THC or weed gummies offer a very convenient and discreet way for cannabis enthusiasts to enjoy their preferred cannabinoid. Beyond discrepancy, it’s found to be much less intimidating and less harmful than smoking cannabis. However, like any edible source you may wonder, do edibles expire? Can I enhance the shelf life of my edibles?
This blog post will briefly cover all the information you need to help your THC gummies retain potency and help you identify expired gummies and factors that may be impacting your gummies.
Do THC Gummies Expire?
Yes THC gummies do expire, typically after 6 months to 1 year. However, the shelf life of cannabis is a complex topic, and while it doesn’t technically “expire,” it does undergo a degradation process that affects its quality and potency over time.
THC gummies contain simple ingredients of water, sugar, and gelatin which may lead to a fairly long shelf life and slow degradation. On average, commercially produced gummy candies often have a shelf life of up to six months to a year. If proper storage guidelines are followed this could be prolonged.
What Does “Expiration” Mean for THC Gummies?
It is key to remember that THC gummies are cannabis-infused edibles that are still a food source. This means the actual ingredients of your edible are still susceptible to limitations like mold, bacteria growth, and spoilage.
However, the simplicity of THC gummies can significantly impact the expiration of your edible. THC gummies are mostly made up of sugar, gelatin, and water. This has the potential to last a very long time and doesn’t often expire. However, this does not necessarily mean THC gummies may have an indefinite shelf life. Gummies still pose the risk of mold. This means you should follow good storage practices and always watch for any discoloration if they get very grainy or dry, and of course, if you see mold or any other signs of spoilage.
Potency: Degradation of THC Over Time
Unfortunately, edibles can lose their freshness and potency over time, regardless of expiration. This can be due to many external factors such as exposure to sunlight, heat, and oxygen. Exposure to oxygen and light may cause edibles to degrade over time and convert into a completely different cannabinoid, cannabinol (CBN).
Freshness: Texture, Taste, and The Quality of Gummy
In addition to the loss in potency, expired gummies can also experience changes in texture and flavor. Expired gummies may have slight discoloration and in some cases get very grainy or dry. Changes in taste, such as decreased flavor are another indicator of expired gummies.
Safety: Risk of Mold, Bacteria, or Chemical Breakdown
Inspect regularly and discard anything that smells, tastes, or appears off. Don’t take chances with mold, moldy sections can contaminate a whole package and expose you to foodborne pathogens like salmonella, e.coli, and listeria.
The Difference Between “Best By” and “Expiration” Dates
THC and other cannabinoids don’t go bad, but they do slowly lose their potency over time, so most infused products are labeled with a best-by date rather than an expiration date.
The best-by date is vital as this indicates the point at which the THC gummy is most likely to deliver maximum potency. After this date, it is expected that some of the active cannabinoids may lose their effectiveness.
What is the shelf-life of THC Gummies?
The shelf life of a cannabinoid compound refers to the period in which the product maintains its potency. For most THC gummies, if stored properly, this can be anywhere between 6-12 months.
The average shelf life of THC gummies is six to twelve months. The components, packaging, and storage environment can all affect how long THC gummies last on the shelves.
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Signs That THC Gummies Have Expired
Are you unsure if your gummies have expired or lost some of their potency? There are several signs you can keep an eye out for:
- ➢ Smell: The first major sign may be a sudden change in the aroma. Expired gummies may emit a moldy odor, or no smell at all compared to the alluring scent when it is new.
- ➢ Appearance: You can easily detect if your gummies are past their prime by detecting changes in texture. Look for any discoloration or if they get very grainy or dry.
- ➢ Potency Reduction: As THC gummies expire and lose their potency over time. You might not get the expected euphoric effects because the active cannabinoid of THC degrades.
- ➢ Taste: If you detect a change in taste, such as a decrease in flavor, that is another indicator that your cannabis may have expired. Old cannabis loses potency and does not have all the flavorful cannabinoids and terpenes as when it was fresh.
Factors That Impact the Shelf Life of THC Gummies
- ➢ Ingredients: The type and quality of ingredients contained in gummies are vital in determining shelf life. Natural ingredients differ from artificial additives and tend to have different expiration timelines.
- ➢ Storage Conditions: How you store THC gummies can directly affect their shelf life and significantly extend their lifespan. Factors like temperature, humidity, and exposure to light can either extend or shorten their freshness.
- ➢ Manufacturing: The longevity of gummies can depend on the quality and ingredients used when manufactured. In particular, because full-spectrum extracts contain other substances, they could break down more quickly than isolated cannabinoids.
- ➢ Exposure to Heat, Light, and Humidity: Storing gummies in conditions of heat may cause them to melt, soften, or degrade over time. Light can also accelerate oxidation and as a result the breakdown of cannabinoids like THC, reducing their potency. Humidity also creates an ideal breeding ground for mold, compromising product quality and safety.
- ➢ Reputable Suppliers: Always buy THC Gummies from reputable suppliers to make sure you are getting a safe, high-quality product. Reputable suppliers should provide you with transparent information, including lab test reports that verify the potency and purity of the THC. We recommend some of the best online suppliers that offer high-quality, lab-tested THC Gummies. Check out Purerawz for a range of Delta-8 and Delta-9 THC Gummies. Iron Mountain Labz is another vendor we recommend that has some of the best THC Gummies on the market. Lastly, XLR8 is the new kid on the block. They have a vast array of cannabis products and some of the best gummies online!
How to Enhance the Shelf Life of THC Gummies?
Here are a few tips for keeping your edibles fresh:
- ➢ As with most edible items, consider storing them in a cool, dark place away from sunlight and heat. Be mindful that a fridge might harden certain edibles over time.
- ➢ Make use of an airtight container to limit exposure to oxygen and moisture.
- ➢ Regularly check and dispose of anything that smells, tastes, or appears off.
- ➢ Try not to purchase in bulk quantities. Buy only a smaller amount that you will be able to use within a few months to curb degradation.
- ➢ Be aware of packaging and manufacturing dates. It is always best practice to follow best-by or expiration dates on packaging. This gives a good indication of expected freshness.
- ➢ If it does not taste normal, throw it out.
Conclusion
CBD and THC gummies are increasing in popularity. Despite being infused with cannabinoids they are still considered a food source and should be treated as such to avoid food poisoning. Check the best-by dates on the packaging and always make sure you are following proper storage guidelines.
While these gummies do not technically expire, they do degrade and lose their potency over time. Do not stock up on edibles as they may degrade over time and you will lose the desired effects.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you freeze THC edibles?
Yes, you can freeze cannabis edibles for extended storage. Freezing edibles can preserve the THC content and maintain the potency and flavor for a longer period.
What happens if I eat expired gummies?
Like any food source, eating expired marijuana edibles can expose you to bacteria or mold, especially in edibles consisting of baked goods that contain dairy or eggs. This poses a higher risk of foodborne illnesses. However, eating expired gummies is less risky but still poses a risk of certain digestive issues.
Do Cannabis Gummies Lose Potency When Expired?
Yes, THC gummies will lose their potency when expired, making them ineffective at providing the desired effects.
Can You Eat Expired Gummy Edibles?
Nothing is stopping you from eating expired edibles. However, the taste or smell might be slightly off-putting. Cannabinoids do not become toxic and as a result, will not cause any serious effects when consumed after it has expired. However, you can run the risk of foodborne illness and should be aware that the degradation in potency may not give you the desired effects.
