THC gummies are a tasty and fun way to use cannabis at your own pace. Whether you regularly keep a stash at home or enjoy them occasionally, it’s good to know that, like any edible, THC gummies have a shelf life, and using them during their prime can save you from a disappointing (or unpleasant) experience.
Do THC Gummies Expire?
Yes, THC edibles can expire. Typically, THC gummies last between 6 to 12 months before they expire.
The shelf life of THC gummies depends on the ingredients, packaging, and storage conditions. Typically, the more natural the ingredients, the shorter the shelf life, which is important to keep in mind when purchasing THC edibles.
What is the Maximum Shelf Life for Edibles?
Most THC edibles have a shelf life of 6 to 12 months if stored properly in a cool, dark place. As we said, the shelf life of THC edibles can vary depending on their ingredients and storage conditions.
Over time, the potency of THC may decrease, and the texture or taste of the gummies could change.
You want to check the packaging for an expiration date and store your products in a cool, dark place to maximize their freshness.
Do All Weed Gummies Go Bad?
All weed gummies eventually go bad, but some gummies last longer than others. Some gummies with higher sugar or preservative content may last longer, while those with fresh ingredients or no preservatives might have a shorter shelf life.
While preservatives and higher sugar content may allow your edibles to last longer, it’s important to remember that consuming too much of these ingredients may also negatively impact your overall health.
Can You Eat Expired Edibles?
You technically can eat expired gummy edibles, but we don’t recommend it.
While no one will stop you from eating expired edibles, you should be aware that they contain risks and are highly discouraged.
What Happens if You Eat Expired Edibles?
Some side effects may occur if you eat expired cannabis edibles. The severity of these effects may range from person to person, especially if you have a sensitive stomach.
Reduced Potency
THC, other cannabinoids, and terpenes found in edibles degrade over time, reducing the effectiveness of the edibles. This isn’t necessarily harmful to you, but if you wait too long to indulge, you could end up with an edible product that doesn’t have as much effect.
Changes in Flavor and Texture
Expired edibles may have an unpleasant taste or less-than-appealing texture. This is usually a sign that the edibles are expired, and it’s better to toss them out than be sorry.
Digestive Issues
Gastrointestinal discomfort may occur if you consume expired edibles. This may look like nausea, stomach cramps, or diarrhea. It’s especially important to look out for signs that your edibles may have begun to spoil, such as a foul odor or mold spots.
Food Poisoning
It’s pretty unlikely that you’ll contract a foodborne illness from edibles, but you can experience food poisoning from contaminated ingredients if the edibles have gone way past their expiration date. Mold can indicate that ingredients have spoiled and should not be consumed.
Consuming too much THC can sometimes mimic food poisoning symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, but you’re not actually experiencing food poisoning in the traditional sense. If you think you’ve had food-poisoning, you should contact a healthcare professional about your symptoms.
Do Unopened Edibles Last Longer?
Yes, generally, unopened edibles last longer than opened ones. The sealed packaging helps protect them from exposure to air, light, and moisture. Properly stored unopened edibles can often remain fresh for their full shelf life.
Once you decide to open your edibles, following the storage instructions specified on the product’s label is important. Once opened and exposed to light and moisture, quality and potency can decrease over time as these conditions lead to degradation.
How Long After I Opened Edibles Are They Safe to Eat?
Try to eat your edibles within the first 1-2 months to optimize their potency and freshness, but you can also check on the manufacturer's label for their suggested use-by date.
If you shop for edibles, you’ll notice many kinds of edibles. Gummies, brownies, cakes, and candy are among some of the more common types of edibles. The type of edible it is will determine its expiration date.
For example, a brownie contains ingredients that expire quicker than those found in gummies, so you can expect to eat a brownie faster than some other edibles. Following the expiration date listed on the edible you purchased is the safest way to know when to consume a specific edible.
THC gummies, much like any other food product in your panty, can expire. You should consider your consumption habits when deciding the amount of gummies you want to buy.
If you consume THC edibles sporadically throughout the year, then buying THC edibles in bulk may not be a smart move.
