Six Tips for Storing Edibles Properly

Gummy edibles are a convenient, easy way to use cannabis and are available in all different potencies and flavors. Properly storing your favorite CBD gummies safeguards the quality, effects, and safety of your product and guarantees a consistent experience. 

Whether you incorporate cannabis gummies into your daily routine or just take them occasionally, you’ll want to keep your edibles fresh. Well-stored gummy edibles have a longer shelf life, preserving their strength and flavor while avoiding spoilage. 

How long your edibles stay fresh depends on environmental conditions like light and temperature, and even the type of storage containers you use. If you’re looking to get the most out of your edibles, we’ve got you covered on the best storage practices. 

Our edibles are shipped straight to your door in airtight containers. Try our Elevate Gummies to experience the freshness yourself. 

What are Cannabis Edibles? 

Cannabis edibles are food products infused with cannabinoids extracted from the cannabis plant, such as THC, CBD, and CBN. When ingested, these compounds interact with the body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS), producing various effects such as relaxation, pain relief, and sleep improvement. 

The ECS is a cell-signaling system that plays a role in regulating physiological functions such as mood, memory and learning, pain and inflammation, sleep and stress responses, and immune support. It consists of neurotransmitters that send messages to CB1 and CB2 receptors in the body to activate them to cause their effects. Cannabinoids can mimic or modulate the effects of neurotransmitters, influencing the activity of the ECS. 

Edibles offer an alternative to smoking or vaping cannabis and come in many forms, such as chocolates, baked goods, gummies, and beverages. While the onset of edible products takes a bit longer to kick in than inhalation, they tend to have longer-lasting effects. 

Our melatonin sleep gummies in all-natural wild strawberry flavors have faster-acting results than other edibles. These carefully curated broad-spectrum edibles contain low doses of CBD, CBN, and melatonin and will last you a whole night’s sleep. And with our gummies, you won’t feel groggy the next day. 

Tips for Storing Edibles Properly 

Properly storing edibles is crucial to maintaining their quality, safety, and effectiveness. Key factors like controlling temperature and humidity and using airtight containers can help you maximize the shelf life and enjoyment of your edible treats.

If you’re purchasing edibles from a retailer, they should come in a package that will help the product stay fresh. We guarantee freshness with all of our edible packaging. Aside from adhering to the package’s expiration date, there are other storage methods to optimize its quality for much longer. 

If you’ve made a batch of infused edibles or baked goods at home, your shelf life is not nearly as long. Preserving the freshness of the perishable ingredients in your homemade edibles is essential to keeping them safe for consumption. 

One: Wrap with Wax or Parchment Paper

Wrapping your CBD edibles in parchment paper prevents direct contact with air and moisture, maintaining the edibles' texture and taste. It prevents sticking, which is common with gummies and hard candies. It also safeguards the potency of the product by minimizing exposure to light and oxygen. Wrapping edibles will also prevent varying flavors and scents from mixing in their containers. 

Though the process of wrapping individual gummies in paper might seem like a lot of work, it does come in handy. This is especially true if you are freezing your edibles (we’ll get to that soon). By wrapping them individually, you can choose to defrost one edible at a time instead of the entire package. 

Or purchase one of our samplers. If you’re someone who travels and deals with jet lag, you can buy our Sleep Sampler. These individually wrapped edibles can be placed right in the freezer without having to wrap them. 

Two: Use Airtight Containers

Airtight containers prevent cannabis compounds from exposure to moisture and air. Oxygen can cause cannabinoids to decrease in potency and cause the moisture in the edibles to evaporate. This leads to changes in texture, making them overly dry, hard, or sticky. Exposure to oxygen can impact the flavor of the gummies, causing them to lose their desirable taste and smell. Over time, air introduces moisture that makes for environments where mold or bacteria could grow. 

Store your edibles in a mason jar or any glass container that can be sealed tight. You can also use a plastic or metal container with a tight-fitting lid for a convenient way to protect the edibles from external elements. Some people will choose to store cannabis edibles in vacuum-sealed or Ziploc bags to remove air before sealing them inside a glass jar or container.

Three: Store in a Cool, Dark, Dry Location

Cooler temperatures and the absence of light slow down the degradation of cannabinoids, ensuring that edibles maintain their desired potency and effects. Dark, cool areas also help preserve the terpenes responsible for the distinct flavors and aromas of cannabis. 

Storing your gummy edibles and candies in a dry environment will prevent the growth of harmful mold and bacteria. Dryness will also minimize oxidation, which can alter the composition and quality of cannabis products. When stored properly, the combined effect of cool, dark, and dry storage will extend the shelf life of your edible gummy. 

Freeze for Long-Term Storage

If you have a surplus of edibles, freezing allows you to store them in larger batches, providing convenient access to your cannabis treats. When you freeze edibles, you can increase their shelf life by a year or longer while preserving their potency and safety. Freezing protects from changes in taste and texture, and prevents the development of harmful microorganisms. 

To store cannabis in the freezer effectively, be sure you’re using the right type of container. Exposure to air and moisture will lead to freezer burn and flavor loss. After defrosting them, do not freeze them again. You might lose too much moisture on the second round of defrosting. 

If you want to read more about how long your edibles will last without freezing, check out our article about how long Delta 9 edibles last. 

Avoid Temperature Fluctuations

Rapid temperature shifts can cause condensation to form inside containers. This introduces moisture that can compromise the quality of your edibles. Consistent temperatures help slow down chemical reactions that contribute to the degradation of cannabinoids. Fluctuating temperatures will change the taste, texture, and color of the edible. 

Temperature issues are why it's best not to store your cannabis edibles near heat sources like an oven or microwave. The changes from hot to cool will impact the edibles’ shelf life. When defrosting your edibles, first put them in the refrigerator for a few hours to avoid a significant temperature change. 

Label and Date Containers

If you’ve made a batch of baked edibles at home, labels with preparation dates help you keep track of how long the edibles have been stored.  

If you purchase edibles, the expiration date should be on the packaging. Proper storage will ensure your edibles last through their expiration date. But if you plan to freeze your edibles, you’ll also want to label them with the date you froze them. Freezing edibles can extend their shelf life for up to a year or more. Knowing your package date will allow you to keep track of their freezer life as opposed to just their packaging’s expiration date. 

How Do You Know If Your Edibles Have Gone Bad? 

All edibles expire eventually. Properly stored edibles could last up to two years, depending on their ingredients and how they were processed. Our CBD gummies do not have ingredients that are prone to spoiling quickly, though we recommend you consume them within two years. 

Some signs of spoilage or degradation can include: 

• Odor: If the edibles have an unusual or foul odor that is significantly different from their original scent, it may indicate spoilage or contamination. 
• Discoloration or mold: Visible mold growth, discoloration, or unusual spots on the edibles are indicators of spoilage.
• Texture changes: If the texture of the edible has become excessively dry or hard, mushy, or altered from its original state, it’s a sign of its degradation. 
• Altered flavor: A noticeable change in taste, such as bitterness, rancidity, or an off-flavor could mean the edibles are no longer safe or enjoyable to consume. 
• Loss of potency: If the effects of the edibles are much weaker than expected, it might be a clue of the degradation of cannabinoids, such as THC or CBD. 
• Condensation: If you notice condensation in the container in which your edibles are stored, it is an indicator that the edibles are expired. 

If you notice any of these changes, it’s best to avoid consuming the edible. 

What Types of Cannabis Edibles Can You Buy? 

The more cannabis becomes popular, the more products are created within the cannabis industry. Some of the most sought canna-infused products on the market include: 

• Gummies: chewables are the most convenient way to use cannabis. They’re known to have the longest-lasting effects of any consumption method and are easy to dose. Our THC sour gummies are perfect for feeling elevated and relaxed.
• Baked goods: canna-infused cookies, brownies, and other baked goods offer a familiar way to enjoy cannabis with your favorite dessert. 
• Tinctures and oils: while not strictly an edible, cannabis tinctures can be ingested sublingually, and infused oil can be added to food and beverages for easy consumption. 
• Beverages: in case you didn’t know, you can drink weed. Our Buzz drops can be infused in any beverage, including teas, coffees, or your favorite mocktail. 

But not all cannabis products contain the same variation of compounds. Edibles offer a wide range of effects depending on the presence or absence of other cannabinoids and compounds. Understanding the types of cannabis you can purchase will help you make more informed decisions about what variation works best for your needs. 

CBD Isolate Edibles

This type of edible contains pure CBD. It has no other cannabinoids or compounds from the cannabis plant. This option provides the benefits of CBD without the presence of THC or other cannabinoids. 

Broad-Spectrum CBD Edibles

Broad-spectrum CBD products contain multiple cannabinoids and compounds found in the cannabis plant, except THC. They offer a wide-range plant experience without the psychoactive effects of THC.

Our broad-spectrum CBD gummies can be taken at any time of day for relaxing, uplifting effects. 

Full-Spectrum CBD Edibles

Full-spectrum CBD products contain a variety of cannabinoids, including THC. This combination is thought to produce an entourage effect, where the different cannabinoids work synergistically to enhance their overall benefits. While the entourage effect is not quite something you can feel, it refers to a whole-plant phenomenon that suggests taking multiple cannabinoids together is better than taking one isolated compound. 

Our collection of full-spectrum CBD gummies contains microdoses of THC. Microdosing is the practice of taking ultra-low doses of a substance to achieve desired effects without feeling high. Check out our guide to learn more about the best THC microdosing amounts. 

What Are Cannabis Edibles Good For? 

The effects of edibles depend on the type of compounds used, your dosage, and your tolerance to cannabis. Start with a low dose and gradually increase your dose to gauge your response and find the right balance for your desired effects. 

Some of the most common benefits of taking cannabis edibles include: 

• Pain management: Cannabis can provide relief from chronic pain and inflammation, making them desirable among individuals seeking natural pain management solutions. 
• Stress and anxiety: Due to their calming effects on the mind and body, cannabis edibles can help reduce stress and anxiety. Check out our guide about the best weed strains for anxiety and better focus. And be sure to give our Bliss Gummies a try. These melon-flavored edibles offer an uplifting balance to ease your mind and body. 
• Sleep improvement: Some users find edibles help promote better sleep by inducing relaxation and aiding insomnia. 
• Appetite stimulation: Cannabis can enhance appetite, making them beneficial for those with appetite-related issues, such as those undergoing certain medical treatments. 
• Creative and social enhancement: People find that cannabis can enhance creativity and ease social interactions. Those who have stage fright might microdose edibles to calm their nerves. 

If you’re looking to elevate things and get your creative juices flowing, try our vegan Euphoria Pink Lemonade Gummies. We’ve designed these to replace that drunken night out or turn your home into a paradise. 

Where Can You Buy Edibles? 

There are many places where you can purchase edibles and other cannabis products. In areas where cannabis is legal for medical and recreational use, licensed dispensaries offer many canna products. Some health food stores may carry CBD edibles made from hemp, too. 

The easiest way to purchase your edible treats is online. Many online retailers, like us, offer access to a broader selection of cannabis edibles. The key is to purchase from online retailers that are reputable with clear product information and adhere to safety and legal standards. 

At nama, we value transparency. All of our products have been third-party lab testing to vouch for their quality-sourced ingredients. Our edibles are made from 100% American organic hemp and all-natural ingredients. Browse our collection of Delta 9 THC edibles for a variety of benefits and uses. 

Be sure to read our guide about where to buy Delta 9 gummies to learn more. 

Are Cannabis Edibles Legal? 

Hemp-derived edibles became federally legal after the 2018 Farm Bill created a legal distinction between hemp and marijuana. Hemp is now classified as any cannabis plant that contains no more than 0.3% THC by dry weight. Marijuana is defined as a cannabis plant that contains more than 0.3% THC by dry weight, making it a controlled substance that is not federally legal. 

You can read our guide to learn which states Delta 9 is legal for more information. 

Citations:

Farm Bill. (n.d.). Farm Bill | USDA. https://www.usda.gov/farmbill

nama CBD FDA & Legal Disclaimer 

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