Does Weed Lose Potency When It Dries? Insights & Storage

Have you ever noticed your cannabis getting drier and wondered if it’s losing its kick?

When exposed to air, your cannabis can turn brittle and light, a clear sign that the compound that gets you high, THC, is diminishing. This also means your experience is likely to be affected, too.

Let’s explore how drying impacts your weed and what you can do about it.

How Long Before Weed Loses Potency

While there’s no set expiration date, the potency of your weed can drop significantly after a few years. 

It’s a slow fade influenced by several key factors:

Leaving your bud out in the open or in a plastic bag invites light and air to do their worst. 

The cultivation process can majorly affect the potency of your cannabis. Excessive light bleaches potency, humidity can bring upon mold, and oxygen can slowly erode and degrade THC. Plants nurtured in conditions not optimized for the plant can make for weak THC levels.

Older studies highlight that weed’s THC content decreases over time: 

• First year: THC reduces around 16%

• Second year: THC reduces around 26%

• Third year: Around a 34% reduction in THC

• Fourth year: THC potency reduces by around 41%. 

How Long Does It Take For Weed To Go Bad?

Similar to loss of potency, determining the exact moment your cannabis loses its charm isn’t as simple as circling a date on the calendar. 

With meticulous storage, your stash can remain in prime condition, potent and fresh, for anywhere from 6 to 12 months. The secret? Striking the perfect moisture balance. Too dry, and you’re dealing with harsh, crumbly buds; too damp, and mold becomes a real threat.

Sometimes, a rapid decline in your weed’s quality could hint at issues from the start. Early dryness often signals problems in the initial drying or curing stages, crucial steps for locking in those cannabinoids and terpenes that define your weed’s potency and effects.

So, there’s no set “use-by” date for cannabis, but a bit of care can extend its life significantly. Keep your jars tight, the humidity in check, and your greens away from the sun’s harsh rays, and you’ll be set for months of quality sessions. 

Click Here To Continue Learning