What Are Edibles Shelf Life and How To Properly Store Cannabis Infusions and Edibles

What Are Edibles Shelf Life and How To Properly Store Cannabis Infusions and Edibles

What's up, guys! Welcome to the Mason Pot family. If you're curious about how long your homemade cannabis infusions last and the best ways to store them, you've come to the right place. If it's your first time here, please subscribe, like, and turn those notifications on because we're dropping cool content all the time.

Understanding the Shelf Life of Cannabis Infusions

When it comes to the shelf life of cannabis infusions, opinions vary. However, a practical approach is to consider the shelf life of the base ingredient. For instance, if you're using Kerrygold butter with a best-by date of May 18th, 2025, and you infuse it with cannabis, you can feel comfortable using it up until that date, provided it's stored correctly in the refrigerator or freezer.

Case Study: Olive Oil Infusion

Let's take olive oil as another example. If the olive oil has a best-by date of December 12th, 2025, it suggests a longer shelf life. Thus, a cannabis-infused olive oil could also last until this date under proper refrigeration or freezing. If left on the counter, however, I would be more cautious due to potential degradation.

Storing Your Cannabis Infusions

Proper storage is crucial for maintaining the potency and freshness of your cannabis infusions. Here’s how I like to store my infusions:

  • Labeling: Always label your infusions clearly. We’re even coming out with some cool little magnets to help you label your Mason pot easily.
  • Dark Containers: Use darker color jars or amber jars to protect the contents from light, which can degrade cannabinoids.
  • Refrigeration: Keeping your infusions in the refrigerator or freezer is ideal. For example, I store my gelato coconut oil, which is extremely potent at 210 mg per tablespoon, in the fridge.

Example of Potency and Storage

To give you an idea of potency management and storage, let's discuss the gelato coconut oil I mentioned earlier. Infused on July 19th, 2024, with a half-ounce of cannabis at approximately 24% potency, it yielded about 3,360 total possible milligrams. This makes it very potent, and careful storage is necessary to maintain its efficacy.

The Impact of Time on Potency

It's important to note that over time, even well-stored cannabis infusions can lose potency. This degradation occurs with both recreational and medicinal cannabis products. THC, the primary psychoactive component, can degrade over time, so keeping your infusions in a dark, cool area consistently is crucial.

Practical Tips for Long-Term Storage

  • Vacuum Sealing: For long-term storage, consider vacuum sealing your infusions in the freezer.
  • Cool, Dark Cabinets: If you don’t have space in your refrigerator or freezer, store your infusions in a cool, dark cabinet. * Garage Storage: In cooler climates or seasons, some may choose to store their infusions in a garage to keep them cool naturally. This old-school method can be effective but ensure the environment is stable and secure.
  • Counter Time: If you need your infusion to be more liquid, such as coconut oil, simply take it out of the fridge and let it sit on the counter for a bit to melt down.

Understanding Expiration and Regulations

When considering the longevity of cannabis products, it's also essential to be aware of the regulatory environment, particularly if you're involved in commercial production or sale. For instance, in California, cannabis products can only have a one-year expiration date from the date of production. After this period, products must be retested to extend their expiration by another year.

The Real-World Implications of Expiration Dates

This regulation can be challenging for suppliers if products are not selling quickly. I've personally seen products being removed from dispensaries and sold at a steep discount or given away for free. Despite the official expiration date, these products often still retain their potency and effectiveness.

  • Market Variations: It's worth noting that expiration guidelines can vary by state. For example, some states might allow a two-year expiration period for cannabis products.
  • Consumer Perspective: From a consumer's standpoint, understanding these regulations can help you make informed decisions about purchasing and using older products that might still be effective.

Best Practices for Consumers and Producers

  • Check Local Regulations: Always be aware of the specific cannabis regulations in your state or region.
  • Proper Product Testing: For producers, ensuring your products are regularly tested as per state laws is crucial for compliance and safety.
  • Educate Customers: For those in the cannabis industry, educating your customers about how to properly store and handle products can lead to better customer satisfaction and product effectiveness.

In conclusion, the key to maximizing the shelf life and potency of your homemade cannabis infusions lies in understanding the base ingredients' expiration, proper storage techniques, and staying informed about the regulatory landscape. Whether you're a casual consumer or a commercial producer, these insights will help you maintain the quality and effectiveness of your cannabis products. Remember, when in doubt, keep it cool, dark, and well-labeled. Happy infusing, and rock on, my friends!

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