How long do cannabis edibles last and stay fresh?

You found some old cannabis edibles in your fridge. They've been there for a while. You're not sure ... If edibles can go bad, they smell great.

Yes, edibles (including THC and CBD edibles) can go bad. Many edibles have a long shelf life if stored properly.

You need to be able to tell if the cannabis edibles you have forgotten are safe to eat or if they will last for a long time.

We'll be covering all aspects that impact how long edibles last and how to keep them fresher longer. Also, new THC products might last longer than the traditional ones. Here are the facts:

What is the Lifespan of Edibles?

The shelf life of an edible depends on what edible is included in its ingredients. There are two methods to classify edible spoilage: ingredient expiration or potency degradation. Let's take a look at that:

Ingredients

How long an edible will stay fresh depends on the ingredients it is made from. Some THC edibles contain preservatives that can increase the shelf life.

The shelf life of a product that contains water (e.g. a beverage) will be shorter. Food products that are water-based don't generally last as long as those that aren't. This is because water can cause mold and spoilage.

Some ingredients, such as milk and dairy products, are more susceptible to spoilage. You can get a good idea of the shelf life of your edible by looking at the ingredients. However, certain manufacturing techniques and preservatives may still be able to make perishable ingredients last longer. It is important to check the expiration date.

Edible Types

Beverages

Most cannabis edibles, such as beverages, will be packaged in sealed containers. You might be able to keep it for several months. Typically, the product can be used between four to seven days after it is opened and exposed to oxygen.

Baked Goods

When in original packaging, factory-made baked goods such as cookies and cakes can last for several weeks. Take a look at store-bought snack cakes. These snacks are usually packaged individually and contain preservatives. They can be kept fresh for up to two weeks at room temperature, or even longer in the fridge.

A homemade edible such as this may not last as long. Fresh baked goods can last for up to one week, and they will stay fresher longer if kept refrigerated.

Candies

THC edibles like chews, lollipops and hard candies can last for a long time. Individually packaged THC edibles can make this even more possible. These products are typically low in water content and packaged to prevent them from oxidizing. They can last several months if stored correctly.

Oils

Oils can also be stored properly and have a long shelf life. THC oils can be kept on the shelves for many months.

Spoilage vs. Potency Loss

Also, you should consider the fact that THC edibles can go bad in two ways.

The edible ingredients can become rancid or spoil. This is a very obvious sign that the product's smell, texture, and flavor will change. This is what you will experience with everyday foods. If a THC edible smells rancid it is likely to be.

Potency loss can be harder to spot. Cannabis edibles may appear perfectly fresh and/or unspoiled but the THC content in it could have been affected. This can happen if the THC product has been stored incorrectly. It could be oxidized, exposed to sunlight or high temperatures.

This type of spoiled THC product won't cause you to become ill or give you food poisoning, unlike a rancid edible. This is a huge bummer. This can be avoided by properly storing your edibles.

How to store THC edibles in order to keep them fresh

Be sure to read any labeling regarding the storage of THC edibles. Some products will need to be kept in the refrigerator, while others can be left on the shelves. It will usually say "Store in cool, dry places away from direct sunlight."

Even though the THC edibles may not state this, it is a good idea to keep them out of direct sunlight, heat, and excessive oxygen. To prevent potency loss, store them in an airtight container in a cool cupboard or refrigerator. Individually wrapped Edibles should be kept in their original packaging until you are ready to eat them. This will protect them against oxidation.

Shelf Life is greatly affected by edible quality

How long an edible lasts is another factor. Its manufacturing quality.

Experienced manufacturers have the tendency to produce edibles with a longer shelf-life and more reliable expiration dates. This is because shelf life is affected by how the product was introduced to cannabis extract. Special manufacturing techniques are used for stabilizing some cannabis extracts.You want to find a cannabis dispensary with a proven track record that uses the highest quality plant material and best practices in manufacturing, such as CO2 extraction. You can also ensure that your products are tested by third parties to confirm product accuracy. Look around for the dispensaries that offer top quality products that last longer than the others.