Does Heat Ruin Your Weed? How to Protect It from Going Bad!

Has your weed ever been left in a hot place or exposed to the sun and you wondered if it was still good or not? When you took a puff of the weed, you suddenly noticed it tasted weird or didn't feel as strong as it used to be. Moreover, people have utilized weed for various years since it provides well-known psychoactive effects. But, heat can change everything. It can make your weed dry, weak, and even taste bad. Some weed products survive better in heat while others lose their quality fast.

But don’t worry, you can protect your weed! In this guide, you’ll learn how heat affects different weed products, what makes the damage worse, and the best ways to store your stash. Let’s keep your weed fresh and potent!

Does Weed Expire?

Weed stays fresh indefinitely and doesn't spoil in the way food does, yet it loses both potency and flavor if it stays unattended for a prolonged period. Weed remains fresh for multiple months up to years if it gets proper storage conditions. When placed in exposure to moisture, air, or heat the substance loses its strength and potency, and potentially produces mold. Proper storage keeps it fresh!

What Happens to Weed in High Temperatures?

When weed gets too hot, it loses its power because the THC weakens and converts into CBN. However, the heating process makes the substance crumbly as well as dry, so it becomes hard to smoke. Moreover, the heat process also disrupts terpene molecules resulting in diminished odors and flavors. Therefore, your weed maintains excellent freshness and power when stored in a cool atmosphere.

How Heat Affects Different Weed Products

Heat causes various types of damage to your weed depending on its form. When heat levels become excessive your cannabis experiences these detrimental changes:

1.   Dry Flower

Hot temperatures remove moisture from weed which creates dry and gritty materials along with a harsh smoking experience. Furthermore, too much heat reduces the potency of THC which results in diminished effects. However, the signs of heat damage in weed come in the form of crumbling texture alongside changes in color and weak odors.

2.   Pre-Rolls (Joints & Blunts)

When exposed to excessive heat the paper materials experience changes that result in dryness or wetness. An uneven burn from high temperatures results in harsh smoking experiences. A joint that becomes challenging to ignite or that burns too rapidly might indicate the product was damaged by heat.

3.   Edibles (Gummies, Chocolates, Baked Goods)

High temperatures can melt gummies, chocolates, and other edibles, causing them to lose shape and mix unevenly. If they’re sticky, misshapen, or taste off, heat has likely damaged them.

4.   Vape Cartridges

Heat makes vape oil runny, leading to leaks and weak vapor. Additionally, discoloration in the oil along with weak vaporization or cartridge blockage might indicate that your weed is damaged by heat.

5.   Concentrates (Wax, Shatter, Rosin, Badder)

Heat can change the shatter's consistency into a sticky glob while wax becomes prone to melting thus making its usability problematic indicating the signs of heat damage. Moreover, if the texture feels different or the potency seems lower, that means heat has affected it.

6.   Tinctures (Cannabis Oil in Bottles)

High heat speeds up the decomposition process of tinctures so they lose potency as time progresses. Heat damage to your product becomes evident when the oil exhibits changes in texture or shows changes in color.

To keep your weed fresh and strong, store it in a cool, dark place away from heat!

Factors That Make Heat Damage Worse

Heat can ruin your weed faster when combined with these factors. Here’s a quick breakdown:

1.   High-Temperature Exposure

Weed stays fresh at cooler temperatures. Anything above 70°F (21°C) starts to weaken its potency and freshness.

2.   Direct Sunlight

Sunlight contains UV rays that destroy THC, making weed less effective. In addition, it damages terpenes, the compounds that give weed its scent and flavor.

3.   Poor Storage Containers

Plastic bags don’t seal well and can trap heat, making your weed lose freshness quickly. Loose lids allow air to get in, which dries out the weed and makes it harsh to smoke.

4.   Humidity Levels

High temperatures along with excessive moisture can create toxic mold in weeds that makes it unfit for human consumption. On the other hand, weed becomes brittle with excessive heat and insufficient moisture, even though, loses its smoothness along with its potency.

5.   Storage Near Electronics Sources

Keeping weed near stoves, radiators, or electronics can expose it to extra heat. Always store it in a cool, dark place!

Best Storage Tips to Protect Weed from Heat

Let’s Learn how to keep your weed fresh by storing it the right way and how to prevent exposure to heat.

• Place your weed inside a dark drawer or cupboard to maintain freshness. You should never place your weed in warm places such as your car or attic. However, the ideal temperature must be 60-70°F (15-21°C).
• The freshness of your weed will stay intact with the use of airtight glass containers. However, plastic storage items create heat pockets that damage your weed.
•  Store vape cartridges upright to stop leaks and clogging. Heat can make the oil runny.
• Keep edibles like chocolates and gummies in the fridge if they start melting. Cooler storage helps them last longer.
•  Add humidity packs to your jars to stop dry flowers from becoming too dry or brittle. It keeps moisture levels just right.

Can You Fix Weed That’s Been Exposed to Heat?

1. Rehydrating Dry Weed: If your weed feels too dry, try placing an orange peel, lettuce leaf, or humidity pack in the jar for a few hours. This can bring back some moisture.
2. Improving Stale Weed’s Flavor: If your weed loses its smell, store it with citrus peels or fresh herbs for a few hours. This can help restore some aroma.
3. Will Heating It Again Help?: No, reheating won’t bring back THC or terpenes. Once the heat damages it, there’s no way to fix it. It’s best to store your weed properly from the start.

Conclusion

Does weed go bad in heat? The answer can be a ‘Yes’! Too much heat can make it weaker, dry, and less enjoyable to use. Use airtight containers to store your weed in a dark area that stays cold. Dry weed can be restored to its original state through natural rehydration methods. Protect your weed, and enjoy it at its best!

Check out CannaAid for high-quality weed tailored to your needs!