How to store and keep cannabis edibles fresh

Edible candies last longer than chocolate, so it’s important to store each in the right place.

Edibles are fun and can be delicious, producing strong highs that usually last for long periods of time. When used correctly, edibles can produce highs that are manageable and perfect for daytime use.

Still, since edibles are food, it’s important to know how to preserve them for best flavour and effect. Here’s how to store edibles and keep them as fresh and delicious as possible.

Store in an airtight container and in a cool space

Edibles vary greatly in flavour and type. Edible candies last longer than chocolate, so it’s important to store each in the right place.

Candies and gummies may have a coating of sugar, which helps to extend their shelf life. As long as exposure to air and temperature is controlled, these edibles should last for a good amount of time, perhaps six to nine months, with the harder the candy, the longer the shelf life.

Wrap these candies carefully and tightly before storing them in an airtight container, such as mason jar. They should be placed in a cool and dry place inside the pantry.

In general, chocolates have a shelf life of as long as a year when properly stored. They should be wrapped in tinfoil and, again, kept in a cool and dark place, such as the pantry. Make sure to label these goodies properly to avoid confusing THC chocolate with regular chocolate.

Freezing and refrigerating can extend the shelf life

The fridge is always an option for storing edibles, likely adding a couple extra months to their shelf-life, but it’s important to understand that flavour and texture could be affected. When storing chocolate this way, a white coating may appear. Don’t worry; this is simply a reaction from the chocolate’s sugar rising to the surface after having been exposed to the cold and absorbing some moisture. It doesn’t affect flavour and isn’t harmful.

For best performance, store these edibles in an airtight container in the fridge and remove them a couple of hours before eating to regain the best texture and flavour.

Home-made versus store-bought

Store-bought edibles have to comply with several guidelines provided by the U.S. state where they are purchased, meaning the majority are shelf-stable for long periods of time. Home-made edibles and condiments are a different story, only lasting for a couple of months in the freezer if stored and prepared correctly.

Some basic storage guidelines include properly packaging foods in glass containers, jars or wrapping them in tinfoil. Every time a person grabs a piece, make sure to use a clean spoon and knife, since a dirty utensil could result in cross-contamination and possibly mould.