Like any other product, cannabis has an expiration date.
Using it while it’s fresh will yield the most therapeutic benefits.
Most forms of cannabis stay fresh for at least a year if stored properly. Proper storage involves keeping it in an airtight container or bag in a cool, dark, and dry place. However, the shelf life of cannabis depends on the type of product and its ingredients. The shelf life of edibles, for example, depends on the perishable ingredients they contain. Edibles containing milk and eggs, like cookies and brownies, last only 2-3 days, while cannabis-infused candies containing fewer perishable ingredients can last for 6-9 months. When it comes to cannabis flower, its shelf life depends on how well it’s cured and stored. Properly dried, cured, and stored cannabis can last up to 18 months, but it’s advisable to consume it within six months because it’s difficult to maintain optimal storage conditions. Wax and hashish shelf life depend on the amount of flower they contain. Wax with less flower can last up to two years, while hashish with the most flower can last up to 18 months. Vape pens typically last around 2-3 years. Different types of cannabis topicals also have varying expiration dates. Oils, creams, and gels last up to two years when properly stored. Cannabis-infused cosmetics may last up to two years, and soaps may last even longer. CBD tinctures have the longest shelf life of up to 10 years. Most are infused with high-proof alcohol, which enables them to stay fresh for such a long time. When cannabis products expire, you can tell from the smell, texture, and mold. An unfamiliar scent, crumbling or fragile texture, and mold growth are all signs that your cannabis product is past its expiration date.