Everything comes with an expiry date, even when it is not mentioned. People are forgetful, and you often discover a thing that has remained unused for a long time.
Such a thing can happen with weed as well. You may keep weed in some corner of your room and forget about it. When cleaning your room, you might suddenly find weed in a bag. Though you might be delighted to see your stuff, a few questions come to your mind:
- Can you still use it?
- How long does weed stay good?
- Is it safe?
If you are thinking about the longevity and freshness of weed, here is some vital information that can help you decide whether to keep the weed for future use or discard it after discovering them in your cupboard.
How Long-Lasting Is Weed?
Under ideal storage conditions, you can expect the weed to stay fresh for six months to a year. However, a few conditions apply. For example, the weed should be appropriately harvested, dried, cured, and stored. Unless you are exceptionally good at keeping weed, it is hard to maintain the freshness of the weed for up to a year.
Weed is generally stored at room temperature A temperature range of 60-68 degrees Fahrenheit is ideal for storing weed, while a temperature range of 50-68 degrees is acceptable. It would help if you stored weed in a cool, dark place, and the humidity levels should be between 59%, and 64% is recommended. However, experts mention humidity levels above 50% are also okay to store weed for long periods.
Though you can use humidity-controlled storage containers to store weed, controlling the temperature is difficult as temperatures vary throughout the year.
What Does Science Say About the Shelf Life of Weed?
As per a scientific study, all chemicals that make weed generally break down with time. Most terpenes and cannabinoids found in weed break down and lose potency. When the terpenes break down, the weed loses flavor and scent. Old weed is tasteless and lacks that distinctive punch you expect from a fresh weed bud. The old weed may also taste harsh or nasty.
What Should You Know About Old Weed?
Now that you have the answer to your question – how long does weed stay good? Here is some vital information about old weed and its potency.
Weed loses around 16% of THC within one year, and by the end of 2nd year, the old weed would have lost 26% of THC. After three years, the old weed would have lost 34% of its THC, and by the end of the fourth year, it would have lost 41% of its THC.
If you have found weed in your room, you need to take a closer look at it and ensure the following aspects:
- Does it look moldy? If the weed has absorbed moisture, mold will develop on it. Avoid moldy smoking weed. It is terrible for your health.
- If the bud has crumbled into dust, it is too old and should be discarded.
- How does the weed smell? Does it still smell fresh like new weed?
- Is it spongy? If the bud does not make noise when you break apart, it is due to the moisture trapped in the bud.
So, these are some things you should know about old weed. Remember, smoking old weed will not kill you, but it will make you sick. Besides, it will not give the taste and enjoyment you expect, so it is not worth the risk.
