Whether you’ve found an old stash you forgot about or you’re searching for some plant-based relief at your parent’s house, coming across old weed isn’t all that uncommon. That being said, it may not be the best to grind up and smoke.
Thankfully, older weed does have various uses! It’s not a total waste if it’s been sitting around for a few months.
Let’s talk about five great things you can do with your old weed so you never have to waste a bud.
Wait, Can Weed Expire?
Unfortunately, yes: your cannabis can most definitely get old over time. After all, it is just a plant!
On the bright side, if you store your marijuana properly, you don’t have to worry about it getting stale quickly or losing its potency. As long as you keep your bud in airtight containers and out of direct sunlight, heat, and moisture, it should be fine to use for months on end.
You can even take extra precautions and insert humidity packs into your containers — just make sure the bud isn’t past its prime already.
The way you store cannabis is going to directly impact how long your buds stay fresh.
For some people, if stored properly, you can keep your weed fresh for months. But, when you store it incorrectly, your old weed likely won’t be good after just a few weeks. And by “good,” we mean it could become stale, moldy, and even lose potency.
Thankfully, it does take a while for buds to be considered “old.” Even if your marijuana was harvested a few months ago, it can still easily be fresh and great to smoke.
But, if it’s been sitting around for longer than you can remember, it may be time to find alternative uses for it.
Can You Smoke Old Weed?
Technically, yes, you can smoke old weed. When you grind it, you’ll notice that it will feel drier and likely fall apart in your hands quickly, versus feeling moist and fresh.
Smoking old weed isn’t going to taste great, either — if it has any taste at all. It won’t be as pungent and flavorful as freshly harvested bud, making it a bit less enjoyable.
Finally, while you can smoke old weed, it’s unlikely to get you high the same way as fresh flower. This is because over time cannabinoids age and degrade; this means that cannabis loses is potency quite a bit, as well.
For example, in old weed, THC turns into CBN: a less psychoactive cannabinoid entirely.
With this in mind, your high from aged cannabis is going to feel a lot different — likely less powerful — than that of brand-new bud. Thus, if you notice your weed lose potency, it’s likely because you’ve got some old bud.
5 Things to Do With Your Old Weed
If you’ve found that you have some cannabis that’s been sitting around for a while, we’d highly suggest enjoying it in ways that don’t include grinding it up and putting it in a bowl.
From making tasty edibles to sipping on infused tea, here are five great ways to use your stale weed today.
5. Infuse It Into Oil or Butter for Edibles!
One of the best ways to use your aged cannabis is by putting it into oil or butter to make delicious edibles.
These weed infusions serve as a base for countless recipes, from baked goods to savory dishes, and can even be used in homemade skincare products.
And, thankfully, the process is simple and doesn’t require any specialized equipment, making it perfect for both seasoned cannabis enthusiasts and beginners.
Here’s how to make your own cannabis-infused oil or butter:
Decarboxylate the Cannabis: Before infusing, you’ll need to activate the cannabinoids in your cannabis. Spread the buds evenly on a baking tray and bake at 220–240°F (104–116°C) for about 30–40 minutes. This step is essential for unlocking the THC or CBD, turning it from its inactive acid form into the active compounds you want.
Choose Your Base: Decide whether you’d like to use butter or oil. Coconut oil, olive oil, and unsalted butter are popular choices due to their fat content, which helps bind to cannabinoids effectively.
Combine and Heat: Mix your decarboxylated cannabis with your chosen base in a saucepan or slow cooker. Use a low, steady heat (160–200°F or 71–93°C) for 2–3 hours, stirring occasionally. This slow infusion process allows the cannabinoids to fully bond with the fats.
Strain the Mixture: Once the infusion is complete, strain the mixture through a cheesecloth or fine mesh strainer to remove the cannabis plant material. Store your infused butter or oil in an airtight container and refrigerate for butter or store oil in a cool, dark place.
Infused oils and butter are incredibly versatile and can be used in recipes like brownies, cookies, pasta, or even drizzled over popcorn for a creative twist.
Not only does this method ensure your old cannabis is put to good use, but it also allows you to enjoy your favorite recipes with a unique, personal touch. Yum.
4. Make Your Own Cannabis Tincture
If you want to give your old weed a second life, turning it into a tincture is a great option.
Cannabis tinctures are an excellent way to repurpose aged flower because they’re easy to make, they’re long-lasting, and you can use them in a variety of ways, such as sublingually (under the tongue), mixed into drinks, or incorporated into recipes.
Here’s a step-by-step guide to crafting your own cannabis tincture using stale weed:
Decarboxylate the Cannabis: As with infusions, start by activating the cannabinoids through decarboxylation. Spread your cannabis evenly on a baking tray and bake at 220–240°F (104–116°C) for 30–40 minutes. This step is crucial for converting inactive cannabinoids into their active forms, such as THC and CBD.
Choose the Alcohol: Use high-proof, food-grade alcohol like Everclear or another clear spirit with at least 60% alcohol content. This ensures effective extraction of the cannabinoids and terpenes.
Combine and Soak: Place the decarboxylated cannabis in a glass jar and cover it with alcohol until it’s fully submerged. Seal the jar tightly and shake it well. Store the jar in a cool, dark place for at least 2–3 weeks, shaking it daily to help the extraction process.
Strain and Store: After the soaking period, strain the mixture through a cheesecloth or coffee filter to remove plant material. Transfer the liquid into a dark glass dropper bottle to protect it from light and extend its shelf life.
Cannabis tinctures are discreet, easy to dose, and can last for years when stored properly.
They’re perfect for users who prefer a smoke-free experience or want to add a controlled amount of cannabis to their drinks or meals.
3. Roll Some Infused Joints
Now, I know we said not to smoke old weed, but combining it with some new bud, concentrates, or even kief can turn your non-potent bud into a whole new experience.
Infused joints not only enhance the strength of your smoke but also allow you to experiment with flavors and effects.
Let’s walk you through how to roll your own infused joint with your less-than-fresh weed:
Prepare Your Cannabis: Start by grinding your old cannabis into a fine, even consistency. If it’s too dry, rehydrate it slightly by storing it with a small piece of citrus peel or a damp paper towel for a few hours.
Choose Your Infusion: Decide which type of concentrate to use, such as kief, wax, hash, or oil. Each adds a unique boost of potency. Kief is easy to sprinkle in, while oils or waxes can be spread lightly along the rolling paper.
Layer and Roll: Spread your ground cannabis evenly across your rolling paper. Add your chosen concentrate—sprinkle kief evenly or spread a thin line of oil or wax along the inside of the paper. Carefully roll the joint, ensuring the contents are evenly distributed.
Seal and Smoke: Use a small amount of saliva or water to seal the rolling paper, then pack the ends gently to secure the contents. Let it sit for a few minutes if you used oil to ensure it dries slightly before lighting up.
Infused joints are an excellent way to elevate your smoking experience while giving your old cannabis a fresh twist.
Plus, they’re perfect for sharing with friends or enjoying on your own for a more robust and flavorful session.
2. Make Weed Tea
Now, we’ve written some comprehensive articles on how to make weed tea because we think it’s an amazing way to utilize your bud — especially when it’s aged.
Quickly, let’s talk about how you can make your nighttime cup of tea more relaxing than ever before:
Decarboxylate the Cannabis: As with other preparations, begin by activating the cannabinoids in your cannabis. Spread it on a baking tray and bake at 220–240°F (104–116°C) for 30–40 minutes to convert THCA or CBDA into their active forms.
Prepare the Base: Since cannabinoids bind to fats, prepare a fat-rich liquid to infuse your tea. Add a teaspoon of butter, coconut oil, or cream to your hot water or milk base.
Combine and Simmer: Add your decarboxylated cannabis to the liquid and simmer on low heat for 15–20 minutes. Stir occasionally to ensure the cannabinoids are evenly infused.
Strain and Serve: Pour the mixture through a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth to remove plant material. Add your favorite tea bag, sweetener, or flavoring (like honey, lemon, or spices) for a personalized touch.
Cannabis tea is versatile and can be adjusted to your taste preferences, making it a delightful way to use old cannabis.
Whether you enjoy it as a standalone beverage or pair it with snacks, this method is perfect for those who prefer a calming and discreet way to consume old weed.
1. Vaporize It!
Finally, one of the best ways you can use your old weed is vaporizing it. Unlike smoking, vaporizing heats the cannabis just enough to release cannabinoids and terpenes without burning the plant material.
This method allows you to extract maximum potency from your old flower while minimizing waste.
To do this, you’ll need to make sure you have your own dry herb vaporizer (as some of them are only meant for wax).
You’ll also have to ensure the flower isn’t too dry, as overly brittle cannabis can produce a harsher vapor. If necessary, rehydrate it slightly by storing it with a piece of citrus peel or a damp paper towel for a few hours.
When vaping, you should adjust your vaporizer to a low or medium temperature (between 315–430°F). Lower temperatures preserve terpenes for a flavorful experience, while higher temperatures extract more cannabinoids for a stronger effect.
All in all, vaporizing is an excellent way to breathe new life into your old cannabis, as it extracts every last bit of its active compounds.
Plus, the spent cannabis (known as AVB, or “already vaped bud”) can be repurposed for edibles or infusions, ensuring nothing goes to waste!
When Do You Throw Your Old Weed Out?
It can be tough to know at what point it’s best to just throw your old weed out and get new stuff.
Here are key signs that your weed has gone bad and should be discarded:
Mold or Mildew: If you notice white, fuzzy, or powdery spots, you’ve likely got some moldy cannabis. Consuming moldy weed can cause respiratory issues or allergic reactions when consumed, so it’s best to discard it immediately.
Unpleasant Smell: Fresh cannabis typically has a fragrant, earthy, or citrusy aroma, depending on the strain. If your weed smells musty, sour, or like ammonia, it has likely degraded or developed mold and should be thrown out. Try the sniff test and see how your bud smells before smoking it.
Discoloration: Healthy cannabis has vibrant green tones, with possible hints of purple or orange, depending on the strain. If the buds appear brown, yellow, or unusually pale, it could indicate the presence of mold, excessive dryness, or chemical contamination.
Excessive Dryness or Brittle Texture: While dry cannabis can often still be used, if it crumbles to dust when touched, it has likely lost most of its cannabinoids and terpenes. Smoking or vaping excessively dry weed can result in harsh, unpleasant hits.
Infestation: We know, it’s gross. But, if you find insects, eggs, or webs in your cannabis, it’s best to toss it. Smoking or vaping contaminated weed can expose you to harmful bacteria or pathogens.
How Elevate Holistics Can Help You Get the Most Out of Your Weed
With how expensive marijuana is these days, throwing out old bud can feel like throwing your money away. Thankfully, this plant is incredibly versatile, and there are still so many ways you can utilize it even when it’s gotten a little old.
However, when it does come time to get yourself some new cannabis strains, let Elevate Holistics be your guide.
We help people like you get approved for medical marijuana all across the country. This way, you can save money on your everyday purchases and receive priority service and exclusive discounts just for being a cardholder.
All you have to do is book a 15-minute appointment with our doctors and we’ll get you started from there. Trust us: if you want fresh weed at the lowest prices, Elevate Holistics is the place to start.
If you book an appointment below, you can use the discount code BLOG5 to get an additional $5 off your medical marijuana card appointment! Act now, save money, and smoke the best purple weed around.
