How Long Does Cannabis Flower Last?
Ever wondered how long does cannabis flower last? Or how long cannabis flower can maintain its potency and freshness? Let’s say, you found too old cannabis in a jar you stored maybe years ago and can’t exactly recall when. The first thing that will come to your mind is: Can I smoke it? Is it fresh? Will it give me the desired experience? Are there any contaminants in it?
Well! Asking these questions is totally valid. And we’ll answer all these queries here.
Our blog will cover the following:
- The basics of cannabis flowers
- How to tell if your cannabis flowers have gone bad
- Detailed signs to look for
- How long does cannabis flower last?
- Factors that degrade cannabis flowers over time
- Storing cannabis flowers in the right ways so that it lasts longer
- The bottom line
The Basics of Cannabis Flowers
Cannabis flowers are the harvested and dried buds of the cannabis plants. You will experience the effects of a variety of cannabinoids if you consume this plant. Most people who have already experienced the effects of cannabis know that THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) is responsible for getting you high.
THC is in fact one of the dominating cannabinoids found in marijuana plants. Other leading cannabinoid compounds are CBD (Cannabidiol), CBN (Cannabinol), CBG (Cannabigerol), and so on. The marijuana flowers also have terpenes that give them a unique aroma and flavor.
According to the Alcohol and Drug Foundation, the cannabinoids can have the following effects on you:
- Euphoria
- Feelings of well-being
- Spontaneous laughter and excitement
- Increased appetite
- Dry mouth
- Quiet and reflective mood
How to Tell If Cannabis Flowers Have Gone Bad
How do you decide whether the cannabis flowers have gone bad or not? Since weed that is past its prime can lose its potency, flavor, and aroma, and might even develop mold. So, it’s crucial to know whether your weed is okay to use.
Here’s how you can tell your cannabis flowers are no longer fresh:
- Fresh cannabis should have vibrant green colors with hues of red, orange, or purple. If your buds are brown, gray, or dull, they may be stale.
- Trichomes are crystal-like structures on the surface of the buds that should appear clear, milky, or amber. Dry and absent trichomes indicate old cannabis.
- The texture should not be too dull or too moist.
- Buds that feel sticky, damp, or mushy can be a perfect spot for mold. So, check this as well.
- Good cannabis has a strong and pleasant aroma; often described as skunky, earthy, and fruity. If the odor is musty, there is a chance that your weed is old or has mold.
- Fresh cannabis simply tastes clean and sharp. Conversely, old cannabis can taste bland, or harsh.
- If the smoke is harsh, burns the throat, or produces minimal effects, the weed flower is probably old and degraded.
Detailed Signs to Look for
The three most important things to look for when it comes to identifying good quality cannabis. These are:
- Appearance
- Moisture Level
- Consistency
When it comes to the cannabis flower’s appearance, keep in mind that healthy buds are dense and sticky with visible trichomes. They should not look dusty or discolored.
To check the moisture, perform a “snap test”. If the stems snap easily without bending, it is too dry. If it feels spongy, it might be too moist.
Remember that weed flowers that are very dry or overly moist aren’t ideal. This is why you should look for buds that are neither too crumbly nor too sticky.
How Long Does Cannabis Flower Last?
Now let’s come to the main point. How long does cannabis flower last? The duration can vary based on how well it was stored. However, on average, cannabis flowers can last for six months to one year if stored properly.
Fortunately, the researchers of United States Drug and Crime have made things easy for us. Now we know exactly the rate of degradation of cannabis over time. According to their research:
- Cannabis loses 16 percent of THC after one year.
- It loses 26% of its THC after being stored for two years.
- After three years, weed has lost 34% of its THC.
- Weed loses 41% of its THC after being stored for four years.
Another study published by PubMed states that fully prepared herbal or resin cannabis or extracts are reasonably stable for 1 to 2 years if stored in the dark at room temperature.
Now that you know how long cannabis flowers last, the next question that comes naturally is why it happens. What factors degrade the quality of cannabis flowers? Let’s answer in the following segment.
Factors That Degrade Cannabis Flowers Over Time
Cannabis flowers are delicate. Like any other food, their quality can degrade over time. There are many environmental factors that play a role in reducing the potency, flavor, and aroma of your pot.
Knowing these factors will help you to become a conscious cannabis user. Here is a list of factors that cause degradation:
- Light Exposure
- Air Exposure
- Heat
- Moisture
- Time
1. Light Exposure
Don’t put your pot where light can enter. Ultraviolet (UV) light is one of the biggest enemies when it comes to preserving the quality and potency of your cannabis. Weed that is exposed to sunlight for too long can degrade too quickly.
Because light can break down cannabinoids and terpenes, thus, it reduces the potency and alters the flavor profile of your cannabis flowers.
2. Air Exposure
Air contains oxygen. The THC amount in your stored cannabis flower will decrease faster than you think if it is open to the air. When weed is exposed to air, the THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol) begins to break down into CBN (Cannabinol).
Although CBN (cannabinol) is one of the cannabinoids, it doesn’t have psychoactive effects like THC. So, yes! Oxygen leads to loss of potency.
3. Heat
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