How Long Do Edibles Last When Opened?

Cannabis edibles offer a discreet and delicious way to enjoy cannabis. It can be consumed in the form of gummies, chocolates, and baked goods. However, you may have asked yourself, how long do edibles last?

Edibles take longer to metabolize and their shelf life can be complicated. Understanding how to store your edibles so they last a long time is important to getting the most out of them. In this article, we'll explore how long different types of edibles last after being opened. We will also explore how to influence their shelf life and store them properly. So let's begin!

Factors That Affect the Shelf Life of Edibles

Many factors can contribute to the freshness of edibles. If you understand these factors, you can extend the life of your edibles. Let’s take a look:

1. Ingredients

The ingredients used in cannabis edibles play a crucial role in determining how long they will last. Edibles that have high fat like brownies and cookies can go rancid in a short time. Edibles with high amounts of sugar can last longer because sugar is also a preservative.

2. Storage Conditions

Proper storage is the key to keeping your edibles fresh. Ideally, you should store your edibles in a cool and dry place. Storing them in a hot environment can cause the THC to degrade while freezing them can change the flavor and texture.

3. THC Potency

Over time the potency can be affected. They are especially susceptible if they’re not stored properly. Generally, the THC starts to degrade around the 6-month mark. But, this process is slow, which means that even after degrading they can have psychoactive effects after a year.

4. Packaging

The packaging of THC can have an impact on how long will it last because the packaging is what protects it from heat, light, air, and moisture. Sealing the product in air-tight containers after use or using vacuum-sealed bags can help prevent potency loss.

How Long Do Different Types of Edibles Last?

While the general rule is that edibles last 1 to 3 months after opening, the specific type of edible can significantly affect their lifespan. Below is a breakdown of how long various edibles last.

1. Cannabis Gummies

They usually last 1-3 months. Gummies are typically made with sugar and gelatin, both of which are preservatives. However, they are still sensitive to heat and humidity. Proper storage is the key.

2. Cannabis Chocolates

Like regular chocolate, cannabis-infused chocolates contain dairy and fats, which can spoil. The quality of the chocolate also deteriorates if exposed to heat. They have a shelf life of 1-2 months.

3. Cannabis Baked Goods

The ingredients in cannabis-infused baked goods, such as brownies and peanut butter cups, are often prone to spoilage like butter, eggs, and milk. At room temperature, they last 1 to 2 weeks, and in the refrigerator, they last 1 to 3 months. If they contain perishable ingredients, store them in the refrigerator.

4. Cannabis Hard Candies

Hard candies have a long shelf life due to their high sugar content, which acts as a natural preservative. However, they can still lose potency or flavor if exposed to moisture or air. They have a shelf life of 1-3 months if stored properly.

How to Extend the Shelf Life of Edibles

You can take some measures to extend the shelf life of edibles after opening their actual packaging. Storing them properly can help ensure that your cannabis products don’t go to waste.

1. Store in Airtight Containers

Exposure to air is one of the leading causes of degradation. Air can dry out gummies and can cause chocolates to melt or bloom. Glass jars or vacuum-sealed bags are ideal for keeping air and moisture out. Ensure that the jar is tightly closed and the bag is sealed after each use.

2. Store in a Cool, Dry Place

The right temperature can impact the shelf-life of the edibles. Always store your edibles between 60°F to 70°F. Additionally, always ensure that your storage area is dry. You should also avoid keeping your edibles in a place with extra heat or direct sun exposure.

3. Refrigerate the Perishables

Always refrigerate perishable edibles like chocolates and brownies. This helps extend their shelf life by preventing bacterial growth.

4. Vacuum Sealed Packaging

If you don’t plan on consuming all your edibles at once, vacuum-seal them in individual portions to keep them fresh until you're ready to reuse them.

5. Use Desiccants to Avoid Moisture

Place desiccants or silica gel packs in the container. They absorb any excess moisture, keeping your edibles fresh and potent.

6. Freezing and Thawing

Freezing may cause gummies to become hard and chocolates to lose their smooth texture, making them less enjoyable to eat. If you choose to freeze edibles, thaw them slowly at room temperature to maintain their consistency.

7. Use Within Best By Date

Manufacturers typically include a best-by or expiration date on edible packaging. If you're keeping edibles for a long time, keep track of their expiration date and rotate them so you use the oldest ones first.

How Can You Tell If Edibles Have Gone Bad?

If you're unsure whether your opened edibles are still safe to consume, look out for these signs:

• Color change: Edibles that have discolored significantly may be past their prime.
• Altered smell: A sour or musty odor could indicate mold or spoilage.
• Change in texture: If gummies or chocolates become too hard or too soft, they may no longer be safe to consume.
• Taste: A noticeably off or rancid flavor is a clear indicator that the edibles have gone bad.

Conclusion

The shelf life of edibles after opening is usually from 1-3 months but how you store them has a significant impact on their flavor and potency. Make sure that you store them properly in airtight containers or resealable bags so that you can have a pleasurable experience. Always check for signs of spoilage to ensure they’re still safe to consume and consume the edibles before their best-by date. By following these tips, you can enjoy your cannabis treats from CannaAid to the fullest and maintain their quality over time.