How Long Do Edible Gummies Take to Expire

Are THC gummies your favorite form of edible? If so, you're not alone! These chewy, cannabis-infused treats have become a favorite not just because they're tasty and discreet but also because they are often seen as a less harmful way to consume cannabis compared to smoking or vaping.

But have you ever wondered if THC gummies have a ticking clock on their freshness, like other types of edibles? Or does a question arise in your mind: do edibles expire? Let's talk about how long THC gummies take to expire, how to store them, and what happens if you eat expired edibles.

What are THC gummies?

THC gummies or weed gummies are regular gummies that are infused with THC— the primary psychoactive compound in the cannabis plant and give you a "high."

Do edibles expire?

Yes, cannabis edibles can expire, but they have a fairly long shelf life. However, their shelf life depends on the type of edible, their ingredients, storage conditions, and packaging. 

Generally, commercially produced edibles can be consumed within a year, regardless of the type of edible. 

Though you can enjoy edibles for several months when stored properly, homemade edibles go bad quickly, especially baked goods like weed brownies and cookies. Pot brownies may last for a week if stored in a freezer. 

It is important to note that the THC potency of the edibles is also lost over time. So whether you are buying edibles online or from your nearest dispensary, always check the listed expiration date to determine if they are still to be consumed.

Do THC gummies expire?

Yes, THC gummies can expire and might not taste as fresh after more than a year or even much longer in storage. 

Generally, commercially produced THC gummies may have a shelf life of between 6 months and 2 years when stored properly. 

However, determining the shelf life of THC gummies depends on their ingredients, the packaging, and how you store them. 

If they are made with more natural ingredients, they may have a shorter shelf life. Typically, THC gummies are made with water, sugar, and gelatin. 

Unlike edible candies, THC gummies are made with perishable ingredients, so they should be consumed within a year. Gummy recipes can vary, and this can affect their individual shelf life.

THC doesn't extend its freshness. Rather, THC's potency may reduce over time. Moreover, their taste and texture could also change. 

Edible gummies that contain beeswax potentially last longer than those made without it, as beeswax doesn't often officially expire. 

Opened or torn packages of gummies will have a shorter shelf life than unopened packages, as the gummies may have been exposed to bacteria, moisture, and air. 

Storing your gummies in a dark, cool place not only prevents them from losing their freshness but also maintains their potency. Keeping them away from light and heat can also prevent the degradation of the cannabinoids. 

The more attention you give expiration and storage, the more you can maximize the freshness of your gummies. Though THC gummies last longer than a year, it is recommended to consume them within a year from the purchase date.

What happens if you eat expired edible gummies?

Consuming expired THC gummies is not generally a big deal because they are not toxic.

They lose their flavor over time. 

Side effects may occur if you eat expired gummies, and the severity of these side effects may vary from person to person. 

The potential side effects of consuming expired gummies include nausea, food poisoning, upset stomach, and digestive issues. 

• The effectiveness of gummies and other THC edibles may reduce over time as terpenes and cannabinoids degrade, resulting in delivering a weaker high or no high at all. That means if you are consuming gummies for sleep, intimacy support, and anxiety relief, reduced potency may also affect the intended benefits of the gummies. 

• Eating expired edibles may result in gastrointestinal discomfort with symptoms like nausea, diarrhea, cramps, etc.

• Edibles don't cause a foodborne illness. However, if edibles have far exceeded their expiration date, you may experience food poisoning from contaminated ingredients.

If you are new to cannabis and unsure where to start with dosing, read our complete edible dosing guide!

How to increase the shelf-life of THC gummies?

Wondering how to store edible gummies properly to increase their shelf life? Follow the below steps to prolong their freshness:

• Exposure to sunlight and oxygen may cause the edibles to go bad before their expiration date. Once opened, store your gummies in an airtight container or vacuum-sealed bag, and keep them in a cool, dark place.

• If you are not a frequent user or have a large batch, consider freezing your edibles, including gummies, to extend their shelf life. Keeping your edibles in the freezer can help prevent mold or bacterial growth, degradation of THC, and undesirable changes in flavor. 

• For homemade brownies and gummies, it is recommended to store them in an airtight glass container and label them with the date. Be sure to eat the oldest batch first. You can also freeze them to keep them fresh for a longer period of time.

How Long After I Opened THC Edibles Are They Safe to Eat?

THC found in edibles turns to CBN (Cannabinol or weaker version of THC) over time, resulting in reduced potency and unexpected sedative effects. 

To optimize the freshness and potency, try consuming your THC gummies and other edibles within the first 2 months. 

The shorter the time they sit around, the more they will preserve their potency. So, if you don't consume THC gummies regularly, buying them in bulk may not be a good idea. 

Always check the suggested use-by date on the label and consider your consumption habits when deciding how many gummies to purchase.

What are the signs of edible expiration?

Discoloration, softness or unusual hardness, unpleasant taste, mold spots, less-than-appealing texture, off smell, and foul odor are signs that your edibles are expired.

Looking for the best gummies for sleep? Check out our blog to find your perfect match!

Get Quality Gummies from Smokeland in California!

Smokeland's THC gummies are made to last. Crafted with natural ingredients, they taste great and stay fresh for over a year, thanks to our careful sealing process.

Our extensive collection of gummies is sure to meet your needs, whether you have sleep problems or looking to relieve anxiety. 

So why wait? Buy weed edibles online from Smokeland and enjoy fast, reliable weed delivery in California!