So, you’ve found an old stash of THC gummies at the back of a drawer, and they look, well, okay. But are they?
All food products, including THC gummies, have a date that indicates how long they can be safely consumed. While they might not grow mold or make you sick like spoiled milk, the quality of edibles with cannabinoids declines over time.
What happens when the time printed on the package has long passed? How and why do THC gummies expire? Is it still safe to eat those morsels? Let’s uncover what’s really going on with old gummies on your kitchen shelves.
How long do THC gummies last after an expiration date?
Your delicious goodies can expire – sooner or later. But unlike perishable items, expired THC-containing edibles don’t usually lead to immediate food poisoning or health risks. Tetrahydrocannabinol tidbits are typically made with a mix of sugar, flavoring, gelatin, and hemp extract. These ingredients don’t spoil like dairy products, although they may degrade as time marches on.
Most edible products, including infused cannabis treats, have a window of time when they’re at their peak. This is the period the manufacturer stands behind and guarantees the topmost quality, the finest taste, and the highest strength. The peak period does not last forever, alas.
Officially, most brands recommend consuming gummies no later than 12 months after they are made (if they are NOT stored on a windowsill or in a steamy car and do not overheat or get wet). Once opened, natural elements speed up the process of degradation. THC edibles do not turn into pumpkins at midnight, but they do undergo changes.
So, do expired THC gummies still work? Here’s the kicker: the expiration time isn’t carved in stone. If you keep them carefully, your goodies won’t go bad overnight. They are still quite safe to eat weeks or even months later. What you don’t have to expect from them is to be as flavorful or potent as when they were fresh.
What happens when THC gummies expire?
Ever bitten into a stale piece of bread? Not a gourmet experience, right? The same goes for THC sweets. When they are past their prime, the gelatin base in their composition, which gives them a chewy consistency, starts to break down. You can clearly feel a less-than-ideal texture as gummies harden or become overly sticky and unappetizing. This doesn’t make them dangerous but affects the enjoyment factor.
In addition to texture transformation, expired gummies have other signs to watch out for.
Flavor deterioration
Sugar and flavoring lose their punch over time. Such degradation makes gummies taste dull and stale. If you’re a fan of fruity THC treats, you can notice that their aroma is less pronounced than initially. Other flavors can start to taste a little bitter.
Potency issue
This is perhaps the biggest concern for anyone who tries expired edibles. While the THC molecule itself is relatively stable, tetrahydrocannabinol can still slowly degrade, especially when it has been exposed to unfavorable conditions (sunlight, heat, etc.). As your goodies go off, THC weakens to an extent where each tidbit can’t give you the desired effect anymore.
Microbial mayhem
Cannabinoids aside, other unwelcome guests can crash the party. Expired sweets are a magnet for mold and bacteria, especially if they’ve been improperly stored. Before having a past-due treat, give it a thorough look. If you notice traces of mold, never hesitate to toss your morsels away.
Do expired THC gummies work?
They do, but they work differently.
The decline in potency is a slow process. You can expect a gradual decrease over several months past the expiration date. The degradation process converts THC into CBN, known for its soothing properties and a much milder psychoactive impact than tetrahydrocannabinol. This explains why fresh gummies pack the most powerful effects and why expired ones might still pack a surprise for you.
How to extend the shelf life of the infused treats
Having navigated the question of “When do THC gummies expire?” you have come to the crux of the whole puzzle. How can you maximize the consumption period related to your treats, and where should you store them?
Let’s hone in on the do’s and don’ts of keeping your favorite edibles fresh:
- Find a protected storage place. Elevated temperatures and UV rays are the archenemies of all marijuana edibles. To preserve their potency, stash them in a cupboard or a drawer far from windows. You should also store them away from dampness so their texture doesn’t take a hit.
- Seal them tight. Exposure to air is another factor that degrades cannabis edibles. Keep them in their original packaging before opening and place them in an airtight jar to ward off staleness after opening.
- Stick to kitchen hygiene rules. Always use clean, dry utensils when you handle your gummies. This way, you can avoid bringing in microbes or moisture. Such a simple step can extend the time your edibles remain safe and mind-altering.
- Track the spoilage period. Label your jars with the purchase and opening dates. This way, you can effortlessly track when gummies are about to expire and take older goodies first.
The final word of caution is that you should not think twice when it’s time to kiss cannabis edibles goodbye. If you’re unsure when your gummies were bought, or they look or smell off, it’s better to throw them out. It’s safer to purchase another pack and enjoy freshness at its peak.
In fact, everything you have found out about the spoilage stages of THC gummies also applies to other marijuana edibles. Cannabis chocolates and baked goods have an expiry date, too. They go through similar degradation stages and also require favorable storage conditions.
To sum up, expired THC gummies do work. But your decision to eat those morsels beyond their expiration date is a personal one. While the treats are unlikely to pose life-threatening health risks, don’t expect the same experience as you’d get with fresh edibles.
