Do Delta-8 Products Have an Expiration Date? 7 Crucial Insights to Know

Delta-8 products don’t necessarily have a hard expiration date in the sense that they “go bad” or become unsafe to consume after a certain point. However, like all organic compounds, D8 THC loses its potency over time. The gummy, vape, or tincture derived from hemp plants doesn’t really spoil in the traditional sense, but the Delta-8 inside starts to degrade and doesn’t give you the results you were hoping for.

👉Also Read: Maximize Your Gym Sessions: Discover the Benefits of Delta 8 Pre Workout

What is the Shelf-Life of Delta-8 Products?

Unlike food or medicine, D8 goodies do not have a strict expiration date, but they do come with a “best by” date. This is usually between 12 to 24 months, but it depends on the product and how it is stored.

Delta 8 disposable vape cartridges can last about 18 to 24 months if stored properly in an airtight container; the oil may darken or thicken over time if exposed to heat and light. Most D8 gummies and candies should be consumed within 12 to 18 months as the chemical structure of sugar and gelatin is more vulnerable to hardening.

Delta-8 infused cookies, brownies, and other baked goods are made with perishable ingredients so, of course, they only last 1-2 weeks when stored at room temperature or 2 to 4 weeks if refrigerated. You always have to be more careful with food-based products: if anything smells, tastes, or looks funny, throw it out. The risk of food poisoning is very real with expired D8-containing foods and beverages. This is why we recommend Delta-8-THC fruit chews or gummies if you want something edible. They last much longer.

Any liquid products meant to be taken orally or sublingually (under the tongue) can last 18 to 24 months, as long as you store them in a cool, dark spot.

Some manufacturers also include a “manufacture date” on the packaging to give you an idea of when the product is at its freshest and with the most potent intoxicating effects. If you don’t want your money to go to waste by consuming a product that is no longer effective, using it within the suggested time frame is best. Even if the product seems fine after that date – and detectable in drug tests – the therapeutic or mind-altering effects on your body’s endocannabinoid system may not be as strong.

How to Tell When Your Delta 8 THC Online Products Have Gone Bad?

Signs of Expiration in Delta 8 Gummies

Fresh gummies should be soft, chewy, and sweet. If you notice the following signs, it means they have either been exposed to too much air or are past their shelf life:

• They have become hard or brittle.
• They have developed a strange, sour, or stale odor.
• They taste off or have a chemical-like flavor.
• There is mold or discoloration on them; this is common when you store them in a warm or moist environment.

Signs of Expiration in Delta 8 Vape Pens and Cartridges

• The Delta-8 vape oil has changed color to dark brown or black. Fresh oil is clear to golden-yellow.

• The oil becomes too thick, sticky, or sludgy.
• It tastes bitter, burnt, or harsh, rather than clean and crisp as it should.
• The cartridge keeps clogging up, leaking, or malfunctioning.  

Signs of Expiration in Disposable Pens

• The D8 THC oil in your disposable pen has darkened or become cloudy.
• The pen becomes difficult to inhale from or feels clogged because the oil has thickened beyond what the heating element can handle.
• There is a drop in vapor output. The oil is no longer vaporizing properly or you are getting less vapor with each draw.
• Your disposable pen starts to taste burnt or has an unpleasantly bitter taste.

7 Ways to Maximize the Life and Quality of Your Delta-8 Products

Keep Away from Light

Exposure to UV light is one of the fastest ways to degrade Delta-8 THC derived from cannabis plant. Always store your D8 oils and vape cartridges in a dark cabinet or drawer. The next best option is to wrap them in aluminum foil or use opaque containers to block the chemical process triggered by light.

Don’t Store in the Bathroom

It might seem convenient, but the humidity from showers and sinks is not doing your purchase any favors. Stick to your bedroom drawers or pantry.

Use Glass Containers

Glass doesn’t allow air to permeate as much as plastic does. Also, it does not react with oils. Using an airtight glass jar can keep your gummies fresh and potent for much longer than their original plastic bag. This is an astute idea for tinctures, ointments, cartridges, shatter, and flower as well.

Freeze the Gummies

If you have more Delta-8 gummies than you plan to use in a short time, wrap each one individually in plastic wrap or foil and store in a freezer-safe bag. Freezing keeps the cannabinoids fresh and prevents candy from hardening. You can thaw them as needed. Whenever you reach into a jar or bag of the gummies, avoid handling them with bare hands. Use clean tongs or a spoon.

Use Silica Gel Packs and Vacuum-Sealed Bags for Edibles

To prevent gummies and cookies from going stale or moldy, add a gel pack to the container. It will absorb any moisture and keep your treats tasting and smelling fresher for longer. Make sure not to let the silica pack touch the edibles directly.

If you have bought a bulk pack, consider vacuum-sealing portions you don’t plan to consume right away. This works really well when freezing isn’t an option.

Seal Cartridges Tightly When Not in Use

When you leave your vape cartridge exposed to air, it doesn’t take long for the chemical structures in oil inside to oxidize. The original cap is designed to create a fitted seal around the mouthpiece and stop any air from getting in. This is to keep the oil as strong as possible between uses. Don’t forget to screw the cap back on after each use.

Control the Humidity

Keep the hemp or marijuana plants edibles and other products in containers or locations with a humidity level of around 50-60% to avoid them melting, growing mold and bacteria, or becoming too sticky for comfort. You can buy a small, inexpensive hygrometer and place it near your storage area. If you live in a basement or a tropical climate, add a small dehumidifier nearby to pull the naturally-occurring moisture out of the air.

👉Also Read: The Ultimate Guide: How to Clear Delta 8 From Your System?

Shop the Best Delta-8 THC CBD Hemp Products at Laughing Buddha

The only time you need to be worried about “expired” D8 THC is when you are consuming it in the form of a highly perishable food product. Even eating a regular brownie from convenience stores that has been sitting out for a week will make you sick. D8-infused vape cartridges, disposable pens, capsules, softgels, oils, flower, and other products can still be used for 3 to 6 months past their “best by” date without a significant loss of quality – as long as you have taken the precautions listed above to store them.

And of course, to get the most bang for your buck in terms of quality, buying high-quality products from a trustworthy brand like Laughing Buddha goes a long way. We offer a wide range of Delta-8, HHC, and THCP goodies tested by an independent lab for purity. Check out our store to find the best one for you.

Disclaimer: This content is not meant for medical advice. If you are thinking of incorporating Delta-8 THC and other cannabinoids into your routine or you are scheduled for a drug test, consult with your healthcare professional first.