Potency & Preservation: Do Edible Gummies Expire or Lose Their Effectiveness?
Edibles are an easy and approachable way to experience cannabis, even if you’re a beginner. If they aren’t a regular part of your daily routine, though, you may be confronted with a simple but important question: do edible gummies expire?
Gummies have become an incredibly popular edible, and not just because they’re tasty. They’re usually easy to find and, maybe most importantly, have a relatively consistent dosage, which makes it easier to manage your usage. Like most food products, though, they do have a shelf life. If you stumble across a bottle at the back of your cupboard, they may not still be safe to consume – but how do you know?
How Long Do Edible Gummies Take to Expire?
As a rule of thumb, these cannabis candies generally have a shelf life of between six months and a year. If they’re good quality, like our ganja gummies, they can sometimes last as long as two years if stored correctly in an airtight container in a cool, dry place. The packaging should feature a clear expiration date, but if it doesn’t – or if it’s come off – there are a few visual clues that you should get a new batch.
- The texture becomes hard and dry – or, if they’ve been stored badly, sticky and moldy
- They start to smell and/or taste bad
- The colors start to change, turning dull or spotty
- They lose effectiveness, both in intensity and duration
Eating expired gummies is not recommended. If you even suspect something is amiss, play it safe and throw them out.
Why Do Delta 8 Gummies Expire?
Even if the gummy itself seems fine on the outside, it may not produce the same effects. Cannabinoids like THC and CBD, which give edibles their kick, degrade over time, especially when exposed to light, air, and heat. CBD tends to be slightly more stable, but even using that as a guide for your Delta 8 gummies caps the usual viable period at two years. The other ingredients might have an impact – preservatives, for example – but even if the gummy is still fine to eat after more than a year, its effectiveness is sure to be dampened.
How Should I Store My Gummies?
Expired edibles don’t just lose their potency – they can be dangerous, too. It’s crucial to follow these three rules when storing your gummies to keep them fresh for as long as possible.
#1 Keep Them Dry
In most cases, moisture is the enemy of preservation. It creates a breeding ground for bacteria, mold, and other unwanted organisms. Make sure your gummies are stored in a dry place.
#2 Keep Them Cool
Heat can degrade the active ingredients in your cannabis candies, so it’s best avoided. It’s also a common culprit in food going bad, in case you need another reason to find a nice dark, cool spot for your gummies.
#3 Keep Them Airtight
Exposure to the air often results in food going stale before its time. It can also trigger a process called oxidation, which causes the CBD and THC to break down. This makes your gummies less pleasant to eat and less effective. Store them in an airtight container or, if you’re using our resealable bag, ensure you press all the air out before sealing it.
Elevate Your Edible Experience With JACANA
Cannabis edibles should be a source of joy and relaxation in your life. Instead of worrying about what happens if you eat expired edible gummies, a few simple proactive steps can keep your Ganja Gummies deliciously invigorating right until the last bite.
Made with premium ingredients and 100% organic cannabis straight from our farm in St. Ann, our gummies deliver a taste of Jamaica’s finest herb with a tasty pineapple kick. And if your edible gummies expire, we’ll deliver some more straight to your front door anywhere in the United States.
In the mood for something different? Take a look at our full cannabis product catalog and pre-order something new for your next visit to one of our dispensaries in Jamaica.
