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What you will learn in this post:
Edibles are a rapidly rising segment of the cannabis industry. Of all the options, gummies continue to be the most popular in most parts of the country. Gummies stand out for several reasons, including their variety of flavors, doses, textures, and the relatively low cost associated with making them. The combination of product variety and low cost of production allows consumers to decide if they would prefer to buy a budget option or a higher-end infused gummy.
Infused gummies have a long shelf life, giving you plenty of time to work with them before they go bad. But you don't want to wait too long and see them go to waste.
Read on to learn more about a gummy's expiration date, how to tell when they go bad, and how you can store them properly for the longest shelf life possible.
What Is The Shelf-life Of Cannabis-infused Gummies?
Like any food or drink, your cannabis-infused edibles are best enjoyed when fresh. When evaluating the freshness of your gummy, consider both the shelf life and the cannabis-infused inside. The ingredients and the freshness of the THC will all play a part.
Typically, cannabis gummies last 1 to 2 years before going bad. This date can change depending on various factors, ranging from your storage practices to the products' quality. You should know when your product's shelf life is ending. Look for any changes in your edible's flavor, quality, and overall effectiveness. If your regular experience changes, it could be a sign the gummies have gone bad. Please don't risk it by eating a potentially past-due gummy. Eating expired edibles can result in upset stomachs and modified effects.
5 Factors that Affect the Shelf-Life of Infused Gummies
These are the five factors to keep an eye out for when assessing the freshness of your gummies:
Ingredients
Ingredients will undoubtedly affect the shelf life of your edible. This is particularly true with gummies, as some producers use preservatives that can extend the product's shelf life. Others may use all-natural fruits that could shorten their shelf life. Check the list of ingredients before purchasing to know what you're getting into.
Storage Temperature
In almost every case, it’s best to store your cannabis in a cool, dark place free of UV light and other harmful natural elements, like mold. That is often going to be the case with your edibles as well. However, you may need to freeze some items; in other cases, some can be left out at room temperature. Like the last tip, check your label packaging for any storage recommendations.
Humidity
Humidity plays a huge factor in gummy production, cannabis or otherwise. Just a slight percentage change in moisture can result in gummies becoming hard and crusty or slimy and sticky to the touch. In either case, the product can become less enjoyable to handle and consume. Avoid gross gummies by storing them in a cold dark place around room temperature on most occasions. But check the label for any advice to be safe.
Exposure to Light
UV light exposure is one of, if not the most critical factor, to preserving your cannabis. Exposure to UV light can speed up the degradation process of cannabinoids and terpenes, shortening the shelf life of gummies or other cannabis products. Once again, store your items in a cool dark place. You can also use UV-protected glass, allowing you to leave the items on your table, kitchen counter, or whichever room temperature setting you please.
Packaging
How your edible is packaged plays a tremendous part in its shelf life. Packages like polypropylene are known for preventing oxygen from entering their bags when appropriately sealed. The item stored inside such bags should have a longer shelf life. Other packages may also work, but double-check their ability to keep air out before putting them to use. Like other cannabis products, a simple glass mason jar might be the best storage option, rather than the manufacturer’s packaging.
How To Tell If Gummies Have Expired?
You can get a good idea of the freshness of your gummy by keeping an eye out for a few key details:
- Date of Production And Expiration Date: Look for the information on the packaging, including the production date and best use-by dates. You can also scan a QR code on most packages to get lab test results to better understand when and how it was produced.
- Physical Signs: Edibles show signs of aging just like any other food or beverage. Symptoms of expiration or upcoming expiry include changes in the gummy's color, texture, or smell. Changes in taste are also a telltale sign, but do yourself a favor and look for the previous three tips before you eat any potentially aged edibles.
- Potency: Cannabis products can lose their strength over time. This effect is particularly true when THC ages and converts to the cannabinoid CBN. If you notice any product potency declines, see if the same result happens the following night or whenever next consuming your edibles. If it happens again, you may be dealing with some aged edibles.
Your best bet is to treat edibles like any other item you buy from the grocery store or market. It's always best to start with the eye test, then smell the product, and ultimately, give it a taste if you have to. Otherwise, keep up on the expiration dates of your products and consume with caution if you think your edibles may have lost their freshness.
Proper Storage Techniques to Ensure Freshness
Proper storage of your edibles is critical to success. Consider the following factors when storing your edibles and how they impact freshness:
- Temperature: A slight temperature change can greatly affect the consistency of a gummy. Only store your edibles in cool places to avoid significant changes to textures or consistencies.
- Humidity: Humidity plays a significant role in expediting the degradation of cannabis products. Keeping your items in a cool, dark place is best, but consider humidity control packs that help manage the space well after you've turned off the lights.
- Light: UV light speeds up the degradation of organic matter. Keeping your edibles and other cannabis away from UV light will help you preserve their freshness for as long as possible.
- Airtight Containers: Exposure to oxygen breaks THC down into CBN. Oxygen also promotes food spoiling by allowing the growth of microorganisms, like mold and yeast. For both reasons, storing edibles and airtight containers is your best bet to staving off these risks and extending freshness.
- Proper Labeling And Date Tracking: You should only buy products that have clear and accurate product labels for you to look over before buying. Properly labeling includes the date of production and use-by dates. Other important information to look for is the list of ingredients, any allergens, and ideally, a QR code or a website link to view the lab results of the product.
Final Thoughts
Keeping your edibles fresh is a relatively easy job. Like any other food or beverage, it will stay fresh the longest if you keep it in a space with adequate temperature settings and out of direct sunlight, humidity, and oxygen. Following standard storage tips for food and cannabis should set you up for success.
Now that you know how it's done, have you thought about making your own edibles? Check out our ultimate guides on how to make your own weed gummies or how to make cannabis sugar at home to learn more.
The information in this article and any included images or charts are for educational purposes only. This information is neither a substitute for, nor does it replace, professional legal advice or medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have any concerns or questions about laws, regulations, or your health, you should always consult with an attorney, physician or other licensed professional.
