Written by Joshua Sosin

If you're a cannabis enthusiast, you know that keeping your flower fresh is essential for the best experience. Still, you might be wondering if your weed can actually go bad.

While cannabis doesn’t spoil in the way that food does, it can definitely degrade over time, losing potency, flavor, and overall quality.

If you’re wondering how long your stash will last and how to store it properly, we’ve got you covered.

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Table of Contents

• Does Weed Have an Expiration Date?

• How Long Does Weed Stay Fresh?

• Signs Your Weed Has Gone Bad

• Best Ways to Store Cannabis

• Can You Still Smoke Old Weed?

• High-Quality Weed From Mood

Does Weed Have an Expiration Date?

Unlike perishable food items, cannabis doesn’t come with a hard expiration date.

However, over time, exposure to air, light, heat, and humidity can cause the cannabinoids and terpenes to break down — even when stored properly. This means that while your weed won’t necessarily become harmful to smoke, it might not deliver the same experience you’re expecting.

How Long Does Weed Stay Fresh? Cannabis Shelf Life Explained

Properly stored cannabis extracts and flower can stay fresh and potent for quite a while, but their longevity depends on a few things. Here’s a general guideline:

• Flower: Typically stays fresh for 6 months to 1 year when stored correctly.

• Pre-rolls: Can last about 6 months, but may dry out faster.

• Cannabis-infused candies and other edibles: Depend on the ingredients used — most infused goods have a set expiration date.

• Concentrates: Cannabis concentrates like hash, Rick Simpson Oil, and diamonds Generally have a longer shelf life than flower, lasting 1-2 years if kept sealed and away from light.

• Vape cartridges: Can last up to 2 years, but potency may diminish over time.

How To Spot Expired Cannabis: Signs Your Weed Has Gone Bad

If you’re unsure whether your cannabis is still good, check for these warning signs:

• Dry, Brittle Texture: If the plant material crumbles easily into dust, it’s likely too dry, leading to a harsher smoke.

• Loss of Smell: Fresh cannabis has a strong aroma due to its terpene content. If your weed smells like nothing or has a stale odor, it’s past its prime.

• Mold or Powdery Mildew: Any signs of white, gray, or fuzzy patches indicate mold. Smoking moldy cannabis is not safe.

• Harsh or Off Taste: Old cannabis might taste unpleasant or have a harsher hit due to the degradation of terpenes and cannabinoids.

Cannabis Storage for a Longer Shelf Life

To maximize the lifespan of your stash, proper storage is key. Here are some best practices:

• Use Airtight Containers: Glass jars with tight-sealing lids help protect fresh cannabis flower and prevent air exposure.

• Store in a Cool, Dark Place: Light and heat accelerate degradation, so keep your stash in a cabinet or drawer away from direct sunlight.

• Control Humidity Levels: Cannabis stays fresh best at a relative humidity level of 55-62%. Too much moisture can cause mold, while too little will dry out your buds.

• Avoid Plastic Bags: Plastic can cause static, which damages trichomes—the resinous glands that contain cannabinoids and terpenes.

• Use Humidity Packs: Boveda or Integra Boost packs help regulate moisture and increase the shelf life of cannabis flower.

Can You Still Smoke Old Weed?

If your cannabis is old but free from any mold spores, you can still smoke it.

Keep in mind, though, that it might not be as enjoyable. The potency may have diminished, meaning you’ll need to use more to achieve the desired effects. The terpenes in cannabis products also degrade over time, leading to a less flavorful and more stale experience.

If your weed has dried out, you can try reviving it by adding a humidity pack to your jar or placing a fresh citrus peel inside for a short period (just be cautious of mold growth). But if there’s mold or a noticeably bad odor (like rotten eggs), it’s best to toss it out and get fresh weed instead.

High-Quality Weed From Mood

While cannabis doesn’t expire in the traditional sense, it does degrade over time, which can make it less enjoyable to use. Proper storage conditions are the key to freshness, and keeping an eye out for mold, dryness, and changes in aroma or taste will help you stay safe and have the best possible experience. If your weed has lost its punch, it might be time to refresh your stash with something new.

At Mood, we’re all about keeping your cannabis experience top-tier. Whether you’re looking for fresh flower, potent concentrates, or cannabis edibles, we’ve got what you need.

Check out our full selection of cannabis products and keep your stash stocked with the best. Subscribe to save 15% on your order.