Written by Brandon Topp

Table of Contents

• Understanding THC Oil

  • What Is THC Oil?

  • THC Oil Extraction Techniques

• Factors Affecting Shelf Life

  • Environmental Factors

  • Storage Conditions

• Signs of Degradation

  • Visual Inspection

  • Smell and Taste

• Proper Storage Techniques for Cannabis Oil

  • Average Shelf Life of THC Oil

  • Maximizing Shelf Life

• Mood Concentrates To Try Today

Does THC Oil Go Bad? Essential Tips for Proper Storage and Shelf Life

Cannabis products like disposable vape pens and THC vape carts can go bad. Most sources pin the average shelf life of cannabis carts at two-to-three years.

This is, of course, dependent on storage in airtight glass containers with little to no light exposure. When your THC carts are not stored properly, your cannabis cartridges can have a relatively short shelf life.

Check out Mood's selection of live resin Vape Pens today.

Understanding THC Oil

The carrier oil in your ape cartridges is more sensitive to light and temperature than cannabis flower, which makes it more important to find an ideal storage method.

Ideally, you can learn all about your vape pen or vape cartridges by checking out the original packaging, product label, or detailed certificate of analysis (COA).

By taking care of your THC carts correctly, you can ensure a longer shelf life while avoiding troublesome issues like altered taste or mold growth.

Check out this in-depth guide to learn how to make sure your vape cartridges don't lose potency.

What is THC Oil?

THC oil is a concentrated form of cannabis oil that contains varying levels and forms of THC and other cannabinoids. It's prepared with carrier oil and can come with a range of THCa and CBD levels.

THC oil is prepared and delivered in different forms, including tinctures, capsules, and topicals. The concentration of THC in these oils can also vary depending on the product.

Several factors determine the potency and flavors of THC oil, including the strain of cannabis used, the types of dab carts it's packaged in, and storage variables like heat exposure or the presence of contaminants.

To help your cannabis concentrate stay fresh for longer periods compared to most other oils, take care to store most cartridges in a cool, low-lit place.

Avoid environments with increased heat and light when storing various cannabis products, including vape cartridges and concentrates.

THC Oil Extraction Techniques

THC oil extraction methods run the gamut from simple and affordable to complex and costly.

Basic Methods

The most basic methods involve steeping cannabis plant material in high-proof alcohol for a short period before separating rich trichomes and other cannabinoids for your cannabis oil.

Common Methods

The most common form of concentrate extraction used by medical cannabis product manufacturers today is supercritical CO2 extraction.

While all concentrates eventually expire, those that are prepared without the presence of other contaminants and from top-tier cannabis can last up to two years or even three.

Learn more: Live Resin vs. Distillate: What's Best for Your Vape?

Factors Affecting Shelf Life

Make the use-by date for your THC pen as far away as possible by considering these main factors that can spoil a concentrate faster than necessary.

Environmental Factors

Light, heat, and oxygen can affect the shelf life of cannabis oil. Exposure to these elements can cause the oil to degrade and lose its potency.

Proper storage practices can help minimize the impact of environmental factors.

Find a dark closet or cabinet that's away from any heating systems or windows, and push back that THC oil expiration date as far as possible.

Storage Conditions

Storage conditions, such as temperature and humidity, can affect the shelf life of cannabis oil. As mentioned above, THC oil should be stored in a cool, dry place to prevent degradation.

Airtight storage containers, such as glass jars with tight-fitting lids, can help maintain the quality of the oil.

Typically lasting for two to three years when a quality storage approach is maintained, pens can maintain potency and flavor for more than enough time than it takes to enjoy them.

Signs of Degradation

Many variables play into whether or not your THC oil has gone bad. Here are a few tips on how to tell whether or not you've started past the expiry date.

Visual Inspection

THC oil that has gone bad may appear cloudy or dark in color and may also develop an unpleasant odor or taste.

Regular visual inspections can help identify these signs so you know whether or not you can take another hit or should buy another vape pen.

Smell and Taste

THC oil that has gone bad may have a harsh, acidic, or oily taste. The oil may also develop an unpleasant smell that's stronger and more pungent than you're used to.

Changes in smell and taste can indicate that the oil has degraded, and that you may need to restock with a fresh vart.

Proper Storage Techniques for Cannabis Oil

Here are four expert tips on storing cannabis oil to maximize its lifespan.

1. Store THC oil in a cool, dark place to prevent its untimely expiration.

2. Use airtight containers, such as glass jars with tight-fitting lids, to prevent oxygen from entering the container.

3. Label and date containers to track storage and shelf life.

4. Keep THC oil away from direct sunlight and heat sources.

Average Shelf Life of THC Oil

The average shelf life of THC oil is two to three years. Proper storage practices like those described above can help extend the shelf life of the oil.

Make sure to always consider storage conditions and environmental variables when trying to make a particular THC disposable vape pen or cart last.

Maximizing Shelf Life

Maximizing the shelf life of your cannabis oil takes a similar effort as doing so for baked goods.

Avoid environmental factors that can lead to faster degradation and loss of potency.

These quality cannabis products are stored correctly when they are out of the sun, in the form of direct heat, and kept away from other contaminants.

Mood Concentrates To Try Today

Mood is home to an excellent selection of high-quality disposable vape pens and high-potency concentrates.

Among these popular cannabis products, you can check out moonrocks, dab badder, and THCa diamonds for your refillable vape pens and THC carts.

Learn more about cannabis best practices and where to find the best products online at the Mood Blog.