Edible gummies are a popular way to consume cannabis because they’re discreet and come in a variety of flavors and cannabinoid profiles.
But do edible gummies expire? Like all food products, the answer is usually yes. Edible gummies have a shelf life and can go bad.
This article will explore the factors that affect how long your gummies stay fresh, how to tell if they’ve gone bad, safe consumption practices, and how to store them properly.
Read on to learn more!
Understanding Edible Gummy Shelf Life and Expiration
Most food products have a “shelf life,” or a length of time they’ll remain safe to eat and retain their expected quality, assuming they’re stored under specific conditions.
For edible gummies, the shelf life is the amount of time they’ll have the potency, flavor, texture, and safety that you’d expect.
Different factors affect the expiration dates of edible gummies.
- Ingredients. Whether a manufacturer uses natural or artificial preservatives will have a significant effect on how long the gummies will last.
- Storage conditions. The temperature, humidity, and exposure to light in your storage space are critical in determining how quickly the gummies will degrade.
Read on to learn more about how to store your gummies, and how to tell if they’re past their prime.
Key factors affecting gummy edible expiry
How long your gummies stay fresh and potent will depend on a few things, including the ingredients, the cannabinoid content, and the manufacturing and packaging processes.
Ingredient quality and composition
Gummies with natural ingredients may not last as long as those made with artificial preservatives. The high sugar content in some gummies can sometimes prevent the growth of microbes, but the sugar can also draw moisture into the product.
Cannabinoid content and degradation
The cannabinoids in your gummies, such as THC and CBD, degrade over time. THC, for example, degrades into CBN, which produces different effects. Cannabinoid degradation affects the potency of the gummy, as well as the overall experience.
Manufacturing and packaging processes
Proper manufacturing practices are critical to ensuring a long shelf life. Sterile environments and quality control measures can extend the amount of time your gummies stay fresh and effective.
Packaging is also important. Gummies packaged in airtight, opaque containers are better protected from light, air, and moisture than those packaged in clear plastic bags.
How to tell if your gummy edibles have gone bad
If you’ve had a package of gummy edibles for a while, you may be wondering if they’re still safe to eat. Here’s what to look for:
Visual inspection
Take a good look at the gummies. If the color has changed — if they’re discolored, faded, or have unusual spots on them — that could be a sign that they’re past their prime.
Texture is another key indicator. Gummies that are too hard, too sticky, or have a grainy texture may have expired.
Smell test
Give them a sniff. If they smell weird or off-putting — rancid or moldy, for example — it’s best to toss them.
Taste considerations
This is a tricky one. While it’s generally not a great idea to taste food that you suspect has gone bad, a tiny taste test can sometimes help you confirm whether the gummies have expired. If they taste sour, bitter, or otherwise unpleasant, that’s a good sign they’re no longer safe to eat.
Packaging check
Always check the expiration date printed on the package. And look for any signs of damage to the packaging, such as tears or punctures, that could compromise the freshness of the gummies.
What are the risks of eating expired edible gummies?
While an old gummy might not kill you, it could leave you with an experience you’d rather forget.
- Reduced potency. Over time, the cannabinoids in edible gummies break down, so your expired gummy might not deliver the punch you’re expecting. The THC or CBD in the gummy might not be potent enough to have the desired effect.
- Unpleasant taste and texture. As they age, edible gummies may take on a funky flavor or a weird texture that will make you want to spit it out.
- Possible foodborne illness. It’s rare, but expired gummies can harbor mold or bacteria. If you eat one that’s gone bad, you could end up with digestive upset or, in rare cases, a full-blown case of food poisoning.
- Allergic reactions. It’s also rare, but the chemical composition of a gummy can change over time, and those changes could trigger an allergic reaction, especially in people who are sensitive to food additives or preservatives.
Proper Storage Techniques to Extend Gummy Edible Shelf Life
Want to keep your gummy edibles fresh and potent as long as possible? Here’s how to store them:
Cool, Dark, and Dry Environment
Like most consumables, gummies last longer when kept in a cool, dark, and dry spot. Heat and direct sunlight will speed up the degradation process. Ideally, you should keep your gummies in an area where the temperature stays below 70°F (21°C).
Airtight Containers
Oxygen and moisture are the enemy. Make sure your gummies are sealed in an airtight container to protect their texture, flavor, and potency. If the original packaging isn’t resealable, transfer them to a container that is.
Humidity Control
If you live in an area with high humidity, think about adding humidity control packs (like Boveda) to your storage container. These packs help maintain the right humidity level to prevent your gummies from getting sticky or moldy.
Avoiding Temperature Fluctuations
Keep your gummies in a place where the temperature stays pretty constant. Big temperature swings can make them degrade faster, so try to avoid storing them near ovens, windows, or other spots where the temperature might change a lot.
Safe consumption and dosage awareness
If you’re new to edibles, it’s important to understand that they can affect people differently. Here are a few tips for consuming edibles safely:
Start low and go slow
It’s best to begin with a low dose, particularly if you’re a new user. The general rule of thumb is to wait at least two hours to see how the edible affects you before you consider taking more.
Be mindful of expiration dates
Like any food product, it’s important to check the expiration date before you eat an edible.
Buy from reputable sources
To make sure you’re getting a safe, high-quality product, it’s best to buy your edibles from a licensed dispensary or trusted vendor.
Consume responsibly
Choose a safe, controlled environment in which to enjoy your edible. And please, don’t operate machinery or drive under the influence.
In Conclusion
Like any other food product, edible gummies don’t last forever. It’s important to know whether your gummies have expired before you eat them.
To make sure you enjoy edible gummies safely, always check the expiration date before you indulge. Store your gummies in a cool, dark place, and be aware of how much you’re eating.
By following these tips, you can enjoy edible gummies with confidence. If you’re new to edible gummies, start with a low dose and wait to see how they affect you. And if you have any concerns, talk to your doctor or a qualified healthcare professional.