If you’re a fan of CBD crumble, you probably want to know how to best store your product for a maximized shelf life – fortunately, the answer is fairly simple.
When stored properly, CBD crumble can last for 1-2 years or possibly even more before beginning to go bad. Because CBD breaks down in products over time, crumble going bad and losing its effect is inevitable, but good storage practices can keep your crumble in tip-top shape for as long as possible.
CBD crumble that’s beginning to or has gone bad can still be usable, but it’s important to recognize signs that your product may cause more harm than good. It’s also beneficial to be aware of what sort of environmental factors might speed up the rate at which your product deteriorates so that you can avoid them.
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Does CBD Crumble Go Bad?
Like all CBD products, crumble can indeed begin to lose quality over time.
CBD crumble doesn’t necessarily “go bad” in the way foods can; it won’t rot or spoil, but it can begin to break down and lose its efficacy.
Unlike other CBD products like tinctures and oils, CBD crumble doesn’t usually contain external ingredients or mediums in which CBD is suspended (a base oil, for instance), so there are less parts of the product that are susceptible to going bad.
Unfortunately, CBD is a natural compound and, as such, changes over time. Even the best stored crumble will eventually become a less intense version of itself as the CBD within it begins to deteriorate.
How long does crumble concentrate last?
Generally speaking, the shelf life of CBD crumble is around 1-2 years. This range may be extended by proper storage techniques, which can help ensure that your crumble receives only minimal exposure to potential damage.
Not all CBD crumble options are created equal. High-quality products tend to last longer than low-quality options, and the presence of additional ingredients alongside the process used to create the crumble can also impact its overall shelf life.
Many products, including crumble, include an expiration date on their packaging. This date isn’t necessarily set in stone, but it can give you a good idea of when to start looking out for signs of change in your product.
How to Tell if CBD Crumble is Bad
If your CBD crumble looks, smells, feels, or otherwise appears different than it has in the past, it’s likely an indicator that it’s beginning to inch past its prime. These sorts of changes are common signs of CBD of all sorts beginning to go bad.
CBD crumble that’s gone bad is likely to present textural changes, changes in appearance, and more. These processes usually happen gradually and can be slowed by proper storage practices.
If your product isn’t showing obvious signs of change but you’re still concerned about whether or not it’s good, the expiration date provided on your product’s packaging can provide some guidance.
This date may be more of an estimate than a hard line, but it can still give you a better idea of whether or not it’s been long enough for degradation to be a real possibility.
If your crumble comes into contact with outside contaminants, falls on the floor, or otherwise is tampered with, it may be wise to use it with caution or get rid of it entirely.
What Happens if You Smoke Expired CBD Crumble?
Smoking expired CBD crumble is unlikely to cause any serious side effects, but it can certainly be unpleasant. You might notice that the effects of your product are much less pronounced than they were in the past, or you may notice very little effect at all.
Of course, crumble that’s noticeably soured in some way — changes in color and texture, for instance — can taste and smell less than ideal, which may mean that smoking it is more uncomfortable than beneficial.
Because expired CBD crumble is actually weaker than new CBD crumble, it’s not overly likely that you’ll feel any CBD-related side effects (nausea, vomiting, drowsiness, etc.), though it is possible.
Even if smoking crumble that’s gone bad won’t harm you, it’s not a practice that’s beneficial or recommended. You won’t get much out of expired crumble, so the potential damage and irritation to the lungs it can cause are much less worth it.
How Do You Keep Crumble Fresh?
To keep crumble as fresh as it can be and extend its shelf life, it’s important to keep it stored in a safe, dry space that’s exposed to appropriate temperatures and lighting.
There are many ways to store CBD concentrates (a classification that includes CBD crumble) depending on how long you plan to keep it tucked away. For most, storing crumble in an airtight glass container is great for both long- and short-term situations.
Other storage containers, like plastic lidded containers or bags, may be alright for temporary storage, but they’re not ideal permanent options. Even if you use them for short periods of time, they’re more susceptible to damage from water, light, and other elements.
Exposure to high temperatures and high amounts of bright light can cause CBD to break down and degrade more quickly, speeding up the rate at which your crumble loses its efficiency and power.
To avoid this, keep your crumble in a relatively dark place indoors when not in use. Additionally, steer clear of storing your crumble in an environment where temperatures get extreme or fluctuate frequently (such as in front of an uncovered window).
For extra long-term storage options, vacuum sealed glass jars and freezing can be appropriate options, though it may be best to only purchase what you realistically believe you can use within a product’s average shelf life.
Should I refrigerate my crumble?
Though it’s not necessary to refrigerate crumble to keep it fresh, it is safe to do so. For many, the fridge provides a safe and appropriate environment for storage that’s hard to find elsewhere.
If you have minimal storage space or want to ensure that your crumble stays away from pets or small children, something like a fridge may actually be a great option.
It’s important to note that refrigerating your crumble can temporarily change the way it looks or feels; it may seem firmer or have a harder time crumbling, but these changes should dissipate as the product reaches room temperature once again.
Be sure your crumble isn’t too close to any lights inside of your fridge and is completely sealed off if you do go down this route. Also consider the fact that this method won’t necessarily make your product last any longer; instead, it’s merely another option for safe storage.
There’s no harm in keeping your crumble away from the fridge, and the quality of your product won’t suffer just because of your decision to chill it or not. No matter what you choose, try to be consistent in where you store and under what conditions.
Takeaway: Crumble Can Last for Years
When stored properly and taken care of, CBD crumble can have a shelf life of 1-2 (or possibly even more) years. The better you care for your crumble, the longer it’ll stick around.
When deciding how and where to store your product, choose a place that’s safe – avoid areas that are prone to being bumped into, for instance, or areas where children might grab things.
A space indoors with minimal lighting and an appropriate temperature (anywhere from 65-75 degrees Fahrenheit tends to be fine) is the best location for long-term storage.
Whether it’s in a pantry, on top of a high shelf, or somewhere else entirely, so long as these conditions are met within your storage area, your product’s shelf life should be maximized.
Of course, investing in good quality products from reputable sellers further increases your chances of keeping great crumble around for longer.
For product and brand recommendations alike, look no further than our directory; it’s chock-full with all the information you need to choose a product, crumble or otherwise, that works for you.
