

How To Determine If The Marijuana Is Still Good?

If you are a gourmet of cannabis, you will know how to evaluate your old supply of the drug. However, it's highly recommended that anyone who is planning to smoke marijuana conduct a quality check on the weed they purchase (or vaporize or edible). Below are some easy steps you can take to determine whether or not your marijuana is still potent.

How To Determine If Your Cannabis Is Spoiled And What To Do About It?

Fortunately, much as with food, there are a few warning indicators that should assist you in determining whether or not your pot has gone bad.

Weed flower

If your grass is only old, it will almost surely have a dry and dreary appearance because it has lost its moisture content.

  • Brown coloring
  • Dry and crumbly
  • Less appealing appearance

On the other hand, none of these things should discourage you from lighting up. Although it may have lost some of its quality and flavor (becoming less pleasant and more annoying to smoke as a result), these symptoms do not indicate that there is anything wrong with the marijuana you are using. Throw away your marijuana as soon as possible if you notice any signs of mold or if it appears to be moist or blackened.

Smell

The aroma of weed that has been stored for a long time typically diminishes significantly in comparison to how potent it once was. Don't be surprised if you find that it doesn't have much of a smell to it.

This should not come as a surprise. In rare instances, there is a possibility that it smells slightly of the earth. Nevertheless, if it has a foul odor, you should not smoke it. It is almost certain that it has gone bad if it smells weird and strong and has developed these characteristics.

Effects

Because of the THC's degradation, the effects will almost certainly be significantly less intense. In a similar vein, there will be a rise in the concentration of CBN since THC, as it degrades, transforms into CBN. Although CBN does not produce psychoactive effects in the traditional sense, multiple studies have shown that it can have a kind of sedative effect that leads to daydreaming. Because of this, you could notice that it has a more calming effect on you and that it has less of a buzz than other types of cannabis.

  • Feeling of texture when touched
  • Cannabis that has been around for a long time has a dry, crumbly texture, and it is very easy to break apart.
  • Marijuana that has been stored for a long time may acquire a moist or even wet consistency over time.

Mold

Unfortunately, marijuana can develop mold. In this instance, because it is an organic substance, the buds have the potential to create a moldy coating. The symptoms, which consist of a kind of dusty coating on their surface, are pretty straightforward to spot. Look for any places that are transparent, white, or have other colors that have faded.

It's likely that, in addition to being able to see it, you'll also be able to detect a stench that's awful. Use your common sense. Don't smoke it if your instincts tell you something is off because you should listen to them. You absolutely do not want to discover yourself smoking weed that has become contaminated with mold!

Odor

When cannabis is stored for an extended period of time, the terpenes are typically the first chemicals to deteriorate. Terpenes are extremely sensitive, and when their concentrations drop, the flavor characteristic of marijuana weakens and becomes less intense.

weed jar

Open the jars in which the buds are stored and put them up to your nose to determine whether or not they still contain a significant amount of the terpenes that were present when they were first harvested. The scents should still be detectable, albeit with diminished potency and sharpness.

If you purchased a strain that is distinguished by a distinct aromatic profile, you should examine the product to determine whether or not that profile is still present.

Even if you are no longer able to perceive them, this does not necessarily indicate that the herb has gone bad or that it is no longer worthwhile to smoke. On the other hand, you may think about using alternative ways of preservation in order to maintain the terpenes of cannabis for a more extended period of time.

If, on the other hand, you smell musty odors, you should proceed with extreme caution and do the steps outlined in the following paragraphs.

Observe It Closely

When you have finished smelling the marijuana, you should remove a few samples from the jar and perform a careful visual examination of them. You could find it helpful to assist yourself with a magnifying glass in order to properly study all of the features of the buds and determine whether or not the product can still be "smoked."

marijuana plant

Flowers that have been dried out for a more extended period of time have a tendency to become exceedingly fragile and crumble with even the least amount of pressure. If you look in the bottom of the jar and see a significant amount of pulverized bud residue, this may indicate that the buds have become overly dry and may not be enjoyable to smoke.

In addition, you may check for mold by observing the buds themselves. Mold presents itself as a thin layer of white powder on the surface of the buds as well as the innermost parts of the buds. If you are concerned that mold has grown on your marijuana, get a magnifying glass and look closely at every component to determine whether or not there is a powdery mass there.

If you are having trouble distinguishing between a layer of trichomes and a layer of mold, try splitting the buds apart and seeing if a whitish powder comes to the surface after doing so.

Touch It

Simply by touching it, you will be able to determine the quality of grass tops that have been stored for extended periods of time. The tops of healthy plants should not be overly moist or dry, and they should not crumble under even the slightest amount of pressure. If the tops of your jars become wet or humid, it is best to store them outside, where they may get plenty of air and sunlight. On the other hand, toppings that have been left to dry out for too long will feel utterly dry to the touch and will be so brittle that they will shatter apart very easily.

If the odor and visual tests fail to identify the presence of mold, you might try crushing up some marijuana buds. You can toss them out if you open one of them and discover a white powder inside.

Consider The Taste Of It

If your sense of smell, touch, and sight have not uncovered anything unusual, then you can move on to trying its flavors and see if there is anything noteworthy about them. Get a small amount to try out by vaping it or smoking it in a joint or pipe. If the flavors are good, then it indicates that the product was preserved correctly.




Why Does Cannabis Lose Its Potency Over Time?

Cannabinoids in cannabis are subject to a variety of chemical transformations as time passes. Despite their evident insignificance, these adjustments can result in significant deviations when taking the herb. When cannabis starts to lose some of its strength, this indicates that the THC is going through a chemical change.

In most cases, the harvesting of cannabis takes place at the time when it is believed that the amount of THCA present is at its peak. THCA is the first step in the production of THC. When it goes through the process of decarboxylation, it transforms into THC (heating).

THC concentrate vapes

But that is not the end of the story. The THCA and THC will undergo additional transformations after being subjected to air or UV radiation for an extended period of time. At this point, both compounds will undergo a change that will result in CBNA and CBN, respectively.

When compared to the original compounds, the concentrations of the newly formed compounds will be significantly larger if the period of storage is extended. CBN is a distinct molecule, and the diversity it gives does not necessarily reflect what people are seeking. Despite the fact that it has some valuable properties, however, CBN does have some advantages.


What Are The Health Risks Associated With Smoking Cannabis That Has Gone Bad?

If it has been through the procedure that was just described, then nothing unfavorable will occur. It is possible that it will feel less potent than it did previously, but it could also be more soothing. It would appear that CBN does not have any significant adverse effects, at least not any more so than a weed high in THC.

On the other hand, if your weed has mold on it, you run the risk of getting sick from it. Therefore, toss it out if there is even the slightest hint of mold on it.


How Long Does The Shelf Life Of Cannabis Concentrates Typically Last?

THC concentrates, in contrast to cannabis flowers, are subject to the same time limit that regulates their usability. In fact, dab products, in general, have a shelf life that is much less than that of buds. To begin, you may tell that the terpenes are losing their potency when you smell a strong herbal aroma coming from the plant. In this instance, it can seem like a low-quality concentrate when you put it in your mouth. Nevertheless, the cannabis content will not be altered as a result of this factor by itself.

Concentrates, on average, have a shelf life of about six to eight months before they begin to lose their quality (if stored properly). After this amount of time has passed, they will start to deteriorate. However, similar to the tops, this deterioration does not always indicate that you will no longer be able to smoke them after they have been degraded.

There is yet a glimmer of hope for dabbing fans who are looking for a way to sidestep the sleepiness brought about by CBN. This cannabinoid evaporates at a temperature approximately 10 degrees Celsius higher than THC. Therefore, if you have an electronic nail known as an "e-nail" that has very exact settings, you may adjust it so that it only evaporates THC and not CBN.

Nucleation

You might also ask yourself how long does the shelf life of concentrates actually remain? Concentrates, in their most basic form, are nucleated by a process called nucleation. The process of nucleation is essentially what causes a substance to crystallize in the first place. In terms of water, it refers to the speed with which a liquid can change into ice.

Although cannabis concentrates that have nucleated take on the appearance of sweet crystals, this does not mean that they can no longer be smoked; instead, it simply changes their look.

After the nucleation process, the lipids that were used in the production of cannabis concentrates could be dangerous to smoke. If these lipids are breathed, they can be hazardous due to the accumulation and solidification process that occurs. You should be able to recognize them due to the pale color that they will have on their bodies.

Keeping And Maintaining Quality

It is imperative that grass be stored correctly in order to maintain its quality over time. In a nutshell, the most dangerous elements for you are ultraviolet (UV) light, oxygen, and heat. Because of this, the secret to keeping cannabis potency for an extended period of time is to store it in transparent containers that are airtight and place it in a cool atmosphere. These are the most effective methods for preventing moldy weed and maintaining the quality of cannabis.

Maintaining the potency of concentrates over extended periods of time presents a comparable challenge. Despite this, it is impossible to stop specific processes, such as nucleation. In any event, your cannabis concentrates will have a significantly longer shelf life if you follow the instructions that were just provided.

In addition, a process known as "winterization," which helps to increase the shelf life of concentrates, can be of great assistance. The removal of waxes and lipids from the concentrate is accomplished through a process known as "winterization." When this takes place, nucleation is slowed down, and when it does take place, it will be of lesser severity.


Marijuana That Has Been Aged: Has It Reached Its Full Potential?

A lot of people are curious about whether or not aged cannabis can achieve the same level of quality and sophistication as a fine wine or whiskey that has been stored in containers for a number of years. The response is a little bit confusing to follow.

Cannabinoids in cannabis, in contrast to those found in wine and whisky, do not continue to improve with age. A chemical process takes place within cannabis that degrades its ingredients. As a consequence, the majority of users experience lesser-quality buds as a result of this process.

However, there are always going to be ideal methods for tanning cannabis, which is how you can tell the significant difference between a sticky top that smells rank and a well-dried one that smells lovely. To get the most out of the cannabis terpene profile and to maximize the concentrations of the cannabinoids you want to target, such as THC or CBD, tanning includes drying the cannabis in such a way as to get the most out of what it has to offer.

There are a variety of opinions regarding the optimal approach to take in order to accomplish these goals, but in essence, it requires a controlled drying process to be carried out in the open air for anywhere between a few days and a few weeks. The curing process is then finished in a container that has a seal that prevents air from escaping.

Therefore, unless it is a pleasant surprise with positive connotations, it is doubtful that a herb that has been neglected under the bed has grown the refined and graceful notes that are characteristic of high-quality wine. However, provided that it is dry and appears to be in good condition to you, it is most likely still worthwhile to smoke!


What Kind Of An Impact Do Other Ingredients Have On The Shelf Life Of Cannabis Products?

When cannabis is combined with other ingredients, not only may the strength be altered, but so can the shelf life. Because of the stabilizing effect of ingredients like oils, flavorings, and other medicinal substances, cannabis extracts that are included in products like creams, ointments, and salts may have a longer shelf life than cannabis extracts that are sold on their own.

This may be the case because these products contain cannabis extracts in combination with other ingredients. However, oils, including cannabis oil, can develop badly after a lengthy period of time, mainly if the users do not keep them correctly.

The same principle applies to consumable products. Products such as gummy bears and cakes might contain cannabis. There is no noticeable difference between the other components of these goods and those of comparable products on the market that do not contain cannabis. They have the same potential for rapid deterioration as any other food product. On the other hand, due to the fact that edibles are considered to be food products, they are typically prominently labeled with an expiration date.




How Can You Lengthen The Amount Of Time Cannabis Goods Can Be Stored?

Because light, heat, and humidity are all detrimental to the quality of cannabis products, it is essential that they be kept in cool (not frigid), dark, and dry environments throughout storage. This will allow them to retain their quality for the longest amount of time.

Cannabis flowers should be kept in containers that prevent air from escaping and should be protected from heat and light. Additionally, cannabis oils and concentrates should be stored in a cool, dark place away from excessive heat and light, as exposure to these elements can cause the components to deteriorate or oxidize.

Be sure to follow the usual directions for storage as well as the expiration dates for each product when it comes to edible items, creams, and salts that contain a variety of components in addition to cannabis.


The Bottom Line

Cannabis does, in fact, have a shelf life and can "age" if it is not stored in the appropriate conditions. If the herb is left exposed to direct sunlight and air, it may over-dry, and the components of the herb may decompose more quickly. As a result of this, it is strongly suggested that marijuana be stored in an area that is both cool and dark. Another element that could potentially lower the quality of cannabis is increased temperature.

Cannabigerolic acid, sometimes referred to as CBGA, is produced by cannabis plants as they go through the process of maturing into adults. This acid is subsequently utilized in the synthesis process as a precursor in the production of the three significant cannabinoids, which are CBDA, CBCA, and THCA. These cannabinoids go through a process called decarboxylation, in which they are turned into CBD, CBC, and, of course, THC. This process takes place in the cannabis plant. The heating of marijuana triggers this change in chemical composition.

When THC is exposed to heat and light for a lengthy period of time, it has the potential to change into CBNA. After the change has taken place, CBNA can be converted into CBN by smoking or vaporizing marijuana, depending on which method is used.

Cannabinol, which is also known as CBN, is a type of cannabinoid that has powerful sedative properties, alleviates pain, helps people who have trouble sleeping, and promotes bone growth. Additionally, it is a cannabinoid that can be discovered in cannabis.


Disclaimer: This material is for informational purposes only and should not be relied on for legal, medical, financial, or any other form of professional advice.

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