How to store weed gummies to maintain potency and freshness
Have you been wondering if your delicious little treats can go bad? As a cannabis connoisseur, you want to savor those morsels for as long as possible. So, really, how long do weed gummies keep their freshness and punch?
The answer is that they can stay juicy for months with proper storage. Follow these tips to keep your treats tasting great and kicking hard.
The best way to store cannabis gummies – Keep them in a sealed container
Most marijuana-based edibles are packaged with an expiration date for you to follow. By and large, cannabis sweets stay toothsome for 6 months to a year. For your relish, consume them within 8 months of purchasing. If you do it later, they may not make you sick right off the bat, but their potency and texture may be disappointing.
As oxygen, light, and moisture are the ever-present threats to your sweets’ shelf life, an essential rule for storing cannabis gummies is to put them in a resistant package. Exposure to air causes them to dry out, lose their punch, and develop mold. After opening the original package, the best way to store weed gummies is to transfer them to a glass or plastic jar with an airtight lid or resealable bag.
Follow “common-sense” rules, and your gummy stash will take you to new heights for quite some time:
- Choose a container that’s slightly larger than the number of nibbles you have. This prevents moisture buildup.
- Wash and dry that container thoroughly before adding your goodies. Water and contaminants can speed up spoilage.
- Give the seal a once-over whenever you open the container to ensure it’s still airtight.
Find a cool, dry storage spot
Anyone can take a practical step to keep gummies ready-to-pop for a year or so – store your jar away from heat sources (ovens, stovetops, or space heaters) in a cool, humidity-free place. A pantry, cupboard, or drawer will do for that. Remember, high temperatures can cause your goodies to melt, while humidity leads to mold growth.
Don’t go to extremes
Don’t leave your treats on a windowsill, in a car, or garage where heat can skyrocket. The best way to store cannabis gummies is always temperature-defined. The range of 65-70 degrees Fahrenheit works like a charm for most treats, though it depends on preservatives and other ingredients. At warmer temperatures, active compounds like THC and CBD may start to break down, and their effectiveness may dip.
Cover your gummies from the sunlight
Bright light exposure causes cannabinoids to ruin over time. To block it, stash your titbits in an opaque or colored container and make sure it is BPA-free and food-grade.
Yet, how long do cannabis gummies last once opened? When kept in an airtight jar in a cool place, marijuana goodies can last up to 6 months while still maintaining most of their potency. However, for the best quality and experience, you’re better off consuming your nibbles within 1 to 3 months. Over time, they may wither, lose potency, or develop an unpleasant taste.
Actionable advice: To keep track of freshness, label your container with the opening date.
Can freezing extend gummies’ shelf life?
Freezing is another extreme temperature, but it works differently. Frost can keep your cannabis gummies juicy and genuinely powerful for 6-12 months.
Here are some recommendations to keep in mind as to how to store marijuana gummies in the freezer:
- Use a ziplock bag or a sealed storage unit. This will prevent your tidbits from getting icy freezer burn.
- Take another look at your gummies. Make sure your goodies are firm before freezing. Melted pieces can change their texture, which may take its toll on potency.
- Thaw sweets in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to savor your nibbles, thaw them in the fridge instead of on the counter. Gradual de-acing allows you to avoid condensation, which can make your yummies soggy. This way of unfreezing can take 6-12 hours.
- Use treats shortly after thawing. How long do weed gummies last when defrosted? That’s when they may have quite a short shelf life due to moisture. Enjoy them within 1 week or so.
Monitor your edibles for signs of spoilage
Once you’ve properly stored your cannabis goodies, don’t just leave them there until the right time comes. It’s critical to regularly monitor your edibles, especially in the first few weeks after opening the packaging.
The best ways to store weed gummies and ensure they are bite-ready whenever you’re in the mood are:
- Keeping your eyes peeled for any signs of spoilage like a strange smell, change in color or texture, or visible mold spots. If anything seems off, it’s best to discard the sweets. Safety first.
- Making sure your edibles are soft and chewy. They may lose potency if they start to get stiff or dry out. You can try rehydrating them slightly by adding a few drops of water to the container. But if they’re already hard, it’s best to replace them.
- Checking that your yummies are securely sealed in the storage unit. If the lid isn’t closed properly, excess air exposure can cause your treats to shrivel up and lose their properties more quickly. Replace the container to keep them fresh.
The rule of thumb on how to store weed gummies boils down to keeping a close eye on your sweets and watching for any red flags indicating that they may be past their prime. Stay on top of their freshness, and don’t hesitate to replace them if needed.
Last thing to pay attention to
Although our last advice is not directly related to how to store marijuana gummies and make their shelf life longer, it’s still critically important. Cannabis treats look and taste like regular edibles, so keep them away from children, pets, and anyone who may unknowingly eat them. Lock them in a cabinet or drawer and label the jar. An accidental overdose of THC can be unpredictable and life-threatening.
