Does THC Oil Expire or Go Bad?

We’ve all been there. We buy a new cannabis product because it sounds interesting, or we purchase too high a quantity for our routine and end up with some extra products sitting around. 

Should we use those forgotten weed products?

These days, THC Oil is one of the most popular cannabis products with psychoactive properties. It’s available in a variety of formats and can usually be found at most online cannabis dispensaries. 

If you’ve purchased THC oil in the past and it’s still waiting untouched in your room – you could be wondering whether THC oil expires or goes bad.

The short answer is yes, THC oil goes bad. But, let’s dig into why and the factors that contribute to THC oil losing its potency. Here’s what you need to know about cannabis THC oil, its shelf life, and how to make sure it lasts for as long as possible.

Also sometimes called hash oil or honey oil, THC cannabis oil is a cannabis concentrate made by extracting the cannabinoids such as cannabidiol and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) from cannabis plants. THC is responsible for neurons that trigger the brain’s neurons that control pleasure, memory, and deep thinking.

Like most extracts, THC oil contains a high level of concentrated resins and terpenes, which make it a popular – and potent – choice for any cannabis enthusiast.

How Long Does THC Oil Last?

It may be sad news to those with a full overstock of THC oil, but the good stuff does eventually go bad. THC oil, like any organic substance, will expire after some time. 

When kept in ideal conditions, however, THC oil cartridges can last up to a few months.

Your window for consumption, though, can be significantly impacted if the proper precautions for storage are not carried out. The shelf life of THC oil and cannabis oil cartridges largely depends on the conditions in which the products are kept. 

Over time, the terpenes found in THC oil may degrade. Due to ineffective storage, suboptimal conditions, or age, the product’s molecular structure will change, potentially leaving a higher concentration of THCA. THCA is short for Tetrahydrocannabinolic acid – AKA a non-psychoactive cannabinoid found in cannabis plants. 

While useful for other purposes such as pain relief, THCA is not what will get you high. And while concentrates that have gone bad won’t necessarily cause adverse effects, they also won’t provide a full spectrum profile.

So, how exactly does the process of cannabis oil going bad happen? And how do you know when it’s no longer okay to consume?

What Makes THC Oil Go Bad?

Like other concentrates, cannabis oil goes bad or expires thanks to a few common causes. Keep these causes in mind to help ensure that your cannabis oil retains its terpenes and cannabinoids and your product lasts for as long as possible.

Some factors that cause THC oil, tinctures, cartridges, or other oil-infused weed products to go bad include:

• Light – Direct sunlight is NOT a friend of weed products. Sunlight breaks down the chemical components of cannabis concentrates, degrading the potency and eliminating the desired effects of the product.

• Air Exposure – Exposure to oxygen can slowly degrade the terpenes and cannabinoids in your THC oil. Cannabis concentrates are especially vulnerable to air exposure thanks to the fatty acids that are negatively affected by oxygen molecules. 

• Temperature – Regulated temperature is what THC oil needs to last longer. Avoid keeping cannabis oil in your pocket or backpack, as the changing temperatures of varying environments can speed up the expiration date of the oil.

• Ageing – When you purchase THC oil cartridges, aim to use them within the first four to six months. No matter what we do to optimize the storage of cannabis products, time will eventually take a toll on potency and quality.

Terpene and cannabinoid degradation occur when THC oil is kept in containers that are not optimal for cannabis concentrate longevity. Your products can also go bad when exposed to high temperatures or too much light. And sometimes, cannabis oil can go bad when left untouched for too long. 

For example, if a THC oil cartridge is left out in direct sunlight and heat, it can go bad in as little as one to two months.

How to Know if THC Oil is Expired

If you plan on purchasing cannabis oil, it’s essential to know how to tell if your THC oil has gone bad.

THC oil or oil cartridges that have been left unattended for a period of time can take on a different colour and texture. There may also be a “sludgy” texture to the oil or odd-looking separation. Oil cartridges that are no longer good could also show signs of age, such as cracks or mould.
THC oil cartridges that have gone bad can also noticeably lose their regular potency. However, it’s better to determine if the oil has gone bad before consuming it.

How to Keep THC Oil Good Longer

It’s also good to know that there are ways to keep THC oil useable for longer. A substantial positive here is that THC oil can stay good for a very long time when kept correctly and in the right conditions. 

Follow these steps for the best way to keep THC oil good longer:

1. Store THC oil in a dark environment. 
2. Storage should be in cool spaces, as high temperatures can hasten the expiration of THC oil. Avoid storing oil in direct sunlight.
3. Keep your storage container dry, as moisture can affect the longevity of cannabis products.
4. Keep things clean. Exposing weed products to fewer environmental contaminants will help them stay good.

Keeping THC oil in the fridge is a popular storage option for many consumers. Though the products don’t require refrigeration, the appliance is an excellent option since you can monitor the temperature and keep it at a consistent level. It also keeps the oil away from direct sunlight and heat.

Of course, even in the best of conditions, the terpenes and cannabinoids in cannabis products will inevitably change over time. So, consuming some products you found at the back of your college dresser might not be the best idea.

Buying Quality Canna Oil Products

Another significant factor in the shelf life of canna oil products is their origins. Cannabis growers who put in the time and care to craft high-quality buds will eventually yield longer-lasting, quality concentrate products.

Careful extraction methods will also contribute to the longevity of potency if terpenes are affected. Though the process of “winterization” (removing fats, lipids, and chlorophyll before distillation) does degrade terpenes slightly, it’s still necessary to create stable cannabis concentrate products.

The Benefits of THC Oil

THC oil isn’t just a crowd pleaser thanks to its high potency and portability factors. Consumers are also enamoured with the positive effects and benefits of THC.

Unlike the calming and therapeutic effects (which are useful for many other reasons), THC is the cannabinoid that gets you high. In addition to the psychoactive properties of THC, the cannabinoid also has a range of therapeutic effects.

THC can influence a variety of neurons in the brain that can affect:

• Memory
• Thinking and thought processes
• Pleasure
• Coordination
• Perception of time

Though outcomes and effects differ from person to person and strain to strain, THC generally provides consumers with uplifting feelings of euphoria. Depending on the THC levels and profile of the particular strain, THC products can also provide feelings of relaxation.

THC is sometimes used to address pain relief and insomnia by improving sleep quality. It can also be helpful for the side effects of chemotherapy, such as nausea. THC is also reported to positively affect people struggling with muscle spasms.

The Best Cannabis Oil Products

If your current stash has gone bad – or you just want to try out some new products – here are some of the best canna oil products to try. And as a bonus, they’re all available online to order and have safely delivered to your front door.

• Bonafide Honey Oil – Full spectrum THC extract.
• Dark Side Dabs Cherry Oil – 65-70% THC oil product.
• Oro Honey Oil – Terpene-rich profile can be smoked, vaped, or consumed orally.
• Kootenay Labs Cherry Oil – High-quality Indica hybrid oil extract.
• Superdank CO2 Oil Dabber – Full spectrum oil syringe with 80% Delta 9 THC, 10% Delta 8 THC, and 1.2% CBD.

Can You Still Use Expired THC Oil?

So, you’ve found some old canna oil in your house. It seems to show signs of age and degradation, but you also think that you don’t want to waste it. What will happen if you use expired THC oil?

THC oil that has gone bad will likely have lost some of its potency. Besides the fact that you’re also not getting the full psychoactive effects of the degraded terpenes and cannabinoids, it’s just plain not a good idea to consume products that have gone bad.

Though it’s not likely to cause any harm, dispose of THC oil that looks, smells, or acts concerning.

Take it from us – you’re better off playing it safe and purchasing some replacement THC oil or cannabis extracts.

Sources:

Yes, CBD Oil Expires – Here’s How To Check Yours
THCA – Cresco Labs

Everything you need to know about THC including 4 health benefits, potential risks, and how long it stays in your system

Taki Taki

See all posts