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As legalizations ramp up among states, more people are testing the waters with cannabis. Alongside this sharp uptick in usage comes questions. Novice cannabis smokers – and even most seasoned users who never had access to the plethora of online resources there are today – have questions about their cannabis.
One of the leading questions: Can cannabis go bad? There’s a sea of conflicting opinions online, some of it misleading, some of it incomplete. This article aims to set the record straight. Below, explore everything you want to know about cannabis shelf life.
The Factors Leading to Cannabis Spoilage/Degradation
Maybe it’s best to start by reviewing the factors that cause cannabis spoilage. Cannabis buds and the cannabinoids therein tend to decline in quality because of issues surrounding storage. Namely, cannabis doesn’t do well with:
- High or low humidity
- UV exposure (sunlight)
- High or low heat
- Oxygenation (open air)
Remember those factors as we answer the question posed in the title.
Potency Loss and THC Degradation
If you store cannabis in the bare sunlight, the flower will quickly lose its potency. This happens because the main psychoactive component in weed – THC – degrades in the presence of UV light. Further studies show that high heat over 68 degrees Fahrenheit can cause THC degradation.
Loss of Flavour and Smokeability
Next, there’s humidity to worry about. At a low relative humidity (below 55% RH), cannabis flower dries out. When it dries out, it takes with it a lot of the trichome-dependant terpenes responsible for giving cannabis its bright flavors and calming properties. The leaves and buds also become papery at these low RHs, causing harsh smoke that many find too unpleasant.
What does that mean for cannabis enthusiasts in arid areas and dry seasons? As we discuss below, you can store weed properly – and even revive a dried stash – with humidity control Bovedas for cannabis.
Can Weed Go Bad? The Mold Problem
So far, we’ve covered conditions that lead to a loss in quality – but not necessarily spoilage. While a UV-blasted or dry cannabis nugget might be less potent and less flavorful, it’s still safe to consume.
However, in one instance, weed can go bad. Irreversibly bad. When you expose cannabis to a high relative humidity (<65-70%), you run a serious risk of mold proliferation. At these high RHs, mold spores have enough water and food to procreate and can quickly overtake your stash. If you notice dull, powdery white spots on your cannabis, unfortunately, you need to toss it.
How to Extend the Shelf-Life of Cannabis
Extending your cannabis’ shelf-life involves controlling the factors outlined in the first section:
- First, start with an airtight container to ward off any oxygenation and create a barrier against the outside environment.
- Next, pop a Boveda 2-way humidity control pack in the container, which keeps the RH inside the container at a consistent, favorable level; this will ensure your stash doesn’t dry out or become susceptible to mold growth.
- Keep your sealed container at a temperature between 60 and 68 degrees Fahrenheit; cooler parts of the home work perfectly here.
- Lastly, store the container in a dark place, like a closet or drawer. Alternatively, store the cannabis in a UV-resistant container.
By following these straightforward steps, you can keep cannabis nearly indefinitely. It will lose some potency over time (this is inevitable) but should remain safe for consumption.
