How long does weed last? Does weed go bad?! [2023]
We all love our weed, whether we partake for recreational or medicinal purposes. Because we love it so much, we value our bud and want to keep it in tip-top condition. All users need to understand that weed, just like any other plant or medicine, does not last forever. If you’re planning to store weed for more than a couple of weeks, you might be wondering when does weed go bad? How long does it take for weed to go bad? How long does weed last?
We’re going to outline some of the tell-tale signs that your weed is no longer up to snuff and explain a few preventative measures you can take to keep your weed at its fresh and flowery best for months.
When does weed go bad?
Like most valuables, weed requires proper care and upkeep to maintain its integrity for the long haul. There are some red flags of expired weed, all of which are somatic clues that are easy to recognize. When does weed go bad? First, take a nice big whiff — if your weed smells like hay, the inside of a dishwasher or has simply lost its overall dank scent, then it’s safe to assume your bud is on its way out. Fresh weed will always smell, well, fresh!
Next is the appearance, as old weed tends to lose much of its bright colors and fades to light brown or pale green. It may even develop spots of discoloration. If you see any random dark patches or bits of gray and white around the bud, this is likely mold. When you find mold on your weed, it, unfortunately, needs to be tossed out. Under no circumstance should moldy weed be smoked, as it can lead to respiratory issues or illness.
Finally, give your bud a feel by squeezing and rubbing it between your fingers. If it instantly crumbles apart or is overly dusty and flaky, it has already lost much of its potency and did not get enough proper moisture while it was stored. On the other hand, if it is overly porous and damp, maybe even heavy or thick to the touch, then it was in an over-saturated environment and probably has mold.
Wow, how long does it take for weed to go bad?
Overall, the lifespan of weed can vary based on how the bud was grown, harvested, cured and processed. The main controllable factor of maintaining weed is storage, which can also vary based on the method used. Plastic bags and containers tend to let in excess amounts of airflow that dry out the weed and are often packed with chemicals that can leak into your bud if left in direct light. With this kind of storage, your timeline might be about a week. Storing your weed in glass containers gives better airflow control and consistency, but they also cannot be left in the light as it will ultimately compromise your weed’s overall quality, giving it a few weeks (maximum) of storage.
How long does weed last?
When maintained in ideal storage conditions, where the environment is temperate with low-level light, sealed air-tight and within a stainless steel container, dried weed can keep for up to a whole year. While these conditions will keep your weed from growing mold or becoming too crispy, weed’s THC potency does begin to decline pretty drastically after that 12-month mark. The terpene and cannabinoid structures within weed have an expiration date like many other chemical compounds and affect the overall quality of the bud. It’s approximated that the drops in THC year over year are:
- 16% after one year
- 26% after two years
- 34% after three years
- 41% after four years
Get the best bang for your buck and uphold your bud to its fullest potential by utilizing the proper storage products, and FreshStor has the top-of-the-line combination you can’t miss out on. Our personal CVaults are made from food-grade stainless steel that protects your weed from all exposure to unwanted air, excess moisture and bright light. CVaults are also perfect for keeping the smell discreet, so your home stays smelling fresh while your stash can stay hidden. Combining your CVault with our matching Boveda humidity control packs is the five-star solution to keeping your weed impeccable for months. The Boveda palms preserve your weed’s freshness with patented terpene shields and a RH (relative humidity) level of 58% to 62%, which has been proven as the most ideal range of moisture for storing weed long-term.
When does weed go bad or how long does weed last? To best preserve your weed and get the most out of your user experience, choose the top-of-the-line storage accessories with the CVault and Boveda combo. Make the right investment in your indulgence and wave the days of moldy weed and dried-out nugs goodbye for good.
This article was originally published in March 2022. It was updated on Aug. 7, 2023.
