Skip to content
Search AI Powered

Latest Stories

FAQ: Does Weed Go Bad?

Cannabis does go bad, and proper storage is critical if you want to maintain quality.
Cannabis does go bad, and proper storage is critical if you want to maintain quality.

Does weed go bad? Quick answer: yes it does.

Cannabis continues to increase in popularity, with more states and countries legalizing for medical and/or adult-use. But, as with all perishable items, cannabis can go bad, so it's important to know how to store and preserve your weed to keep it fresh and potent.


Let's further explore the answers to the question “does weed go bad”, and how to store and preserve cannabis for optimal use.

The Effects of Time, Temperature, and Moisture on Cannabis

With cannabis storage, you need to keep in mind three major factors:

  • Time
  • Temperature
  • Moisture

Over time, cannabis can lose its potency, flavor, and aroma. Temperature and moisture can also affect the quality, as too much heat or moisture can cause mold to grow.

For best results, be sure to store your cannabis in a cool, dry place to keep it fresh and potent.

The Different Types of Cannabis Storage Solutions

There are several types of cannabis storage solutions available.

One of the most common storage types is an opaque glass jar or container with a tight-fitting lid. This type of storage container will keep out light, air, and moisture, helping to preserve the cannabis.

Another option is a vacuum-sealed bag, which is also a great way to keep out air, light, and moisture. This is especially smart for storing larger volumes of weed.

Do not keep your cannabis flower in a plastic sandwich bag.

Long-Term Cannabis Preservation Tips

When storing cannabis for long-term preservation, you want to keep it in a cool, dry place.

Do not store your cannabis flower in the refrigerator or freezer because this can negatively affect the moisture levels of the plant material.

You'll also want to keep your stash away from direct sunlight, as this will cause it to degrade faster, leaving you with more CBN instead of THC.

And again, it is important to keep the cannabis in an opaque, airtight container to ensure that no air, light, or moisture gets in.

Benefits of Proper Cannabis Storage and Preservation

Proper cannabis storage and preservation can help to keep the cannabis fresh and potent for a longer period of time. This means that you can enjoy a more flavorful and aromatic experience when enjoying your favorite strain. Additionally, properly stored and preserved cannabis will be more potent, which means that you'll get more bang for your buck.

Another important factor with cannabis storage: keeping it out of reach of children. The last thing you want is a child mistaking your cannabis edibles for regular candy.

Potential Problems of Poor Cannabis Storage and Preservation

Poor cannabis storage and preservation can lead to a number of problems, such as mold or mildew growth, loss of potency, flavor, and aroma, and an overall decrease in quality.

What's more, improperly stored and preserved cannabis might lead to harmful bacteria or other contaminants that could cause serious health issues if consumed.

In other words, cannabis can go bad, and it can even make you sick – if contaminated due to poor storage.

How to Tell if Cannabis Has Gone Bad

It can be difficult to tell if cannabis has gone bad, as it may not always be obvious.

One way to tell if your stash has gone bad is to look for signs of mold or mildew growth.

Another common sign that your weed should probably go into the trash can is a stale or musty smell, not unlike a damp basement.

Additional signs include loss of color or flavor. Overall, if the cannabis does not seem to be as potent as it once was, then it may have gone bad.

Remember: when in doubt, throw it out!

Can You Smoke Bad Weed?

If you find that any kind of mold or other dubious funk has contaminated your stash, toss it into the trash.

Smoking contaminated weed is not smart, and potentially deadly for some people.

However if the weed is simply old with faded potency, smoking it will most likely just make you sleepy due to the THC having degraded into CBN.

Take Care of Your Weed Stash

Does weed go bad? Yes it does.

However, proper storage and preservation can help keep it fresh and potent for a longer period of time.

In any case, it is critical to be aware of the potential problems of poor cannabis storage and preservation while educating yourself to understand whether or not a specific cannabis sample has gone bad.

Need a little more Bluntness in your life? Subscribe for our newsletter to stay in the loop.

More For You

What to do with all that kief at the bottom of your grinder? Coffee! - The Bluntness

What to do with all that kief at the bottom of your grinder? Coffee! - The Bluntness

DIY: How to Make Kief Coffee

If you’ve been consuming cannabis for a while now, you’ve heard of kief – in fact, you might be scrounging around at the bottom of your grinder for some as we speak. Kief is derived from the trichomes of the cannabis plant, making it a concentrated substance that contains cannabinoids and terpenes.

There are many ways to utilize this part of the plant, but infusing it with coffee is one of the tastiest and most effective methods. If you want to know how to make kief coffee, this one’s for you.

Keep ReadingShow less
Some of the most intense athletes in the world depend on cannabis to heal.
Some of the most intense athletes in the world depend on cannabis to heal.

Almost Half of the World's MMA Fighters Use Cannabis: Here's Why

Muay Thai, Judo, Taekwondo, Brazilian jiu-jitsu – the world of mixed martial arts (MMA) is not for the faint of heart. 

MMA is a high-impact sport that requires a lot of strength, endurance, and agility.

Keep ReadingShow less
Are cannabis candles worth the price?
Are cannabis candles worth the price?

The Truth About Cannabis Candles & How to Make Your Own

There are several different ways to consume cannabis, and some of them don’t even involve actual consumption. Cannabis candles are beginning to take over the candle game, allowing cannabis enthusiasts to enjoy the smell they’re used to having to cover up and hide: the danky goodness of weed.

As cannabis becomes less stigmatized in modern culture, people are beginning to come out and admit to their cannabis use. While smoking weed used to be something people felt they had to keep on the down low, the culture is becoming increasingly mainstream and the scent is now sought after rather than condemned.

Keep ReadingShow less
Top Herbs for Detox: Cleansing THC from Your System

Top Herbs for Detox: Cleansing THC from Your System

Mother Nature truly gave us everything we need to survive and thrive. Cannabis is arguably one of her greatest gifts, with hemp and marijuana offering so much potential to change our daily lives. Not only is weed an excellent tool for relaxation and inspiring creativity, but it’s also a powerful healer and therapeutic medicinal. Hemp has similar attributes but is an agricultural crop with the power to quite literally change the world. Food, fuel, fiber, and building materials can all be made sustainably with hemp.

Yet, we are living in a world where THC drug tests still exist for millions of people. While stressful, it is possible to support your body through a THC detox, and there are many plant remedies to help. So, if you’re wondering how to pass a drug test, consider some of these herbs for detox as part of your cleanse.

Keep ReadingShow less
How to Get Free Weed - The Bluntness

How to Get Free Weed - The Bluntness

Free Weed: Easy Tips!

An increase in legalized weed is great – until you start getting hit with higher prices. If you’re a dedicated cannabis consumer, one of the most important things for you to know is how to get free weed.

Changes in the law have facilitated the distribution of free cannabis in legal states, making it easier for organizations to provide free medical cannabis to patients.

Keep ReadingShow less