Consuming cannabis and hemp-based products is easier than ever, with new and discreet ways of enjoying edibles like gummies available. And while you can do lots of things while you are on edibles, a familiar scene for most is trying a hard and stale gummy after a few months. Or even after a few hours after eating said gummy, the usual “high” is not hitting the same.
If this has happened to you, we have some things to let you know. First, we are very sorry for your gummy loss. And second, there are ways to preserve your gummies’ life for longer so you can keep your stash for months without losing taste or potency.
This article has tips and tricks, factors that make your gummies stale, and a guide on storing gummy edibles. You can read more below if you want to keep your gummies fresh for longer.
Looking for quality gummies? Check out what Melee Dose has in stock for you!
Key Takeaways
- Edibles are perishable items, meaning they can break down and lose taste and potency with time.
- Some cannabinoids break down easily, like Delta-9 THC, while others, like HHC and HHC-O, are resistant to light and heat degradation.
- There are many ways to store edibles, from resealable and airtight bags to glass and silicone containers.
- Three main factors might affect your edibles go bad: temperature changes, light, and humidity. By keeping the three in check, you can prolong your gummies’ shelf life.
- Avoid areas with lots of heat, direct sunlight, and moisture. Instead, try keeping your gummies in a dry place, in the fridge if you plan to consume them for less than 3 months, or in the freezer for up to a year.
Best Containers To Store Edibles In
There are many ways to store edibles, from a simple plastic bag to an airtight container with opaque glass to prevent light damage. Before going full on what will make your gummies go bad, let’s look at some of the containers you can use.
First, we got plastic or resealable bags. These will work in a pinch, allowing light, temperature changes, and humidity to seep in. We only recommend these if you transport your gummies from one place to another, but only as a short-term solution.
Now, there are also silicone containers or pouches. These are an environment-friendly option instead of using resealable bags, as they won’t let anything stick to the container.
There are two things to look out for when using silicone.
First, choose a container that is bigger than the number of edibles you are storing. This will allow for space and avoid moisture. And second, try only using silicone pouches or containers for short-term storage, as they can still allow temperature changes to seep through.
Another way of storing edibles is through glass jars. Using a tight-fitting or air-tight lid is ideal to avoid chemical and moisture interaction. One trick that prevents light degradation is using parchment paper or aluminum foil to cover the inside of the jar, then storing the edibles inside.
You can also get specialized jars with opaque glass and airtight seals online. These would be the ideal way to keep edibles, as they can keep the three deadly factors that will wreck most edibles away: temperature, humidity, and light.
Optimum Temperature For Edibles
Storing edibles can get pretty finicky, so it really comes down to what’s the heat and weather, like where you live and how long you will keep those edibles. If you live where heat and humidity are moderated, you can store edibles in the pantry for a few days without any issues.
If you live where humidity or heat can be an issue, store your edibles in the fridge from the moment you get home. This can also be an option if you want to store your infused goodies for up to 3 months.
According to the FDA, the best temperature to keep your fridge should be below 40° Fahrenheit, with the best range being between 35° and 38° Fahrenheit, or 1.7° to 3.3° Celsius. If you are freezing your edibles, keep the temperature at 0° Fahrenheit or -18° Celsius.
If your edible is a drink of some kind or a baked good, we recommend eating it as soon as possible, as these can break down much quicker as they are usually “fresh,” and even naturally, you wouldn’t eat a stale, 5-day croissant.
Remember that edibles are still food and perishable, so try to eat them accordingly to the type of product.
Where To Avoid Keeping Your Cannabis Edibles
As you might have guessed, edibles eventually go bad. That said, there are a few things you can avoid so your goodies stay fresh, tasty, and potent for longer periods. So if you want to avoid your edibles going bad quicker than they should, here are a few things you should take into account.
Cabinets Near Heat Sources
We’ll explore why heat is terrible for your edibles, but anywhere between 77-88° Fahrenheit (or 25-31° Celsius) can lead to a rich place for mildew and fungi to grow.
Heat also allows for cannabinoid degradation, which can be problematic for products with Delta-9 THC. Other cannabinoids like HHC or HHC-O can last a little longer, but if you are getting gummies or chocolate, the products can melt and lose their intended taste or effects.
Areas With Exposure To Sunlight
Sun-lit areas can be a problem for several reasons. Heat and light are responsible for naturally breaking down cannabinoids in the plant, which also happens with infused goodies. So basically, you expose your cannabinoids to energy to break down organic matter.
This has been a known fact since 1976, when in this study, researchers concluded that light could be the major factor for the loss of cannabinoids. Nowadays, we know that cannabis can lose its potency in the first year of storage.
The simplest solution for this is to look for cool, dark places. But even then, there’s a third factor that allows for mold and bacteria to prolifer: moisture. Let’s take a look at that.
Places Exposed To Moisture
Humidity is terrible for all food types, especially cannabis-infused products. It can affect things like texture, flavor, or even potency itself. This is one of the main reasons you should look for air-tight containers to keep moisture away.
If you want to take special care regarding humidity, the ideal range is to keep it around 63% of humidity levels. Anything over that might lead to mold and bacteria making a party with your edibles (without inviting you, of course).
Air-tight containers are the best way to avoid this and keep your edibles moist enough to keep the infused oils intact. Some people go all the way and use vacuum sealing machines or bags, so you can try that if you live in damp areas too.
Fridges That Frequently Open And Close
Lastly, opening and closing fridges can also produce temperature changes in edibles. Whenever you open your fridge, you allow light and warm air inside, allowing temperature changes to affect your product.
For this, we recommend keeping your edibles in the corner of the fridge or in a zone where the temperature is regular. Alternatively, you can keep them in a drawer and use aluminum foil or parchment paper to block the light.
You can also ration portions and keep your edibles frozen. Freezers tend to be opened less frequently, besides keeping your infused goodies fresh for longer. Just make sure you also put them in airtight containers so they don’t get that “freezer” smell.
How Long Do Cannabis Edibles Last?
If you want to know how long your favorite cannabis edible will last, you have to take a few things into account.
First, you need to know how the cannabinoid will keep its potency, as some psychoactive cannabinoids like Delta-9 THC will lose power with time.
This happens due to Delta-9 THC naturally breaking down thanks to light or temperature changes, which results in that “old weed smell” from the final byproduct, CBN. Usually, this happens around the 12-month mark. Other cannabinoids like HHC resist these changes and will stay potent for longer.
Another thing to consider is how long it will take for the actual gummy or edible product to go bad. When stored properly, your gummies might go hard but will last a few weeks in the fridge and several months in the freezer.
Fresh baked goods will last only a week at most, and like gummies, you should always watch fungi or mold developing on your edibles.
Lastly, always check for expiration dates. Even if you keep them stored away from temperature changes and light and fight back humidity, you must still look into the date provided by the manufacturer.
How To Store Delta-9 THC And HHC Gummies
Now, how do you actually keep Delta-9 THC and HHC gummies fresh? Here are a few tips we’ve gathered so your gummies stay fresh for longer.
- Use aluminum or parchment paper inside clear jars. You can use clear jars if you use this trick to block the light.
- Skip plastic, and use silicone. If you can’t use glass, silicone won’t keep odors and will work as a short-term solution.
- Avoid porous containers. These containers can hold bacteria or fungi, so make sure not to use them.
- Keep your edibles in a cold, dry place. Keep them in the fridge if you plan to consume them in the short term. You can also keep them in the freezer if used in an airtight container.
- Write the date of the packaging and when you started storing the gummies. This way, you can know if they are still in good condition or if you need to clean the container and change it.
How Long Do Cannabis Gummies Stay Fresh?
The freshness of cannabis-based products depends on the type of edible. Usually, gummies can last a year or even more on their own. However, depending on the cannabinoids used, some gummies might last longer than others.
Delta-9 THC-based gummies will eventually have their Delta-9 turn into CBN with time or when exposed to heat or light. Other cannabinoids also break down with time and lose their potencies, like CBD, Delta-8 THC, and THC-O.
However, gummies with cannabinoids with HHC as a base, like HHC-O, can have their potency for more time. This is due to the process the cannabinoid goes through, called hydrogenation. By adding hydrogen atoms, the cannabinoid atoms become more stable, which resists light and heat degradation.
That said, HHC gummies still need to be stored properly, as they are still able to get mold or mildew. So make sure they are also kept in a dry and cool place.
How To Tell If Your Edibles Have Gone Bad
Sadly, edibles will eventually go bad as they are, in the end, infused-food products. However, there are a few signs to look out for whenever you think your edibles might already be a little stale.
The most noticeable sign is that they have mildew or mold in their container. If you find even a little bit of fungi, the spores are probably already inside your edible, and you’ll have to dispose of it.
Other signs include a bad odor or discoloration, which can be more noticeable in baked goods or sodas. Gummies tend to look paler and have a different texture, some get really hard, and some might even have a slight alcohol smell due to fermentation if they have pectin instead of gelatin as their binder.
If you find condensation in your container, that could also be a sign of bacteria or fungi starting to form in your infused foods. This is only sometimes the case, but make sure to change your container if this happens and your gummies seem okay, and try to consume them ASAP.
What Degrades The Shelf Life Of Gummies?
Three main factors might degrade the shelf life of gummies: temperature changes, light, and humidity.
These three factors are needed to create the perfect bacteria or mold wonderland in any storage container, so keep these three in check. Let’s look at how these factors make your gummies go bad.
Let’s go with temperature changes first. If heat is applied, cannabinoids will break down and lose their potency with time. This might also melt some types of edibles like candies or gummies, so store them in a cold place.
Now let’s talk about light. While direct sunlight might also produce heat and temperature changes, light can give bacteria and mold a fun place to stay, besides cannabinoids breaking down even with “cold” light from the fridge. This is also why some people store their flower and edibles with aluminum foil or parchment paper to block out the light.
Last but not least, let’s talk about humidity. This is the last condition that allows bacteria to grow in a container, so store your edibles or gummies with some type of desiccant or dehumidifier. You can even buy some of the silica gel ball pouches found in medicines and other food products and add them to your container.
Improving The Shelf Life Of Gummy Edibles
If you want to improve the shelf life of gummy edibles, just take three things into consideration: planning, storage, and maintenance.
The first part is easy; if you want to buy edibles, just make sure you are planning on when to eat them. If you buy a sample size first, you won’t need to freeze your gummies, as it is highly unlikely they will go bad in less than a month.
Now with the second part, storage. We recommend getting an opaque crystal, air-tight lid container if you plan to go serious. If you don’t, which is also fine, you can get a crystal container but try to cover the inside with foil or parchment paper.
Part of this stage is knowing when you are going to eat your edibles. If you take more than three months to do this, the best way to keep them fresh is to freeze them. Just make sure to put the gummy you are going to eat back in the fridge for at least 4 hours so it can thaw.
Lastly, let’s talk about maintenance. Check on your gummies every week or so, this way, you can see if they are properly stored, if there’s any humidity, or if you notice anything strange. You can also every two weeks swap the container to avoid contamination, depending on how seriously you want to extend your gummies’ shelf life.
Where To Buy Premium Gummies Online
If you want to know what having a Delta-9 THC gummy feels like, we’ve got you. Here at Melee Dose, we have a large selection of premium cannabinoid gummies with delicious hemp-derived blends ready to try out.
First, you can try our delicious Melee Rare Edible Diamonds Delta-9 THC Gummies. These come in a 30-pack container with 5mg of Delta-9 THC per gummy. Besides being delicious, the gummies come in three strain-specific flavors, the delicious indica Grape – Grandaddy Purp, the hybrid Blue Razz – Runtz, and the mouth-watering sativa Watermelon – Maui Wowie. You can also try a sample pack with two gummies of each flavor over here.
If you want a stronger experience, you should try the Melee Dose Mutant Radioactive Diamonds THC Gummies. These have a delicious blend of 10mg of Delta-8, 4mg Delta–9, and 10mg of Delta-10 THC, with an extra 9mg of HHC.
In total, these have 33mg per gummy, perfect for trying it in its delicious Kiwi flavor with Pink Candy Kush terpenes. Each bag has 20 gummies, for 780mg of total cannabinoids per bag. You can also try a sample pack of these mutant gummies with four gummies over here.
Lastly, you can also try our delicious new White Peach – Mimosa Live Resin Gummies. These have delightful juicy peach notes with strain-specific terpenes, with 20mg of live resin HHC and 5mg of Delta-9 THC formula. With a unique sativa terpene profile, these gummies are potent and delicious in a single bite.
Final Thoughts
Edibles are a fun and easy way to try cannabinoids and get a strong psychoactive experience. That said, you must consider a few things if you want your edibles to last for a long time: light, heat, and humidity.
Keeping these three in check and using a proper storage container with preferably an air-tight lid will give your gummies a chance to last for a while. And while regularly, they can last up to a year without going fully stale, most will start losing their power relatively quickly.
Some cannabinoids like Delta-9 THC can degrade quicker than other more stable cannabinoids like HHC or HHC-O. Just consider the dispensaries’ expiration date and keep them in the fridge if you plan on eating them in less than three months.
Further than that might need for you to freeze your infused goodies; just make sure to keep them safe from the light and close the lid well.
Storing Gummy Edibles: Frequently Asked Questions
We’ve gone through our small guide on how to store gummy edibles, but here’s a FAQ section in case you still have some questions.
Should You Freeze Or Refrigerate Edibles?
Freeze them if you plan on consuming them for a period of six months or more, and keep them in the fridge if you only have them for three months or less.
Do Edibles Stay Good In The Fridge?
Yes! Edibles will stay good in the fridge as long as they are properly stored. Avoid keeping them with fruits that might oxidize them quicker, like apples.
What Are The Tips For Storing Edibles?
Some tips for storing edibles are using the right kind of container, avoiding the sun, light, and humidity, and keeping them in the fridge depending on the weather where you live.
What Happens If Edibles Aren’t Refrigerated?
If an edible is not refrigerated, it might go stale faster depending on the type of edible. Gummies and candies won’t lose their potency as quickly as a brownie, but you can increase their potency and taste window if you keep them in the fridge.
Do Edibles Need To Be Kept Airtight?
Edibles don’t need to be kept airtight, but this might help prolong their shelf life and potency. If you only have a few gummies, you don’t need a whole setup ready.
Should I Freeze My Edible Gummies?
You should freeze your edible gummies only if you plan to have them in more than three months. Otherwise, the fridge will do just fine.
