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Does Weed Expire?

This post is part of our Best Dispensaries in Arizona series, sponsored by Cannabist.

Can weed expire? It’s a question cannabis enthusiasts everywhere are asking, up there with “how much is in an ounce of weed?” and “how do you make cannabutter?” The answer to this question is a bit more complicated than you might expect, especially since cannabis comes in different forms. We’re here to separate the facts from the fiction and help you determine whether your weed is still good.

What You Should Know When Marijuana Goes Bad

Does weed expire? Technically the answer to this question is no, but with a few caveats. There are cases when weed can lose its flavor, smell, and effects — and cases where it can get moldy. We’ll cover exactly what you need to know in the sections below so that you can accurately assess your weed and avoid any side effects.

Does Weed Get Old

If you’re Googling “does weed go bad?” it probably means you’ve noticed something suspicious about some of your flower. Maybe it doesn’t smell normal or isn’t giving you the same high it should. The truth is that marijuana doesn’t preserve its qualities and effects forever. All good things must come to and end, including the weed you bought a year ago and forgot about.

Here’s what you need to know about what happens when weed gets old.

How Long Does Weed Stay Good

So, how long is marijuana good for? Generally, you can expect weed that’s between 6-12 months old to start losing some of its most desirable qualities — including the ability to get you nicely high.  

In addition, weed can get moldy in some cases, which means it’s definitely no longer healthy to smoke weed or consume it. Weed can grow mold if it’s stored in an environment that is too damp or not temperature controlled.

It’s worth noting that other forms of cannabis, such as weed pens and weed gummies, typically have a shelf life of about six months to a year as well.

What Happens When Weed Expires

Now that you know the answer to the question “does weed get old?” let’s unpack a bit more about what happens to old weed.

Once your weed reaches the year mark, the THC in it starts to break down. That means the weed will gradually start to lose its potency and other qualities. Without proper storage, THC breakdown can occur even sooner.

How Do You Know if Your Weed is Expired?

So, does weed expire? Kind of. The best way to tell whether your weed is no good is if it’s lost its distinct smell, flavor, and potency. The flower might look relatively the same, so it’s best to use your other senses to determine if something’s funky.

What Does Moldy Weed Look Like?

First things first — don’t smoke moldy weed. It can make you feel sick, and it’s not worth the possibility of a good high, which you’re unlikely to get.

Second, moldy weed typically looks discolored and may be slightly fuzzy. Dark spots and white fuzz are telltale signs that your weed has some nasty microorganisms living on it. 

How Do I Check For Mold?

You should be able to tell right away if your weed is moldy. Mold sticks out like a sore thumb on flower, so you don’t have to worry about sneaky mold growing that might go unnoticed. 

Storage Tips For Marijuana

So, you know the answer to the question “does weed expire?” but you might not know how to properly store your weed to maximize its shelf life. There are a few key factors that matter, including the container you choose, the humidity level in your storage space, and the temperature. 

Container

The best way to store your flower is in an airtight glass container. Letting air in can shorten the lifespan of the weed and start the breakdown of THC prematurely. That means you’re getting less bang for your buck when you purchase weed and narrowing the window of time you have to enjoy it. 

In addition, glass doesn’t contain any chemicals that can affect the integrity of the weed, so we recommend this material over others like plastic or metal. These materials are fine for short-term storage of cannabis products, but if you’re keeping a stash for the long haul (at least a month), transfer to a glass jar.

Humidity

Humidity can mess with weed in several ways, but the primary issue it can cause is mold growth. As you already know, mold can ruin your weed quickly, and there’s no way to salvage unaffected parts of your supply once mold starts growing on some of it. While it may be tempting to try and cut moldy bits off your flower, we strongly advise against that. 

Store in Cool, Dark & Dry Places

Light and temperature can also affect your weed. Cool, dry places are ideal for storage, as its less likely that the THC will start to prematurely break down in this environment. Any cabinet will do in most cases, as long as you can confirm that it’s a spot unaffected by temperature changes or moisture.

Where To Get More Weed

Let’s say your weed has expired. It’s not the end of the world; just toss the weak or moldy flower in the trash and start fresh. The best place to get more weed is a licensed dispensary near you. 

At Cannabist in Tempe, AZ, we provide locals and visitors alike with high-quality weed in a variety of forms. We offer indica, sativa, and hybrid strains with a variety of options, so it’s quick and easy to find exactly what you need when you visit. We also carry CBD and accessories like clipper lighters and one hitters. So, whether you are a first-timer or a seasoned weed-lover, we have all your needs covered.

If you’re not located in or near Tempe, rest assured that you can find various other reputable dispensaries across the USA. A dispensary worth their salt can supply you with flower, edibles, vape pens, and any accessories you might need to enhance your cannabis consumption.  

Conclusion 

Here’s the bottom line: weed technically doesn’t expire in the same way perishable food does. However, that doesn’t mean that your weed will maintain its smell, taste, and potency forever. After between six months and a year, the THC in weed starts to break down, gradually making it less enjoyable to consume. At that point, it’s best to restock by visiting a reputable dispensary in your area.

In addition, it’s worth remembering that weed can grow mold if improperly stored. That’s why we recommend keeping your supply in a temperature-controlled area with minimal humidity. Sealed glass jars are best for storing your flower to make it last as long as possible.