Do Edibles Expire? How Long Do Edibles Last When Opened?
With the boom in the cannabis industry, especially after the pandemic, edibles are becoming a popular way to consume cannabis. While old ways of utilizing cannabis, like vapes and smoking, are still prevalent, edibles have also made their solid position.
So, have you ever found an old pack of cannabis edibles in your pantry and wondered, Do edibles expire? Do they go bad and lose their potency, and is it safe to consume old edibles?
Let's break it down and find out all about edibles.
Do Edibles Expire?
Like every other food product in the world, edibles expire, too. They contain different perishable ingredients like gelatin, sugar, butter, oils, etc. The shelf life of the edibles mainly depends upon the shelf life of the perishable product.
There is no doubt that with time, edibles lose their potency, and their texture and flavor degrade. However, even if your edibles have passed their expiry date, you can still consume them, provided they are appropriately stored in an airtight container.
How Long Do Edibles Last When Opened?
Once opened, the clock starts ticking, and the edibles have an even shorter shelf life. The shelf life of opened edibles depends on the conditions in which they are stored, like air exposure, moisture, and temperature.
Moreover, different types of edibles can have different shelf lives depending upon the ingredients present in their formulation. The sugars present in the gummies can harden over time, owing to which your edibles can go stale.
Gummies and Hard Candies
So, if you are wondering, do gummy edibles expire? The answer is a solid Yes! While the gummy edibles have a longer shelf life than the baked ones, there is still a limited time during which you can enjoy them to their fullest.
Unopened edible candies and gummies have a shelf life of around 6 months to a year from production. On the other hand, a pack of opened gummies and hard candies has a shelf life of 3-6 months, provided they are stored in an airtight container in a cool and dark place in your pantry.
It is worth mentioning that to enjoy the flavor of the edibles to their fullest, it is recommended to consume them within 3 days they are opened.
Baked Goods
When it comes to baked edibles like cookies or brownies, they usually have a shelf life of about a week, provided that they are refrigerated in an airtight container.
The shelf life of the baked edibles can be extended to 1 month if they are properly frozen. However, freezing and then thawing them for consumption may impact their taste.
Chocolates
Infused chocolates can last several months to a year. However, for this, it is crucial to store them in an airtight container in a cool and dark place.
It is worth mentioning that chocolate is sensitive to temperature fluctuation, so if you see a whitish coating, do not be afraid as it is "bloom" and doesn't necessarily mean that your chocolate-infused edibles have gone bad.
Tinctures
Tinctures have the longest shelf life among all cannabis-based edibles. High-proof alcohol-based tinctures can last about 10 years.
However, how you store it can impact their shelf-life. Store it properly in airtight containers in a cool, dark corner of your pantry to keep them fresh for years.
Oils
Cannabis oils have a shelf life of about 1-2 years. Like any other edible, they can last longer if you store them properly (will get into how to store them in a while).
It is worth mentioning that the figures discussed above provide a general idea of the shelf life of edibles. If you are still unsure whether your edibles are good, it is better to look for the signs of spoilage, like the presence of mold, off smell, and changed texture and flavor.
Here, it is also important for you to know that you can make your own edibles at home or can buy weed edibles online.
Factors Affecting the Potency of Edibles
The following are the factors that affect the potency of weed edibles:
Exposure to extreme temperature
Exposure to extreme levels of oxygen
Exposure to high moisture level
Exposure to UV light
Can Edibles Expire and Become Unsafe to Eat?
Now that we have discussed the shelf life of different types of edibles, you must be wondering whether it is safe to consume an edible past its expiry date.
The expired edibles don't usually pose a health risk, provided they are stored properly, but their flavor, texture, and potency may degrade over time.
1: Loss of Potency
Well, the most common issue that you will face with an old edible is its loss of potency. The cannabinoid THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol) is present in cannabis and degrades over time.
According to an investigation by the UN Office on Drugs and Crime, the THC content of the edibles decreases by approximately 16%, 25%, and 34% after they are stored for years, 2 years, and 3 years, respectively, at room temperature.
2: Texture Changes
Over time, the gummy edibles harden owing to the sugar present in them. Moreover, the baked ones also go stale after a week.
3: Taste Deterioration
Owing to temperature fluctuations, chocolates can develop a whitish bloom over them. Moreover, The fats present in the cookies can also go rancid over time.
So, if you are okay with these setbacks of the old edibles, you can go ahead and consume them.
Signs that Your Edibles Have Gone Bad
You should look for the following signs while deciding whether or not your edibles are safe to consume:
Foul smell
Visible mold
Unusual texture like slimy texture
Off smell
Unusual taste
If you notice any of such signs on your edibles, it is better to throw them out.
How to Extend the Shelf Life of Your Edibles?
Whether you have store-bought edibles or have prepared a batch of edibles using gummy recipes, here are some tips and tricks to extend their freshness.
It is better to store your edibles in a cool place. Depending on the type of edibles, you can store them in your refrigerator or a cool and dark corner of your pantry. Moreover, edibles can be easily frozen to extend their shelf life.
To reduce the edibles' air exposure, storing them in an airtight container is better.
UV light can degrade THC. Therefore, storing edibles in a dark place away from sunlight is recommended.
Moisture can be a culprit for mold growth, especially in baked goods. Therefore, it is better to opt for airtight containers.
Conclusion
So, the answer to whether or not edibles expire is a resounding "Yes." Keep in mind that there is nothing wrong with consuming edibles if they have potency and don't have a bad taste.
They have no side effects; however, it is recommended to consume them before they expire. Because over time, you will feel a degradation in their texture, potency, and flavor. And nobody will ever want to consume edibles with no effects.
Order Weed Edibles in California
Don't want to do the hard work of making your own weed edibles, or are you too lazy to visit a local store to buy weed? No worries; you can still enjoy edible weeds. Yes, you can! You can order cannabis online using the weed delivery services in California. They have a wide range of products and go easy on your pockets. So, why wait? Give it a go and see what you've been missing.
FAQs
How long do gummy edibles last?
Unopened gummy edibles last for about 6 months to a year. On the other hand, once opened, edible gummies last for about 3-6 months, provided they are stored in an airtight container in a cool and dark place away from direct sunlight and heat.
What happens if you eat expired edible gummies?
The expired edible gummies do not necessarily pose any health risks, provided they do not have any signs of spoilage, such as molds or off-smelling. The only drawback with expired gummies is that they lose their potency and change texture.