When it comes to edibles, there is a lot of confusion about how long they last. Many people think that because edibles are made from cannabis, they will last forever. This is not the case. The expiry time of edibles greatly varies, depending on the type of edible and the ingredients used.
Here’s what you need to know about edible expiry times. You’ll also find answers to some common questions about expired edibles, such as whether they are still potent and safe to eat. Plus some tips for storing your shroomies edibles in the best conditions.
Do edibles expire?
It should come as no surprise that edibles do expire, right? They are food products and will eventually go rancid or lose optimal freshness over time.
Rick Sanchez, a certified French pastry chef and founder of the BC Weed Edible, said that the shelf life of a product that has been infused with cannabis mostly depends on the ingredients used. This is the most important factor.
‘Edible shelf life has more to do with it being a food item rather than infused with cannabis,’ said Rick S. ‘Edibles that are prepared with perishable ingredients, like any other food product that you may eat, have an expiration date. Just like non-infused edibles produced from perishable materials, edibles can become stale or rancid in the same manner as other food products.’
How long do edibles last?
Edibles do expire, and the expiry time greatly varies depending on the type of edible. A baked edible will expire faster than hard candy, due to the ingredients inside. When you get your edibles in Canada or in the US States where cannabis is legal you should have an expiry date written on your package.
As a rule of thumb you can keep hard:
- Hard sweets, such as lollipops, for up to one year
- Taffies and caramels, for six months to one year
- Gummies, for six months.
- Chocolate, for two to three months
- Baked goods, such as cookies and cakes, for two to three weeks
What factors affect the expiry time of edibles?
Other factors apart from the ingredients will affect the expert time of your edibles, or at least they won’t be as tasty as they were at first.
Here are some things you should be aware of:
- Sun exposure and light. Light and heat will cause THC to degrade faster, so if you are storing your edibles in a sunny spot or near a heat source, they won’t last as long.
- Oxygen. Oxygen causes THC to oxidise and become less potent over time. This is why most edibles are packaged in airtight containers.
- Moisture. too much moisture can cause mould to grow on your edibles. If you live in a humid climate, it’s best to store your edibles in the fridge or freezer.
- Temperature. Extreme temperatures can also affect the potency of your edibles. If it’s too hot or cold, the THC will degrade faster.
Are expired edibles still potent?
When it comes to edibles, THC is the main event. This potent compound is responsible for cannabis’s psychoactive effects. But what happens to THC over time?
The potency of an edible can degrade over time due to a number of factors. For example, if the edible contains fats or oils that have gone rancid, this can make the product less potent. Expired edibles are still potent but the strength of the THC might lessen over time.
In order to prevent this from happening, the infused oil must be properly emulsified. If it isn’t, it can separate from the food product, leaving an oily residue on the packaging. If you see that, you’re probably not getting all the THC you paid for when you ingest the product.
By ensuring that the cannabis oil is properly emulsified, manufacturers can help to ensure that their products maintain their potency over time.
Are expired edibles still safe?
The answer to this question is complicated. It depends on the type of edible and how it was stored. For example, a baked good will expire faster than a hard candy because of the ingredients inside. If an edible is expired, it may still be potent. But it is not advisable to consume expired edibles as they may not be safe.
Food poisoning is a serious concern with expired edibles, especially with products that include dairy. Symptoms of food poisoning include nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. If you experience these symptoms after consuming an edible, seek medical attention immediately. To avoid food poisoning, it is important to store edibles in the best conditions.
The thing about expired cannabis edibles is more often than not what food has been infused rather than the fact that it contains THC. Although an older edible might not cause any lasting harm, you’ll probably notice a decrease in its pleasurable experience over time if this happens to be one of your items and rely on them for relief from pain or other medical conditions.
How can you store edibles in the best conditions for maximum freshness and potency?
Here are some tips to store edibles in the best conditions:
Keep them in a cool, dry place.
- Store them in an airtight container.
- If possible, refrigerate them.
- Check the expiration date before consuming.
- Throw away any expired edibles. do not consume.
If you are unsure if an edible is still safe to consume, err on the side of caution and do not eat it. Better safe than sorry.
Helen Baumeister did her degree in psychology at the University of Hertfordshire. She is interested in mental health, wellness, and lifestyle.
