They say nothing lasts forever. But does that include marijuana?
No, we’re not talking about you smoking all the good stuff and then forgetting about it. Instead, we’re talking about the ancient question among stoners: “does weed go bad?”
The answer is more complicated than you think. Keep reading to learn the truth as well as how to make your weed last even longer.
Table of Contents
Does Weed Go Bad?
Let’s start with the big question: is your weed actually going to go bad over time? It all depends on what you mean by “bad.”
Let’s start with the good news. Your weed is never going to expire in the same way that your milk expires and needs to be thrown out.
However, your weed can go bad in other ways. After enough time, it will lose its potency and no longer offer the high you’re looking for.
If your marijuana got too much moisture over time, then it may develop mold or other bacteria. If you’re wondering if you can still smoke moldy weed, the answer is “yes,” but it’s going to be really nasty.
What if your marijuana doesn’t get enough moisture, though? It may dry out and make your throat burn when you smoke it. On top of that, it may lose some of its potency.
That can also happen if your weed receives a serious change in temperature. Even a little time in a very hot car can cause chemical changes that ensure you won’t get very high from your stash.
As you can see, there are a lot of ways marijuana can “go bad.” But with the right guide, you can effectively store your weed and maximize its effectiveness for many years.
What About My Edibles?
So far, we have focused on the marijuana itself. That’s why it doesn’t expire but it does go bad (especially when improperly stored).
There are plenty of different ways to consume marijuana, though. Many prefer yummy edibles. However, your edibles will definitely expire and eventually become unsafe to consume.
This isn’t because of the marijuana but because of the ingredients. Your weed may never actually expire, but things like milk and eggs surely will.
Don’t bother trying to store those edibles for a really long time. Instead, try throwing yourself a yummy party!
How Can I Tell When Weed Has Gone Bad?
We have touched on some of the ways you can tell your weed is past its freshness date. This includes sensations such as a smoky throat and a moldy taste.
Ideally, though, you’ll be able to identify “bad” marijuana before you start using it. Here are a few of the ways you can do so.
Old marijuana will break down into a super-fine powder without much effort. You may also find stems and seeds when you take a serious look. It’s also easy enough to see mold, though some people confuse the appearance of trichomes with mold.
While you are handling the weed, you may be able to tell its quality by touch. Stale weed is going to feel really dry to your touch. Furthermore, you may hear a soft “cracking” noise while you handle it.
If all else fails, you can always try a little bit out of it. You can typically tell if weed is bad based on taste right away!
Now that you know more about how to identify the bad weed, here are a few ways to properly store your weed and keep it from going bad.
Humidity Packs
Do you like the idea of an “over the counter” solution? In that case, you should definitely try out humidity packs.
These packs work by (what else?) regulating the moisture of your marijuana. Once you place your weed into a humidity pack, you can then place it in pretty much any airtight container.
Between the jar and the humidity pack, you should be able to maintain peak freshness for a minimum of 6 months. And even past that point, any marijuana that is within a pack is going to remain fresher than marijuana out of the pack.
Keep in mind that heat is still a factor when you are using a humidity pack. Ideally, you should keep your stash between 60 and 68 degrees Fahrenheit.
Vacuum Sealing
Would you prefer a more “DIY” solution? In that case, you may already have the perfect tool kicking around the house!
Vacuum sealing is an increasingly popular way to preserve food. It removes all of the air from a package in order to maintain the food freshness as long as possible.
In this case, what is good for your supper is also good for your stash. By removing all of the air from the container, vacuum sealing is arguably the best way to store and preserve your weed for later use.
What Not to Do
These are 2 of our favorite methods for keeping your weed fresh. But what about other techniques? In some cases, there are preservation strategies you should simply try to avoid.
For example, keeping it in a plastic bag is generally a bad idea. It’s easy for air to get inside. And depending on where you store it, a clear plastic bag may expose your marijuana to too much light and heat.
You should also avoid storing weed in an overly large container. Too much air can really ruin your marijuana (which is why vacuum-sealing it remains the preferred method).
There are a few cheaper alternatives to help your stash last. Try using a tinted airtight container instead of a plastic bag. Afterward, put the container somewhere relatively cool and dry: the backs of cupboards and closets will usually do the trick!
Keep Your Vibe Going
Now you have the answer to “does weed go bad?” But do you know how to live a happier and healthier life, with or without the ganja?
We provide information about love, life, health, and much more. To see how we can help make tomorrow better than today, check out our Health and Wellness section today!
