It’s a question we get all the time: Do cannabis products expire? The short answer is yes; eventually, all cannabis products will go bad. The long answer is a little more detailed. So, keep reading to learn everything you need to know about cannabis expiration dates and best practices for keeping your products fresh and potent for longer.
Do Cannabis Products Expire? How Long Do Cannabis Products Last?
Most cannabis products will stay fresh for a year or longer with proper storage. However, several factors can affect the longevity of your marijuana, including storage conditions, humidity levels, and the type of product you have. For example, cannabis oils and edibles tend to have a longer shelf life than dried flowers. Additionally, if you store your weed in an airtight container in a cool, dark place, it will likely last longer than if it is exposed to light or heat. Ultimately, using your nose is the best way to ensure that your cannabis is still fresh. If it smells earthy and piney, it’s probably still good to smoke. But if it smells like hay or looks discolored, it’s probably time to toss it out.
How Can You Tell if Your Cannabis Products Have Gone Bad?
Cannabis can be divided into a few categories: flowers, cartridges/concentrates/extracts, edibles, and topicals. Flowers are the unprocessed buds of the cannabis plant. Concentrates are created by extracting the THC-rich resin from the flowers. Edibles are food products infused with cannabis. And topicals–like lotions, balms, and oils–are CBD-infused. Each type of product has different signs of expiration.
Signs that Cannabis Flowers Have Gone Bad
When cannabis flowers are fresh, they are green and moist to the touch. As they age, however, they will begin to dry out and lose their color. Buds that are brown or yellowish in color are past their prime and may be harsh or unpleasant to smoke.
Signs that Cannabis Concentrates Have Gone Bad
If your concentrate is dark or brown, it has probably oxidized and is no longer good. Another sign is a change in texture. If your concentrate is hard or crumbly, it has probably dried out and lost its potency.
Signs that Cannabis Edibles Have Gone Bad
A change in color can indicate an expired edible. For example, if your brownie was originally a deep, chocolate brown but is now more of a grayish brown, it’s probably time to toss it. Texture can also indicate an expired product. If your gummy bear is supposed to be chewy but is now hard, or if your brownie is dry and crumbly instead of dense and moist, it’s probably time to trash it. Lastly, if the smell of the edible has changed, it’s likely past its prime.
Signs that Cannabis Topicals Have Gone Bad
A change in texture or consistency is a tell-tale sign of an expired topical product. If your topical is usually thick and creamy but suddenly becomes watery, it’s probably starting to spoil. A change in color or scent is also an indicator. If your product starts to turn brown or develop an unpleasant odor, it’s time to throw it out.
And, of course, always check for an expiration date on the package. If you’re not sure whether your product is still good, err on the side of caution and throw it away. It’s better to be safe than sorry!
High-Quality Packaging Makes a Difference for Cannabis Expiration Dates
As a cannabis processor, you want your products to stay fresh and potent for as long as possible. A long-lasting product results in happy customers who come back for more. So, what can you do to extend the shelf life of your products? Invest in high-quality packaging. It makes all the difference, and here’s why:
- High-quality cannabis packaging is airtight: Airtight packaging keeps oxygen from entering the package and damaging the product. It also helps to prevent moisture from entering the package, which can lead to mold and mildew growth.
- High-quality cannabis packaging is light-resistant: Light-resistant packaging keeps harmful UV light away from your product. UV light is highly damaging to your cannabinoids and can cause them to lose potency and flavor. Light also dries out products quickly, causing them to expire faster. Choosing opaque packaging for your cannabis products is a great option.
- High-quality cannabis packaging is resealable: Resealable packaging is essential for cannabis products with multiple servings. Mylar bags are an excellent choice for edibles because they’re not only resealable but smell-proof and tamper-evident as well.
Last but not least, when it comes to cannabis, the temperature can significantly impact the product’s quality. For example, if cannabis is too cold, it can become brittle and break easily. On the other hand, if it’s too hot, the oils in the plant may start to evaporate, making the product less potent. In addition, temperature fluctuations can cause mold or mildew to grow on cannabis, which can make it unsafe to consume. That’s why it’s essential to store cannabis products in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. By doing so, you can help ensure that your cannabis remains fresh and potent for as long as possible.
Package Your Products in High-Quality Packaging to Extend the Shelf-Life
Here at Green 420 Pack, we understand that the quality of your product packaging can have a direct impact on your bottom line. That’s why we offer a wide range of high-quality packaging options to help you extend the shelf-life of your products. Check out all of our products and services, and contact us today to place an order!
