When you visit a cannabis dispensary, there are a wide variety of product options for you to choose from. When it comes to cannabis edibles, there are several benefits that make it attractive to both first-time and experienced marijuana patients and consumers.
Research has found that consumers prefer marijuana edibles for a variety of reasons. Edibles don’t produce the same smell as smoking, nor is there any second hand smoke. Edibles are also more discreet and, while it may take up to an hour to feel the effects, edibles can produce a high that lasts six or more hours.
More than 40% of adult-use cannabis users consume edibles, which includes baked goods, drinks and candies like gummies. Cannabis edibles sales in the United States were valued at about $3.6 billion in 2021, and they are expected to increase to more than $8 billion by 2025.
Cannabis edibles are continuing to grow in popularity, but like any marijuana product, they need to be stored properly to ensure their quality.
Consider Your Container
The type of container you use has a huge impact on the shelf life of your cannabis edible products. Air-tight, opaque containers are best because they can keep out moisture and limit UV exposure that can diminish the quality of the product. But here are a few other factors to consider when choosing an edibles storage container:
- Material: Glass and silicone are great options to store your edibles because they resist odors and are resilient to changes in temperature.
- Extra protection: When storing sticky edibles, or to ensure air-tight freshness, place your edible in a plastic bag or wrap it in parchment paper, aluminum foil or wax paper before putting it into a container.
- Fridge vs. Freezer: For many cannabis edibles, especially those that contain sugar, oil or flour, storing them in your fridge are best kept in the fridge. Like any food product, it’s important to check the “Best By” date on your product to get a sense of how fresh it will be. Cannabis edibles can also be stored in your freezer and kept for several months without losing quality or flavor.
Different Edibles Need Different Things
There are a wide variety of edibles, and they all have different shelf lives. Be sure to check the label of any product you purchase, but here’s a quick breakdown of the typical shelf life of most cannabis edibles:
- Baked Goods: These typically last only a few days when stored in your pantry, but you can extend that shelf life to 1-4 weeks in the fridge or up to 2-3 months in your freezer.
- Shelf-stable drinks: Unopened, these drinks can last about 6-9 months.
- Infused oils: Oils prefer a cool, dark storage place, and they can last 6 months to a year.
- Chocolate: Ideal conditions for chocolate are wrapping it up in an airtight container in a cool dark place. Dark chocolate typically lasts up to a year in proper conditions, while white and milk chocolate last up to 10 months.
- Candies: Hard candies can last up to a year and soft candies like gummies last about 6-9 months. After opening, candies should be stored in an airtight container in a cool environment.
Keep an Eye on it
If you’re worried your edibles have gone bad, there are a few things you can look out for to decide if they’re still good to consume:
- Discoloration
- Loss or change in smell
- Rough, brittle or dry texture
- Mold or mildew
- Condensation droplets in the storage container
The best practice is to store your edibles in an airtight container in a cool, dark space. Proper storage maintains the quality of the product and ensures you have a great experience every time you use it. UpTop’s knowledgeable Budtenders are always on hand to answer your questions and help you learn more about our wide range of products. Visit us online or at one of our Massachusetts dispensary locations. We’re happy to help you!
