Introduction
Does weed expire? It is the question all the people who consume marijuana at a certain level or try it for chronic diseases ask sooner or later. Absolutely, cannabis like most other organic products does expire, albeit its shelf-life might seem longer as compared to most traditional products. There are factors like potency and flavor, which although can also be inherited by the breed, diminish over time to a level that will not enable one to have the best experience from cannabis or is even a risk to use. This way it is possible to avoid using expired cannabis, understand the consequences of using it, and choose the right way of storage, which would contribute to the best usage and investment in cannabis.
In this article, we will explain the signs that your cannabis could have gone bad and how to test it properly, and how to store it properly to preserve it for as long as possible.
Quick Guide to Checking Cannabis Freshness
1、Visual Changes
Cannabis that may be on its way out is perhaps the first thing that you are likely to pick out from the rest due to its appearance. The cannabis should be fresh and have bright color depending on its type which from a botanist’s analysis should be deep green or purplish in colors. Still, it should be noted that as cannabis matures these colours may depolarize and become less bright. Another way of telling that your cannabis is old or stale or even has oxidized is by its color changing to brown or gray. Moreover, any noticeable sign of spoilage including very dry cannabis, formation of small hard bits or even mold formation, would also mean that the cannabis may not be healthy for consumption.
2、Texture Check
The consistency of Cannabis can actually help you understand a number of things including the freshness of Marijuana. Good, fresh buds are neither powdery nor overly moist to touch; they are normally sticky or tacky and their texture is hard but elastic. It’s crucial because cannabis that is too dry turns to ash more, and if you’re smoking it, your bud will crumble and change its taste. On the other hand, if the cannabis feels somewhat wet or mushy, it means they have been stored wrongly, a factor that causes mold formation. Texture should also be checked before use and proper indication should be given if the texture has changed.
3、Smell Test
There is nothing more identifiable with a cannabis strain than the scent, usually referred to as the plant’s terpene profile. Raw cannabis tends to have a very potent and specific odour, which may be sweet, fruity, woody, earthy or pine like. However, as cannabis ages, the terpenes that are responsible for these aromas will diminish, or less intense and different smell will occur. If your cannabis has a smell of mold or it feels staticy then it may well be out of date. Sometimes, the smell could be awful, close to a smell of stale bread and this could be an indication of a dangerous mold or mildew formation: this should be avoided as much as possible.
4、Practical Checklist
To quickly assess whether your cannabis is still fresh and safe to use, consider the following checklist:To quickly assess whether your cannabis is still fresh and safe to use, consider the following checklist:
- Color: Is the green or purple color that it used to be now brown or gray?
- Texture: Is the cannabis too dry or does it feel like it has shattered or is the cannabis too wet or moist like it feels like a sponge?
- Smell: Is it concealed barely or smelly, does it have a smell that is weak, musty or different from the time you received it?
- Presence of Mold: Is there any part, which is white or gray which denotes that it has been colonized by the mold?
From this, it is clear that by usually checking on such aspects, you will be in a position to make certain that your cannabis is fresh, strong, and safe for usage.
How to Identify Expired Cannabis
Changes in Smell
If your cannabis has gone bad, there is no better way of telling than by relying on your sense of smell. Young cannabis is famous for having a very powerful, specific smell many of which interfere highly depending on the kind. As it is well known, the smell of fresh cannabis is rather strong and quite incommensurable with any other smell, regardless of the type of the flower it is a Sativa or Indica.
However, an aging cannabis takes a blow, or even transform in overall smell. This transformation is mainly brought about by a process called terpen oxidation, a process which affects the aromatic compounds known as Terpenes that gives the plant natural scents and flavors. However, as terpenes evacuate, the strong, initial smell which dominated the weed may weaken, reduce into a minor scent or even turns into a completely different scent. Instead of giving you a strong rich quality scent you associate with marijuana the old-stored cannabis may have a stale smell. This change in smell is a way of indicating to the consumer that most of the potency of the cannabis maybe lost and therefore the product may not be as effective as wanted.
Signs of Mold
Another key characteristic of expired cannabis that its identification should take into consideration is mold. Cannabis can grow mold especially when it’s exposed to too much heat or moisture or packed in a wrong environment. It is observable as powdery or as gray or white or even black specks on the buds. In some instances, the mold will be a powdery substance that covers the surface of the marijuana; in other instances it is fuzzy and splotchy.
Mold identification is important because cannabis affected by mold is dangerous for consumers’ health. Intake of mold causes respiratory problems especially those with weakened bodies or those with chronic diseases of the respiratory system. Mold is one indicator that the cannabis is unhealthy and should be thrown away in order to staying away from any adverse effects on health.
Texture Changes
Another indication of the expiry of cannabis is change in texture . New marijuana growths should be somewhat tacky since trichomes, which are the sticky paraphernalia on the buds, contain cannabinoids and terpenes. They should also be hard but soft to bend when pressed. But the texture of the cannabis quickly transforms in the months that follow and after several several’s, it is visibly different.
Cannabis that is so dry that it turns to dust when touched has most probably released a lot of water content into the air. The dryness is not only in the smoking process—making it less enjoyable and quite harsh—but also signs that the cannabis might have degraded some point. On the other hand, if your cannabis feels powdery or sticky, it is high time you looked at the possibility of it having absorbed moisture, which will encourage mould growth.
These texture changes will be detrimental to the quality of the product utilized and the feel of the buds as well as the smoke produced. However, poor quality cannabis may not cause the desired impact as cannabis losses its moisture and the general breakdown of cannabinoids lessens its psychoactive impacts. Hence, understanding the texture of the cannabis you are using is very important when deciding if it is fresh enough or still usable.
Is It Safe to Use Expired Cannabis?
Potential Health Risks
Here are several risks of using expired cannabis namely; Bad cannabis which has been stored inappropriately or affected by contaminants is very dangerous to health. The most noticeable risk is that of respiratory infections as people may be tempted to go back home or a different area after using the public bench. When cannabis becomes stale, especially when exposed to natural weather conditions such as humidity or when stored in relatively damp places, the drug turns into mold which, when inhaled, causes severe respiratory diseases. The spores can lead to development of an allergy, asthma or even serious Lung infections to those with compromised immune systems.
In addition to mold other impurities such as bacteria or mildew may grow on expired cannabis therefore worsening health issues. Some of these contaminants cannot be identified by using the ordinary lens which thus makes it challenging to determine the safety of the cannabis without expert analysis. These unwanted substances can make what used to be a healthy food a potential health risk pointing to the fact that these foods should be bought in small portions and consumed immediately.
How Improper Storage Converts CBD to CBN
Yet another consideration that one must look at concerning the safety of expired weed is degradation of the plant material where there is formation of new compounds such as CBN from CBD. CBD is one of the major cannabinoids that do not make the user high, but research shows that they have exceptional medical qualities such as relieving pain, and reducing anxiety and inflammation.
However, for instance, if the cannabis is left or kept somewhere that experiences high temperatures or a lot of exposure to light, CBD degrades and transforms to CBN. CBN stands for cannabinol and it has fairly spirited psychotropic character, even though it doesn’t come close to the strength of THC (tetrahydrocannabinol). Although CBN also has some medical benefits such as possibly acting as a natural sleep inducing substance it is usually present once the cannabis has degraded and hence may results in cannabis with high CBN not giving the same medical benefits as new cannabis with high CBD content.
The impact of this conversion is twofold: first, the cannabis may be less effective in its therapeutic value since CBD is lower in the substance; second, CBN may cause the user different effects than what he or she is seeking. This chemical shift shows that proper storage of cannabis is necessary to keep the cannabinoids intact so that the cannabis can fulfill its intended purpose.
How Terpenes Affect Cannabis Aroma Over Time
Flavonoids are chemicals that are responsible for the smell of cannabis and for the degradation of its smell over time and it alters the taste and experience of the cannabis. New bitcoin is rich in terpenes which not only really improves the taste and aroma, but also contributes to the phenomenon of the entourage effect, where terpenes and cannabinoids play an important role in the therapeutic effects of marijuana.
But with time, these terpenes degrade especially when stored in a place with oxygen, light or heat, in other words, the older that cannabis is the lower its terpenes counts. This degradation causes negative changes that are characterized by the unappealing smells in cannabis that are normally weaker in smell. When the terpenes are removed the taste of the entire cannabis gets reduced and the change of the entourage effect also takes place.
However, for those who pay a lot of attention to the ‘entourage effect’, and thus the volatile components of the plant, this degradation of terpenes is just one of the drawbacks of consuming expired cannabis. Several years down the line a once exciting and flavored product can sometimes be tasteless and less effective which poses the necessity for adequate storage that will retain the efficacy of the terpenes.
For a more comprehensive view of how terpenes deteriorate with time, a timeline whereby they decrease under different storage conditions may depict them. This representation can effectively make user self-aware about the proper way of preserving cannabis in the right temperature, away from light and moisture to keep the product fresh and potent for as long as possible.
Best Practices for Storing Cannabis
Humidity’s Role in Microbial Growth on Cannabis
Relative humidity certainly is a factor that need to be taken in to consideration in the storage of cannabis but what is good maybe bad. While there is a right amount of humidity that is ideal for storing cannabis to keep it fresh and potent, too much of it encourages microbial growth, which results best case scenario in mold and mildew. Cannabis is directly exposed to high levels of humidity making the development of mold particularly of a fungus with above 65% moisture. This not only influences the quality as well as the safety of your cannabis, but also can threaten your health if ingested.
To avoid or minimise microbial growth, there is a need to regulate the areas of humidity where your cannabis is stored. Optimal relative humidity (RH) is valued within the range of 55-62% to ensure that buds do not develop mold formation while being stored. There is one method that may help to prevent humidity influence and it is the usage of humidity packs, which are intended for moistening of storage compartments. These packs can assist with keeping the circumstances stable so that, your cannabis will remain fresh and there will be little to no microbial invasion.
Common Storage Mistakes to Avoid
Cannabis preservation is very important and most people are at times unknowingly making mistakes that harm the cannabis. Among all the mistakes, one of the most frequent is to put cannabis under direct sunlight. Exposure under the sun can adversely affect cannabinoids and terpenes as they can be affected by UV light and therefore the product will lose its strength and taste. Likewise, when storing cannabis in a humid atmosphere, moist gets into it raising the chances of mold formation.
Another mistake is using small plastic bags or containers as the static electricity created pulls the trichomes way from the buds thus reducing the potency. Further, plastic does not exclude air that leads to drying of cannabis and the rate of degrading the product is relatively high.
But to ensure that these do not happen, one should ensure that they store it in a cool dark area that has no light, heat, or moisture. Choose containers which are airtight and non-reactive in nature, for instance, glass jars that will help in the preservation of your cannabis .
Ideal Storage Conditions
Creating the ideal storage environment for cannabis involves controlling several factors: are; temperature, humidity and light. It is recommended that the temperature in which cannabis should be stored is about 60-70°F or about 15-21°C. Trials above this range can burn off the cannabinoids in cannabis and make Marijuana dry while low temperatures makes the buds hard.
Although, keeping the Relative Humidity at slightly higher at around 55%-62% is much better to prevent the buds from being too dry and at the same time avoiding the mold. Heat should also be avoided as much as possible and more so light, which especially in the UV spectrum can negatively affect cannabinoids and terpenes in cannabis.
To obtain these conditions, store your cannabis in a cool and dry area preferably in a closet or a drawer which does not have contact with the sources of heat. Humidity packs should be placed in sealed containers so as to control moisture while the sealed container will prevent air and light from affecting the cannabis.
Best Containers for Storage
Concerning the selection of the most appropriate storage containers for your cannabis, one can consider several types that has its advantages. Glass jars are preferred most by cannabis-users cause they offer a tight seal and non-susceptible to chemical contamination which is bad for the marijuana. They are very suitable for long-term storage and keeps the contents from air and moisture; however, they should be placed away from light.
Another is the vacuum bags mostly for those who would wish to store massive amounts of the marihuana. These bags essentially de-gas and this has the effect of prolonging the shelf life of the cannabis though they do lack light protection on the cannabis and therefore may call for some extra bagging.
They seem to be discouraged because they accumulate a static charge that pulls trichomes off the buds and also let in air. If you have no other choice but to use plastic, ensure that the container is well-sealed to reduce exposure and place it in a shady cool place to reduce its deterioration.
To be even more safe and sound, the best option is glass jars with tight lids, as such containers give the strongest protection against things that are capable of spoiling the sample.
Safe Disposal of Expired Cannabis
A process of discarding expired cannabis needs to be accurate, first of all, to protect the people from potential mishaps while using the products, secondly, to be environmentally friendly. The problem with this method is that taking cannabis and throwing it into the bin can also be dangerous and it can fall into the wrong hands of somebody who could probably consume the substance without knowing it.
To get rid of cannabis that has gone stale the first step is to make it unfavorable for use through the addition of unpleasant materials like coffee or cat litter. This in some way prevents anyone from trying to regain and use the cannabis to his/her advantage. Put it in a plastic bag then throw it away in the ash can of your house as part of the household waste.
It is necessary to know the laws and ordinances concerning the disposal of cannabis in the locality as some jurisdictions may have specific locations where cannabis waste could be disposed of. That way, they can dispose of expired cannabis correctly and without harming the environment in the process.
Legal Considerations for Storing Cannabis
North American Legal Storage Guidelines
Cannabis retail has continued to grow in North America and has led to a billow of regulation on how the commodity can be stored. These laws differ greatly around the country, and knowledge of the legalities are important whether one is an individual or business consumer. Adhering to these guidelines not only helps you to use cannabis responsibly but also shield you from any legal consequences.
In the United States that has relatively liberal cannabis laws that vary from one state to the other, proper storage is normally mandatory to prevent access by persons particularly children. This often is when storing of cannabis in a locked and secure area in one’s home is done. Currently in Canada, the federal law has set some requirements that dealing with storage of cannabis, this includes, the place where cannabis is to be stored has to be out of reach of any child as well as anyone else who does not have the legal right to possess cannabis. In all regions, if possible, cannabis should be transferred to secondary packaging from primary packaging as the latter contains information required for its safety and labeling.
Failure to comply with these regulations attracts legal actions which may be in the form of fines, and or other extreme measures depending on the country. As a result, it is always good to acquaint yourself with the storage laws that apply in the area with the purpose of ensuring full compliance.
Specific State Requirements in the U.S.
Indeed, even in such a developed country as the United States, the rules for storing cannabis may differ significantly both from state to state and within a state in which a certain type of storage is allowed. For instance, in California, the law provides that cannabis has to be placed in child-proof packaging at the time of carriage. At home, cannabis should not be easily accessible to children and also should be closed in a small area or locked up. Non-compliance with these measures may have severe consequences depending on the convenience of the marijuana, especially to ‘unapproved’ families.
Colorado is another state that legalized the use of cannabis and similarly to Washington they adopted specific rules regarding consumption of cannabis. Cannabis must be kept in an airtight container, which has to be childproof; it is recommended that the substance be kept locked in a cupboard at home. Colorado also has stringent regulations for the transport of the marijuana; the marijuana should be kept in the boot or a closure covered area of the vehicle in compliance with regulations.
These guidelines include state specific to ensure that cannabis is used appropriately according to the required standards. If you follow these regulations you can avert legal problems in addition to helping to make the society a safer place to live.
Canadian Cannabis Packaging Rules
This is the law on storage of cannabis in Canada whereby there is federal law that regulates the same but there are also provincial laws that exist. The federal Cannabis Act rules require that all cannabis products be packaged in plain and easily child-lockable manner with structure details such as, the THC content, health caution statements and the name of the producer as granted licenses. This packaging is intended to help discourage children from being interested and attracted to the substance as well as reduce the chances of it being accidentally consumed.
It was also suggested that in manners in which people store cannabis at home, it is best to retain its packaging as often as possible. This also prevents the product from being stale not only legally but also in terms of freshness and effectiveness as well. Each province may also have its own regulations; while Ontario at least demands that cannabis has to be stored in an area that is secured and cannot be accessed by persons below the legal age of 19, British Columbia is also very particular about how the cannabis has to be stored.
The policies discussed above regarding the packaging and storage of products should be followed to prevent violation of law in Canada. Failure to do so attracts penalties or other legal consequences and as such, one should be aware of the rules in his or her province.
Conclusion
Cannabis like all other organic products does have a shelf life, and so having knowledge on how to tell if the cannabis has gone bad is crucial for any marijuana consumer. When one is aware of the symptoms common with outdated cannabis like smell, texture and mold then one will not use outdated products that may lead to poor health. Due to these factors, it’s important to store your cannabis in the right conditions with the right amount of humidity, temperature and control of light.
If you adhere to the legal rules on how to store cannabis, you will be on the right side of the law while at the same time avoiding your cannabis turn bad. Regardless of whether you are operating in the U. S. or Canada, it will be essential that you familiarize yourself with the rules and regulations concerning storage of the product so as to maximize its shelf life.
In order to maintain quality and strength of your cannabis it is necessary to update yourself with the right ways of storing the product and taking time to check on when your products goes bad. Forward this article to friends or other enthusiasts who may find these pointers useful and receive our newsletter for more useful cannabis-related information. As for those, who are interested in getting the most of their storage options, we suggest, that it is high time you read more about some of the most popular storage products that can help you keep your cannabis in prime condition and always provide you with the best possible experience.