I'm just like many others who have had a lot of trouble tracking down that lost gram of wax or shatter that was hiding somewhere. At some point, you probably asked yourself if it was still good enough to smoke. Cannabis concentrates do not go bad in the sense that they make you sick, however, they do degrade in quality over time. Eventually, they can lose their potency, flavor, and aroma and turn into something entirely different than the original product.
Like so many others, I am a daily user of cannabis concentrates from companies such as Raw Garden (live resin and 710 Labs (solventless hash), and I've experienced first hand how the quality of the concentrate changes depending on the environment in which it is stored.
What Happens When Your Dabs "Go Bad"?
Concentrates degrade primarily through nucleation, a natural process in which the compounds start separating from each other. Nucleation occurs naturally and at a rapid rate under improper storage conditions.
- Loss of Potency: As concentrates age, THC (the psychoactive component of cannabis) begins to convert to CBN (cannabinol). Although CBN has sedative and sleep inducing effects, it is not a euphoric 'high' like THC. In fact, research indicates that cannabis can lose as much as 41% of its THC after four years. Concentrates may degrade at a similar or greater rate than dried flower.
- Decrease in Flavor and Aroma: Terpenes (aromatic oils that provide the unique scent and flavor of a specific strain) are extremely volatile and evaporate quickly over time. When this happens, the flavor and aroma of your concentrates disappear.
- Physical Changes: Over time, concentrates develop physical characteristics that are easily noticeable. Initially, concentrates are typically a light, golden color. However, they darken to a darker amber or rust color as they age. Shatter becomes brittle and budder dries out and breaks apart into crumbs.
Below is a general idea of how concentrates change over time:
From Personal Stash to Industry Insight: Key Storage Factors
There are four main culprits that destroy your concentrates: Light, Heat, Air and Humidity.
- Temperature increases the rate of degradation of THC. Experts suggest storing concentrates in a cool location, preferably at temperatures of 21°C (70°F) or lower. I left a Stiiizy Pod in my car on a hot summer day, and the oil was visibly darker and had an unappealing taste afterward.
- Ultraviolet (UV) radiation from sunlight and artificial lighting degrades both cannabinoids and terpenes. Store your concentrates in a UV resistant container that blocks light.
- Oxygen exposure leads to oxidative degradation of your concentrates. To maintain optimal freshness, your container needs to be airtight.
- Excessive moisture creates the perfect environment for mold to grow and create a serious health risk. If you see mold growing on your concentrate, discard it immediately.
Choosing the Right Container: Another Important Consideration
Your storage container plays a role in your storage system. Below is a list of commonly used storage containers, along with their pros and cons:
- Short Term (Days/Wks): Small glass jars are the best option for storing most consistencies including budder, crumble, or live resin sauce. Silicone containers can be convenient, but are not airtight and can react negatively with high-terpene extracts. I reserve using silicone containers for transporting a single dose to a friend's home.
- Medium/Long Term (Months): The best way to store concentrates long term is to put your glass jar or parchment-wrapped shatter in a sealed plastic bag. Ideally, the sealed bag should be placed in a vacuum-sealed bag. This can then be placed in a cool, dark cupboard.
- Freezer (Long Term Storage): Freezing is another method of extending shelf life, but there is a big caveat: Condensation is a major issue. Any concentrates being placed in the freezer need to be in an airtight, vacuum-sealed container to prevent moisture from damaging them upon thawing. Allow the packaged concentrates to come to room temperature prior to opening to avoid sizzling your dab with water vapor.
Do You Use Old Concentrates?
The decision to use aged concentrates depends on your personal preference. Concentrates that are over a year old will almost always be less potent and flavorful. However, as long as there are no visible signs of mold (white fuzzy or green spots) and there is no odor associated with rancidity, the concentrates are likely to be safe to consume. However, since the ratio of THC to CBN will be higher in older concentrates, the overall effect will be less intense, and possibly more sedating.
It is better to err on the side of caution and follow the advice of the old saying: "If you're unsure whether it is safe, dispose of it." There is a significant possibility of experiencing a less-than-desirable experience or risking inhalation of mold spores if you decide to continue consuming a low-quality product.
Final Thoughts:
Store your cannabis concentrates with care. A small, airtight glass jar stored in a cool, dark cupboard will retain approximately 90% of the concentrates' usable lifetime. Spending a few dollars on a suitable storage container will ultimately protect you from the disappointment of smoking a sub-par concentrate and allow you to fully enjoy the benefits of the full range of effects, flavors, and aromas that you paid for.