Smoke, Vape or Eat: What to Do With Old Weed
Old weed usually loses potency and aroma over time, but it does not go bad unless it was stored poorly and picked up mold. If your old stash passes a quick look and sniff test, you can still smoke it, vape it or cook with it. Kind Seed Co covers how to check old flower and what to expect from each option.
Check your old stash first
Cannabis has no strict expiration date. It only truly goes bad when poor storage lets mold take hold, and moldy flower should be thrown out. Before you use an old stash, run through these checks:
- Look. Watch for fuzzy patches or odd colors.
- Smell. Old flower may smell weaker, but it should never smell moldy or unpleasant.
- Feel. Very dry flower will crumble, which affects how it burns.
If you are not sure your stash is in good shape, it is best to let it go.
Smoking old weed
You can still roll a joint or pack a bowl with older flower.
Flower that was not stored properly can get too dry, which makes the smoke harsher. If yours has dried out, our guide on why you may need to rehydrate cannabis can help. Grinding dry flower gently also helps it burn more evenly, and our hacks for grinding without a grinder work in a pinch.
Vaping old weed
Vaping is another good way to use older flower. It produces less odor than smoking, so it is a more discreet choice, and it lets you pick up the finer notes of your flower’s aroma and flavor.
Inspect the flower before you load it. Just like with smoking, overdried cannabis can taste harsh and burnt in a vaporizer. Clean your device before each session to keep the flavor clean.
Eating old weed
Turning old flower into edibles is the most involved way to use it up. Cooked correctly, older cannabis can still be used in your recipes.
- Decarboxylate first. Heat the flower before cooking to activate the THC and CBD. Our guide on why decarboxylating your cannabis is so important explains the process.
- Start low. Begin with a small amount, and read our guide to the right dosage when eating edibles before you try them.
Comparing the three options
| Method | Upside | Downside |
|---|---|---|
| Smoking | The classic, familiar way to use flower | Dry flower can smoke harsh |
| Vaping | Less odor and more of the flavor comes through | You need a device |
| Edibles | A fun DIY way to use up an old stash | Takes the most prep time |
Make the most of every bit
Older cannabis may be weaker and less fragrant, but as long as it is free of mold it can still be enjoyed. Pick the method that suits you, check your flower first and store any fresh harvest well so it lasts. If you would rather grow your own fresh supply, browse our feminized cannabis seeds.
FAQ
Can you still use weed that is a year or two old?
Usually, yes. Old weed loses potency and aroma over time, but it only truly goes bad if poor storage lets mold grow. Throw out anything that looks or smells moldy.
Why does old weed taste harsh?
Flower that was not stored properly can dry out, and overdried cannabis tends to smoke or vape harsher, with a burnt taste.
Do you need to decarb old weed before making edibles?
Yes. Heat the flower first to activate the THC and CBD before you cook with it.
Are edibles made from old weed weaker?
They can be. Old flower may have lost some potency, so it may not match fresh flower in the same recipe.
