Home/StonerQuelle Blog/How long does cannabis stay fresh? Does it lose its effects?

Stoner Quelle • 27.02.2025

How long does cannabis stay fresh? Does it lose its effects?

Cannabis flowers are the most commonly used part of the cannabis plant, both for recreational purposes and medical applications. But how long does cannabis actually stay fresh and effective? And can it "expire"? Proper storage is crucial to maintaining the quality of the buds for as long as possible.

Shelf Life of Cannabis Flowers

Cannabis flowers do not last forever, but with the right storage, they can maintain their quality for a long time. Generally, the following applies:

Up to 6 months: With proper storage, quality remains almost unchanged.
After one year: The THC content can decrease by about 7%.
After two years: THC loss can be up to 27%.
After three to four years: THC content can drop by up to 41%.
After more than four years: Most cannabinoids are significantly degraded, reducing the effectiveness of the buds.

However, this does not mean that cannabis becomes unusable after two years. It gradually loses potency but remains smokable or vaporizable if stored correctly. Minimizing exposure to light, air, and moisture is key.

Ideal Storage Conditions for Cannabis

Proper storage of cannabis flowers requires controlled temperature and humidity conditions. The following factors are crucial:

1. Temperature

The ideal storage temperature is between 18°C and 23°C.

Above 24°C: Encourages mold, bacteria growth, and terpene degradation.
Below 13°C: Causes the buds to become brittle and trichomes to break off more easily.

2. Humidity

The recommended humidity level is between 55% and 62%.

Below 55%: The cannabis dries out, making it crumbly and less flavorful.
Above 65%: Increases the risk of mold.

3. Minimizing Air Exposure

Too much exposure to oxygen can lead to oxidation of cannabinoids, causing THC to degrade faster.

Use airtight containers: Glass containers with tight-fitting lids are ideal.
Avoid plastic bags: Plastic can generate static electricity and deplete terpenes.

4. Avoid Light Exposure

UV rays rapidly degrade THC. Therefore, dark storage is essential.

Best protection: Opaque glass containers or dark storage locations.
Alternative: Wrap clear jars in black paper or paint them.

Best Storage Methods for Cannabis Flowers

1. Airtight Glass Containers

Mason jars or specialized cannabis storage containers made of glass are the best option. They are inert (do not react with the buds), airtight, and easy to clean.

Prefer dark glass: Protects against UV rays.
Good alternatives: Ceramic containers with airtight seals.

2. Use Humidity Packs

Humidity packs, such as those from Boveda or Integra, help maintain stable humidity and prevent drying out or excessive moisture.

62% packs: For a fresh and fluffy consistency.
58% packs: For a slightly drier consistency, ideal for vaporization.

3. Light Protection with Blacked-Out Glass or Packaging

UV-blocking containers or blacked-out glass jars are highly recommended. If only clear jars are available, they can be wrapped in black paper or painted with dark spray paint.

What to Avoid

1. Refrigerator or Freezer

Refrigerator: Temperature fluctuations can cause condensation, leading to mold growth.
Freezer: Trichomes can become brittle and break off, causing loss of valuable cannabinoids and terpenes.

2. Direct Sunlight

UV rays are one of the biggest enemies of cannabis. They degrade cannabinoids and dry out the buds. Therefore, cannabis should never be stored in sunny places or on windowsills.

3. Cigar Humidors or Wooden Boxes

Cigar humidors are often made of cedarwood, which releases oils that can affect the flavor and aroma of cannabis. Additionally, cigar humidors regulate humidity at around 70%, which is too high for cannabis.