Just like most natural products, marijuana doesn’t last forever. While it doesn’t technically “expire” the way milk or bread might, its quality and safety can degrade over time. Knowing what to look for—and how to store your stash properly—can help ensure you’re only consuming safe, high-quality cannabis.

Here’s a breakdown of how long marijuana retains its quality, what changes to expect over time, and when it’s time to throw it out.

At 1 Month: Fresh and Potent

If stored properly, marijuana should remain fresh and potent for at least a month without any noticeable changes. This means keeping it in an airtight container, away from light, heat, and humidity. When properly stored, your cannabis should still smell fragrant, feel slightly sticky to the touch, and produce a smooth, flavorful smoke or vapor.

Storage Tips:

• Use glass jars with airtight lids.
• Store in a cool, dark place like a cupboard or drawer.
• Avoid storing near heat-producing appliances.

At 3 Months: Still Usable, But Watch for Dryness

By the 3-month mark, marijuana may start feeling a little drier. That sticky, resinous texture you noticed when it was fresh may diminish over time. While dryness doesn’t necessarily mean your product has gone bad, drier weed can be harsher to smoke and lose some of its flavor and potency.

What Changes to Look For:

• Slight loss of aroma and flavor.
• A more crumbly texture.
• Reduced strength in effects compared to fresh cannabis.

If dryness is a concern, consider using humidity packs specifically designed to keep marijuana in optimal condition.

At 6 Months: Quality Declines Significantly

Six months is often the tipping point for cannabis. By now, improper storage will have taken a noticeable toll. Light and air can degrade cannabinoids like THC, reducing potency. The flower may feel especially brittle and lack much of its original vibrancy.

More concerning, improper storage could lead to moisture exposure, increasing the risk of mold. Smoking moldy marijuana isn’t safe and can cause respiratory issues or infections.

Warning Signs:

• A musty or unpleasant smell.
• Powdery white or gray mold on the buds.
• Harsh or unpleasant smoke.

After 1 Year: Time to Trash It

If your marijuana has been sitting on a shelf for a year, it’s likely time to toss it. By this point, most of the THC will have degraded into CBN (cannabinol), which provides mild sedative effects but lacks the potency or intended impact of fresh cannabis. Additionally, long-term exposure to air and light may have stripped it of its flavor and aroma, leaving a dull and unappealing product.

When to Throw It Out:

• Visible signs of mold or mildew.
• Marijuana smells off or overly stale.
• Texture feels overly dry and crumbly, or wet and slimy.

How to Keep Your Stash Fresh Longer

The key to preserving marijuana’s quality and safety lies in proper storage. Here are some tips to extend its shelf life:

• Keep it airtight: Exposure to air speeds up the degradation process. Store your weed in an airtight container to prevent this.
• Control humidity: Invest in humidity control packs to maintain the ideal moisture level (around 58–62% RH).
• Avoid sunlight: UV rays break down cannabinoids over time. Always store your stash in a dark place.
• Stay cool: Heat can accelerate degradation, so keep marijuana away from warm areas or heat-producing electronics.
• Skip the fridge: While cool storage is important, refrigerators fluctuate in temperature and humidity, which can increase the risk of mold.

Final Thoughts

Understanding marijuana’s shelf life can help you avoid wasting your stash or consuming unhealthy, degraded weed. Freshness and quality matter, so be aware of how long you’ve had your cannabis and check for signs of mold, discoloration, or unusual smells before use. With proper storage, you can enjoy your purchase for months to come—though finishing it sooner is always best for the full experience!