Cannabis edibles have literally taken the cannabis market by storm and it's not hard to see why: they're tempting, easy to consume and taste delicious. They are a very popular way to consume cannabis, both among recreational users and medical cannabis patients. Before you invest in these edibles, you may be wondering about their shelf life. In this article, we'll take a look at the expiration date of edibles, how to store them properly, and what to do if they go bad.

What are cannabis edibles?

Cannabis edibles are a type of food that contains cannabis or cannabinoid substances such as cannabinoids or terpenes. There are many different types of these edibles. These include:

People use cannabis edibles for a variety of reasons, but at the top of this list are their medicinal benefits.

Do cannabis edibles have an expiration date?

Even though cannabis edibles are more expensive, they are still food and therefore can go bad. In general, regardless of the type of product, you should consume them within a year. Not only can cannabis treats expire, but the amount of THC they contain can also decrease over time. However, their shelf life depends largely on the specific type of edible product. Brownies, for example, spoil faster than cannabis gummies.

In addition to the type of cannabis treat , the ingredients also affect its shelf life. Some edibles, for example, are made with preservatives that can significantly extend their shelf life. Therefore, looking at the ingredients in a given product will give you at least a rough idea of its shelf life.

Tips for proper storage of hemp food

Regardless of the type of cannabis edibles you intend to consume, it is very important to know how to store them properly. Read the label carefully to find out how to store it. Some products may need to be refrigerated, while others may not mind sitting in the pantry. Two effective methods are used to preserve the freshness of cannabis edibles: refrigerated storage or freezing.

If the edibles have a longer shelf life, just store them in the pantry or other similar location and you can be sure they will stay fresh. Cannabis products should be protected from light, heat and air as much as possible. The best way to store cannabis edibles is in an airtight container, such as a jar. Plastic containers or resealable plastic bags are also suitable. For example, gummies should be adequately protected from light and stored at a temperature of approximately 12 to 22 °C. They can also be stored in the fridge or freezer to keep them fresh for longer, but you will need to defrost them before eating.

Foods with a shorter shelf life should be kept in the fridge or freezer depending on the type of product and when you intend to consume it. Many foods will last up to six months in the freezer.

How can I tell if cannabis edibles have spoiled?

You can tell if cannabis food has spoiled by the same indicators as regular food. For example, gummy candies can become hard and lose their flavour. There are several signs that will alert you to the fact that a product has gone bad. These signs include:

  • the effects are not sufficient,
  • discolouration,
  • odour or change in smell,
  • visible signs of mould.

As for the potency of cannabis edibles, unfortunately there is no way to know when it is at its strongest unless you own a THC test kit. The only factor you can go by is the expiration date. If a cannabis edible is a year old or less, it's likely still providing its full effects. When stored properly, the potency of a cannabis product remains stable for up to 3-6 months after production. After this time, potency often decreases.

Is it safe to consume expired cannabis food?

While it is not recommended to eat any food past its expiration date, this does not mean that consuming it will necessarily lead to health problems. Cannabinoids are not toxic, so eating them after the expiration date won't harm you either. Reactions to expired foods naturally vary depending on the content of other ingredients. In general, expired edibles usually just harden and lose their taste. Due to their long shelf-life, only their consistency or taste characteristics are usually impaired. It is also good to remember that the expiry date may have reduced theTHC content .

Consumption of expired cannabis edibles

Cannabis edibles can go bad just like any other food. However, if you consume expired cannabis edibles, the only thing you probably have to worry about is their bland taste and lower cannabinoid potency . The best advice regarding the shelf life of cannabis edibles is to keep a close eye on the expiration date and store the food properly so that it lasts as long as possible.

Choose from our selection of cannabis edibles and have them delivered to your home. There are plenty of products to choose from. Give hemp biscuits or hemp gummies a chance.