How Long Does Weed Stay Good?

Some people don't have to worry about keeping weed for long periods since they don't buy a lot of weed at once. And some people smoke a lot of weed at once, so having too much is never a problem.

But if you're wondering how long your beloved weed stash can last, we've got you covered! From dry bud to long-forgotten joints, this guide will give you all the info you need to know about the shelf life of weed. So let's get into it!

How Long Does Weed Stay Fresh?

Ah, the age-old question: how long does weed stay good? Well, there are a few key factors that can impact its freshness. Exposure to light (but not direct sunlight), oxygen, temperature changes, and humidity can all cause your darling buds to lose potency or grow some not-so-pleasant mold.

According to a study by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, THC potency decreases over time when cannabis is stored. Here's a rough breakdown:

• One year: 16.6% potency lost
• Two years: 26.8% potency lost
• Three years: 34.5% potency lost
• Four years: 41.4% potency lost

So, how long can you keep your weed fresh when appropriately stored? With

the right storage equipment, you can stretch it up to a year, maybe even two. However, finishing your flower or other products within six months of purchasing them from the dispensary is best to ensure maximum freshness.

Conditions Affecting Weed's Freshness

Before you light up that ancient joint, let's talk about how to keep your weed fresh. The conditions you store it in can make all the difference between dank buds and a bag of dust.

While high-end drying and storage methods can extend your weed's lifespan, they can also break the bank. Don't worry; if you buy from a dispensary, you're already ahead of the game. But, even after you bring it home, some environmental factors can still affect your weed's freshness.

Humidity

Humidity is crucial in keeping your weed fresh and safe to use. Too much moisture can lead to mold and rot, making you sick. Aim for a humidity level of 59-63% to avoid this when storing cannabis.

This will help retain its scent, texture, and flavor for longer. Monitor the humidity levels, as anything above 65% can lead to mold growth. Conversely, too little humidity can dry out your stash too quickly, so find that sweet spot, and your weed will thank you.

Light

Light can also be a buzzkill for your weed. Exposure to light can make your stash lose its potency over time.

If you store your weed in the right lighting conditions, you can keep those cannabinoids active for up to two years. So, keep your weed in the dark and enjoy it for longer!

Temperature

Temperature is another crucial factor to consider when storing your weed. To keep it fresh, store it in a cool, dry place. But don't get too excited and throw it in the fridge or freezer - this will shock your stash with temperature changes and wreck the precious trichomes. Just keep it chill, and your weed will thank you.

How To Tell If Your Weed Has Gone Bad

Your cannabis can change texture when it goes bad. If it's super dry or oddly spongey, it's probably old and lacking or overflowing with moisture.

It's essential to spot-check your weed for mold or rot - just like checking the expiration date on your food. Even cannabis from dispensaries can have bacteria and fungi, so be cautious! Unfortunately, spotting mold on weed can be tricky.

White or brown sections can be a sign of mold, as can white fuzz. Keep an eye out for white powder, too - that could mean mildew. If you smell something musty or mildewy, it's time to say goodbye to your stash.

Disposing moldy weed is crucial, as smoking it can cause lung infections. While the heat from smoking or cooking can kill some toxins, it's better not to risk it.

Can I Smoke Old Weed?

If you're staring at a stash of old weed and wondering if it's still safe to smoke, there are a few things to consider. Bacteria is an issue, but not all old weed is totally off the table. Even if the cannabinoids have degraded, it's not a lost cause.

However, if you spot any mold, it's time to toss it and move on to the next batch. If your immune system isn't exactly Iron Man-level, it's probably best to skip the potentially moldy weed altogether and not risk it.

Assuming your weed is mold-free and still smells dank, it's probably safe to try. Worst case scenario? It might not pack quite the punch it used to, but sometimes you have to make do with what you've got.

How To Keep Your Weed Fresh

Now, let's talk about how to keep your cannabis products as fresh and potent as possible. Just remember, each type has its own unique needs! Here's a quick guide to keeping them all in tip-top shape:

Cannabis Flower

To keep your flower fresh, you need to store it like a pro. Limit its exposure to light and air, and make sure the humidity level is right (around 59-63%).

For optimal storage, use a small glass jar or an airtight container designed for marijuana, and keep it in a cool, dark place with a tight lid. If you want to level up your storage game, use a humidity control pack or a dedicated cannabis humidor.

Edibles

Keep your edibles fresh by leaving them in original packaging, away from open air and direct light. And keep them cool because chocolate, gummies, and even hard candies can turn into a melted mess.

Concentrates

You can stash your concentrates in tiny containers built for dabs to keep them at their strongest. You can find these in glass, silicone, and other materials. Remember to keep the lid on tight and hide them in a cool, dim spot.

Vape Pens

Keep your vape away from direct light like it's a precious plant (since it is). Since the cannabis oil is locked up tight in the cartridge, you don't need to stress about humidity or air exposure. And to keep your vape pen ready to roll immediately, store it upright like a little soldier.

The Best Ways To Store Your Weed

Glass Mason Jars: Keep your weed fresh by storing it in a glass Mason jar with a tight-fitting lid. Don't let too much air in! Add a humidity pack to keep the mold away.

Black Glass Jars: Black glass jars are a stealthy and safe way to store weed. High-quality glass containers can be found online or at most head shops. They'll block UV rays to keep it fresh and discreet. Add one to prevent mold if your jar doesn't come with a humidity pack.

Vacuum sealing: Vacuum sealing is a great way to preserve your weed long-term. Ensure the sealing material is safe, and skip the plastic to avoid messing with your trichomes. If done right, vacuum sealing prevents airborne damage, nips oxygen in the bud, and helps control humidity.

Ziploc Bags: Plastic baggies are okay if you need to store your weed for a bit. Plastic bags create static electricity that traps the best bits of your bud against the bag's walls, leaving you with a mediocre experience. And Ziplocs aren't as airtight as you'd think, causing your weed to dry out and lose potency.

Wrapping It Up

So how long does weed last? It depends. It can go bad pretty quickly if it isn't taken care of. But if you do the right things, your weed can last 1-2 years. Unless you're planning on smoking your cannabis products right away, they need to be stored properly.

Storing your cannabis in an airtight glass container somewhere cool and dark will extend the life of your bud and keep your THC potency higher for longer. That makes your bong hits stronger, helps your high last longer, and gives you a better smoking experience.

If you're looking for a way to stash your herb and keep it fresh, Daily High Club has all kinds of stash jars and storage containers for sale! From the RAW Reserva Air Tight stash necklace to the Blue Bus Bunker Airtight Stash Jar, there's no shortage of stash gear on DHC. If you're looking for something fancier, consider the Blue Bus Genesis or Discovery storage boxes, both of which come with a multitude of storage and cleaning accessories!