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Do Cannabis Edibles Expire?

Written By : Trevor Baum
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🕑 5 mins read
Do Cannabis Edibles Expire?

Who doesn't love a good THC gummy? Those chewy, fruity little treats have become a cannabis lover's delight.

But here's the question on every gummy enthusiast's mind: how long do these edible goodies actually last?

We've all been there - you grab that dusty bag of gummies from the back of your stash for a nostalgic taste, but hesitate...are they still good?

In this guide, we're diving deep into the shelf life of THC gummies to make sure your edible experience is lit, not rotten.

Cannabis edibles are a delicious and convenient way to enjoy the benefits of cannabis, but they also have a limited shelf life and can expire over time.

Do Cannabis Edibles Expire?

A woman enjoying a slice of chocolate cake edibles on a white sofa in a bright living room.

Cannabis edibles can expire and have a shelf-life just like every food product. The longevity of their freshness and potency depends on several factors:

  • Type of Edible: Baked goods such as cookies may lose freshness faster than candies and gummies.
  • Ingredients: Natural, botanical ingredients may shorten the shelf life compared to those with preservatives.
  • Shelf Life: Generally, edibles can last up to a year, but it’s best to consume them within the time frame suggested by their expiration date, which is often a year from the purchase date.

    Some THC Gummies, like Cannova’s have a much longer shelf life of 2+ years. Each bag of gummies is sealed with care alongside oxygen-absorbing packets in each 10 count bag is the key to maintaining their extended freshness.
  • Storage: Proper storage is key. Keep your edibles in a cool, dark place to maintain their potency and prevent spoilage.
  • Signs of Expiry: Look out for loss of color, mold, changes in smell, or texture as indicators that the edibles are no longer good to consume.

Always check the expiration date provided with your purchase, and when in doubt, it’s safer to dispose of edibles that show signs of going bad.

Enjoy your treats responsibly and within their best before dates for the optimal experience.

Do Edibles Have The Same Shelf-Life As Food?

Cannabis edibles’ shelf-life is intertwined with the type of edible you’re making. If you’re making edible brownies, cookies etc. they’ll likely have the same shelf-life as regular brownies and cookies.

The cannabis or the THC element doesn’t extend their freshness.

Rather, it’s the absence of perishable botanicals in refined extracts like THC Gummies and THC tinctures that grants a longer grace period.

Baked goods like cookies and brownies have a shorter shelf life due to ingredients like eggs and milk.

Cannovia’s Delta-9 THC Gummies have a shelf life of 2 years when stored properly.

Storing these cannabis gourmet goods in a cool, dark place helps maintain their potency and prevents premature aging.

Treat your cannabis edibles with the same care you’d give to any fine food, and they’ll reward you with lasting quality and a premium experience.

How Long Do Cannabis Cookies Last?

A woman enjoying cannabis cookies at a cozy table with flowers.

Generally, cannabis cookies last for about 1-2 weeks when refrigerated. It’s best to consume them within 3-4 days after making them at max. Remember to keep them chilled for the best potency and effectiveness.

Look for any signs of aging, such as loss of color, mold, changes in smell or texture.

If they show signs of going bad, it’s better to dispose of them.

How Long Do Cannabis Brownies Last?

Depending on the ingredients, cannabis brownies can last up-to a week when kept in a chilled refrigerator. However, you should consume them when they’re still fresh for best results.

How Long Do THC Gummies Last?

Generally, THC gummies can last for about 6 months to over 2 years when stored properly.

Cannovia’s THC Gummies have a shelf life of 2 years if stored properly in a cool, dry environment away from direct sunlight. Our gummies are made from Cellular Deconstruction™ technology, which captures 99%+ of CBD, THC, and other valuable molecules.

This results in a truly whole-plant extract called Whole Spectrum™, maintaining the original ratios of these valuable molecules as they existed in the plant.

It includes all minor cannabinoids, terpenes, and healthy omega oils with no damage to molecules during extraction. The integrity of the plant compounds remains intact.

Our innovative packaging with oxygen-absorbing packets in each 10 count bag is the key to maintaining their extended freshness.

How Long Does It Take for Edible Gummies to Go Bad?

Edible gummies, like any other food product, can go bad over time. The shelf life of edible gummies depends on several factors, such as their ingredients, storage conditions, and packaging.

In general, most commercially produced edible gummies have a shelf life of around 6 months to 2 years when stored properly.

To keep your edible gummies fresh and potent, you should store them in an airtight container, in a cool, dark place, away from heat and light, which can degrade the cannabinoids and cause spoilage.

Can You Freeze Edibles?

Yes, you can definitely freeze edibles for long-term storage.

Freezing them can help preserve their freshness, potency, and flavor for a longer time than keeping them at room temperature or in the fridge.

However, freezing edibles may also affect their texture and appearance, depending on the type of edible and how it is stored. Here are some tips on how to freeze edibles properly:

  • Choose the right edibles: Some edibles are more suitable for freezing than others. For example, gummies, candies, chocolates, and hard candies can freeze well and retain their shape and consistency.

    On the other hand, baked goods such as cookies, brownies, cakes, and pies may become dry, crumbly, or soggy if you freeze them for too long.
  • Use airtight packing: The most important thing to remember when freezing edibles is to use airtight containers or bags to prevent freezer burn, moisture loss, odor absorption, and cannabinoid degradation.

    You can use plastic containers, ziplock bags, vacuum-sealed bags, or glass jars with tight lids.
  • Check for signs of spoilage: Even if you freeze your edibles properly, they can still go bad over time. You should check for signs of spoilage before consuming your edibles, such as loss of color, mold, changes in smell or texture, or reduced potency. If you notice any of these signs, you should discard your edibles and not consume them.

Freezing edibles is a great way to extend their shelf life and enjoy them at your convenience.

Edibles should be consumed responsibly and within their prime time for the optimal experience. Enjoy your treats!

Can You Eat Expired Edibles?

Eating expired edibles is not generally a big deal as they’re not toxic or lethal, but their quality and potency can degrade over time. The primary risk lies in potential stomach discomfort, like nausea or upset stomach.

Here are some tips to help you get the best out of your THC Edibles:

  • Expiration Date: If your edibles come with an expiration date, follow it. This is the most straightforward way to determine freshness.
  • Visual Inspection: Look for any signs of mold, discoloration, or texture changes.

    If the gummies appear off or have an unusual smell, it’s best to avoid them.
  • Texture: Gummies should remain soft and pliable. If they’ve become hard, brittle, or sticky, they may have gone bad.
  • Storage Conditions: Proper storage is crucial. Keep your edibles in a cool, dry, and dark place away from direct sunlight. Extreme heat can accelerate cannabinoid degradation.
  • Sealed Packaging: If the original packaging is compromised (e.g., torn or opened), the edibles may have been exposed to air and moisture.
  • Taste Test (Optional): If everything else checks out, you can take a small nibble to assess taste. If it tastes off or rancid, discard it.

How To Enhance Shelf-Life Of THC Gummies?

A man holding a small packet of THC edibles

There are some things you can do to prolong the freshness of your edibles:

  • Reseal: If you’ve opened the package, use an airtight container or vacuum-sealer to prevent air exposure.
  • Freeze Them: If you have a large batch, consider freezing portions. Freezing can significantly extend shelf life.
  • Label and Rotate: If you make your own edibles, label them with the date and consume the oldest ones first (first in, first out).
  • When in Doubt, Toss It:If you have any reservations about the quality or safety of your edibles, it’s better to discard them.

Remember that potency may decrease over time, so even if they’re safe, they might not deliver the desired effects.

The most important thing is storing them in a cool, dry space away from light and heat. If stored properly, they can have full impact even beyond the expiration date if that is the case.

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