How to Check for Moldy Cannabis
Although marijuana does not have an expiration date, it can grow mold. It’s essential to check for mold in your food after a while if you want to be sure it’s safe to consume. Mold is difficult to spot but may be seen as a little white powder or fuzz. Try our kootenayz exoticz and rotten runtz strain.
Mold has a musty or hay-like smell that is distinct from fresh cannabis flower. Mold inspections are necessary not just for old marijuana, but also for any weed you purchase. A 2017 study revealed mold and germs in 20 samples from legal dispensaries and production facilities in Northern California. If ingested, mold may not cause major symptoms; however, it can boost the risk of nausea, vomiting, and coughing for individuals with respiratory issues and weakened immune systems.
How to Store Cannabis
How do you keep marijuana fresh for longer? Cannabis product types have different storage requirements. This is a rundown of the greatest methods to preserve each cannabis item fresh and potent.
Flower
Cannabis flower should be kept in a dark, dry, and cool environment with an ideal relative humidity level of 54 percent to 63 percent. Keep your cannabis in a glass jar with an airtight seal that is opaque to protect it from the sun’s rays. Avoid opening and shutting the container as well as keeping it in a chilly, dry, and dark place. Boveda moisture control packs (which absorb and release moisture as needed) can help cannabis connoisseurs keep their herb fresh.
Concentrates
Cannabis concentrates such as cannabis oil and extracts (shatter, wax, crumble, etc.) can stay fresh and be kept in tiny containers made of glass or silicone for extended periods of time. Keep your dabs in a cold, dark place and make sure the container lids are securely fastened.
Edibles
Edibles should be kept in their original packaging, stored away from direct light, in the open air, or under high heat to prevent them from melting. Gummies and hard candies are examples of edibles that may melt when exposed to extreme heat.
Vape Cartridges and Pens
Vape cartridges and pens should be kept out of direct light to maintain their potency. To keep the oil at the bottom of the cartridge and be prepared for immediate use, store your vape pen upright.
Watch the Humidity
The ideal relative humidity for marijuana is 59 to 63 percent. You run the risk of catching moisture if you keep it any higher, which can lead to mold growth. Anything lower might cause your weed to dry out on its own. If you want to go all out, add humidification packets to your containers.
Keep it Cool, Dark, and Dry
Keeping cannabis in a cool, dry location free of sunlight is as vital as the container you use, if not more so. Sunlight can break down marijuana, and excessive heat can cause moisture to build up and cause mold.
Keeping it too cold, on the other hand, might cause it to dry up and lose its precious trichomes, so the refrigerator and freezer are not suggested.
Keep cannabis in a dark location, such as a closet or cabinet, with a temperature below 77°F (25°C).
Can’t I Just Put it in the Freezer?
Trichomes — the tiny hairs on flowers that produce cannabinoids — can become brittle and fall off when frozen. Keeping cannabis in the freezer might also cause it to get wet, resulting in mold.
Vapes
Vape pens are generally made with vape oil, and the cannabis extract used to produce them does not contain any plant material. Furthermore, vape pens are often well-sealed. As a result, if properly stored, vape pens may endure almost two years without losing much strength – around two to three years. Vape pens frequently do not have an expiration date inscribed on them, so they might continue to function for longer periods of time.
Topicals
Cannabis topicals, such as lotions and ointments, generally keep for two years if kept in their original container and resealed after each usage. Cannabis-infused makeovers, on the other hand, may last up to two years. Soaps are alkaline in nature and will keep any cannabis they contain for a long time; potentially lasting longer than two years.
How to Tell If Your Cannabis Is Bad
A variety of straightforward indicators will let you know when your cannabis has gone bad. Here’s how to tell whether you have a batch of rotten marijuana based on odd smells, grim mold, and scuzzy dirt.
It Smells Bad
If the product fails the smell test, it’s probably had a few before. Look for any unusual smells or rotten-egg odors. Many cannabis strains have a “skunky” odor that is typical to regular users. So, while using cannabis, you’ll be able to tell if the product is still fresh or past its sell-by date based on your experience with it.
The Texture Changes
When cannabis becomes fragrant and begins to deteriorate, it’s an indication that the expiration date has passed. Note how your cannabis product feels when you first buy it and keep an eye on it later.
The loss of odor is a sign of reduced quality, just as if your dried cannabis has acquired a new scent. If your cannabis smells musty or like mildew, it might be an indication of mold growth. Always check your dried cannabis for flaws before consuming to assure quality and safety.
Dried flowers aren’t the only cannabis goods that may go bad. With time, cannabis oils can become rancid and are also harmed by improper storage. It’s more difficult to tell freshness with these items, so double-check your expiration date before taking a chance. If you’re not sure, err on the side of caution.