Marijuana is widely known for its distinct smell. Around 67 percent of Americans believe that marijuana should be legal in the US.
But can weed get old?
In an industry where new strains are developed all the time, it’s hard to believe that weed could ever get old. However, over time, marijuana can lose its potency and freshness.
If you’re a cannabis consumer, it’s essential to know how to retain the herb’s original flavor and effects. This article will discuss why weed can get stale and what you can do to keep it tasting great.
1. Improper Storage
One of the ways people ruin their weed is by not storing it properly. You might think that any old airtight container will do, but you’d be wrong. Instead, it would be practical for you to consider a few key things to keep weed as fresh as possible when it comes to storage.
First, you need to ensure your weed is stored in a dark place. Light is one of the enemies of fresh weed, as it can cause the THC to degrade quickly.
2. Mold and Bacteria Growth
Mold and bacteria can cause your weed to spoil. If you see mold or mildew, it’s best to toss it. Smoke from moldy weeds can cause respiratory problems.
You can store your weed in a cool, dark place to prevent mold and bacteria growth. You can keep it in an airtight box with a humidity control packet.
If your weed is starting to look dry, you can try rehydrating it. Put your weed in a container with a lid and add a wet paper towel. Leave the container open for a few hours to evenly distribute the moisture.
3. Light Exposure
Light can cause your weed to dry out and lose its potency. Make sure to store your weed in a dark container if you want it to last.
Just ensure to put it in an airtight container not to get too moist.
4. Air Exposure
Keeping your weed in an airtight container is crucial, such as a mason jar. If you expose your weed to too much oxygen, it will dry out and lose its potency.
But how can weed get old with air?
Oxygen can also degrade THC into CBN, which will make your weed lose its potency and give it a sedative effect.
5. Extreme Temperatures
When you store your weed in an environment that is too hot or too cold, it will begin to degrade. For example, suppose you keep your weed in a freezer; the trichomes will break off and fall away from the buds.
Extreme hot weather can also cause your weed to dry out faster than usual.
6. Old age
Lastly, weed can get old. The ideal storage time for weed is only about six months, after which the THC degrades significantly. If you’ve had your stash for longer than that, it will not kill you to smoke it, but it won’t be as potent as it once was.
For example, the flower can lose up to 16% of its THC content after just one year of storage, so if you’ve had your weed for a while, it might be time to replace it.
Conclusion
Storing and using your weed correctly is the key to maintaining its freshness. When in doubt, err on caution and consume your weed within a year of harvest.
