What Happens If You Eat Expired Edible Gummies? How to Recognize Spoilage & What to Do

You found an old pack of edible gummies in your drawer. They look fine, but their expiration date has passed. You’re unsure if it’s safe to eat one or what might happen if you do. 

What should you do?

Expired gummies aren’t always harmful, but before eating one, check for signs of spoilage and potential health risks

Do Edible Gummies Expire: Yes or No?

Yes, edible gummies expire. 

The rate at which they expire depends on their ingredients, storage, and active compounds. Expired edible gummies aren’t necessarily harmful if ingested, although their potency, texture, and quality are significantly reduced. Gummies with natural ingredients and fewer preservatives will expire quicker than those with artificial additives.

Both THC gummies and CBD gummies have a shelf life of 6 months to 2 years, with the exact lifespan depending on their components and storage. But, there’s a crucial difference between these two types of edible gummies in how they degrade:

• THC gummies may decline in potency over time and the THC will gradually break down into CBN, a cannabinoid known for its sedative properties. Rather than boosting your euphoria, an expired THC gummy may make you feel sleepy!
• CBD gummies will also degrade; however, CBD is more stable than THC so the decline in effectiveness will be slower. 

Related: Is 100mg THC Gummies Strong? Potency, Effects & Tolerance 

THC vs. CBD Gummies: The Main Difference in Effects

Although both THC and CBD gummies are cannabis-based, their effects differ due to how they interact with the endocannabinoid system in the body.

The Effects of THC Gummies

THC or tetrahydrocannabinol is the psychoactive compound in cannabis associated with a psychoactive experience or a “high” characterized by:

• Euphoric, uplifted, and relaxed mood

• Changes in sensory perception or elevated awareness

• Increased appetite 

• Higher doses may cause drowsiness, elevated anxiety, and even paranoia 

The Effects of CBD Gummies 

CBD or cannabidiol is a non-psychoactive compound of cannabis and it doesn’t have psychoactive properties so it won’t cause you to feel “high”. Instead, it’s used for its therapeutic effects, including:

• It promotes relaxation and reduces anxiety 

• It possesses anti-inflammatory properties that can help with chronic pain and sore muscles

• It improves sleep quality
• It doesn’t impair cognitive function like THC

Related: CBD vs CBN: Health Benefits, Effects, and Legality 

How to Spot Edible Gummies That Have Expired? 

Even if their best-before has passed, some gummies may still be safe to eat, whereas others will be long past their prime. To be sure whether you should consume the gummy, look for the following signs indicating expiration:

• Changes in texture: If the gummies are hard,  sticky, unpleasant to chew, or clumpy, they’re expired. 

Over time, air exposure and temperature changes cause the breakdown of pectin or gelatin, resulting in loss of texture and consistency. 

Another change that could signal an expired edible gummy is if it’s too dry and crumbly which happens due to the decline in moisture.

• Unpleasant smell: A fresh batch of edible gummies should smell herbal, fruity, or sweet. However, if there’s a sour or musty odor, it’s expired. This happens when the flavoring agents and oils go rancid, especially in gummies that haven’t been stored well. 
• Mold Signs: Seeing mold on edible gummies signals that they’re unsafe for consumption. Look for fuzzy or white patches or unusual discoloration, especially in gummies stored in humid areas. If there are several gummies and only a few are affected by mold, you should discard the whole package to prevent consuming harmful contaminants. 
• Weird smell: Edible gummies that taste sour, bitter, or simply “off” have started to degrade. This happens due to inadequate storage, oxidation, or simply because you’ve found them long after their best-before date. 

The THC and CBD components will also break down over time, reducing the gummy’s potency and flavor. 

Related: How Long Do Mushroom Gummies Last? A Complete Guide 

What Is the Chemistry Behind Expired Gummy Edibles?

As edible gummies age, they undergo several chemical changes, influencing everything from potency to texture. The degradation process of the main ingredients causes differences in the gummy’s potency, safety, and quality. 

That being said, here’s what you can expect from expired edible gummies: 

1. The cannabinoids degrade 

When exposed to heat, air, and light, cannabinoids start to degrade, although at a different pace. THC will gradually convert into CBN and become more sedative with weaker psychoactive properties. CBD degrades slower, causing weak therapeutic effects.

2. Their texture changes 

With time, gummies lose their moisture and become hard and brittle. Gummies stored in a humid environment will become stickier and more prone to mold because they’ve absorbed surplus moisture. Gelling agents like pectin or gelatin will also start to degrade, causing the gummies to feel less chewy and structured. 

3. The oils and flavorings will go rancid

Many edible gummies have natural flavorings or oils that go rancid when they oxidize. This causes a poor taste and may emit odd smells. So, if the edible smells sour or fermented, it’s a sign that the organic compounds have started to degrade.

4. The sugars degrade

The sugars in gummies act as preservatives and they’re prone to crystalization. As a result, gummy edibles will start to change in texture and become grainy. If there are artificial preservatives in the gummies, they may lose their effectiveness, resulting in a higher susceptibility to mold and bacteria.

Related: Delta-8 THC vs. Delta-9 THC: What’s the Difference Between These Two Cannabinoids? 

What Could Happen If You Eat Expired Edible Gummies?

If you’ve accidentally popped expired edible gummies, you’re probably worried about what to expect. 

The good news is that in most cases, it will feel unpleasant and uncomfortable due to the changes in taste, texture, and potency rather than harmful:

1. You won’t feel the desired effects

Heat, light, and air causes THC and CBD to degrade. As a result, their potency declines. So, if you take THC gummy edibles for euphoria and relaxation or CBD gummies for pain relief or sleep support, you might find that they don’t work as effectively as fresh ones—or at all. 

2. The taste and texture won’t be the same 

Spoiled gummies are unappetizing and taste stale, bland, or bitter because of the breakdown of their ingredients. You will notice significant changes in their texture—some gummies harden while others become stickier and clump together. 

3. You may experience an upset stomach

If the preservatives or natural ingredients in the edible gummies have broken down, consuming them could trigger digestive discomfort causing you to feel bloated or nauseous. If you take an edible with mold or bacteria, you may experience symptoms like vomiting or diarrhea, signaling food poisoning.

4. You won’t experience severe side effects (unless they developed mold or bacteria)

Generally, expired gummies aren’t toxic; however, they become unsafe when they develop mold or bacteria. Gummies with mold have visible green, white, or black spots and an off-putting smell. Although bacterial contamination is more difficult to spot, it’s still noticeable if you know what to look for—excessive stickiness, unusual color changes, or a fermented, sour smell. If you suspect mold or bacterial contamination, don’t risk it and dispose of them safely.

Related: Delta 8 THC Oil Benefits | An Unconventional Path To Relief 

How to Store Edible Gummies to Preserve Freshness and Potency?

Proper storage is one of the best ways to protect edible gummies from air, heat, and moisture and prolong their shelf life. 

Follow these tips for optimal gummy edible freshness:

• Use airtight containers: Air exposure can dry out gummies and cause them to become sticky and less potent. If the original packaging isn’t resealable or damaged, transfer the gummies into an airtight container or a resealable zipper bag for prolonged freshness.
• Keep them in a dark and cool spot: Heat and light speed up the degradation of cannabinoids and other ingredients of edible gummies. To avert this, store them in an airtight container in a dark and cool area like a cupboard, pantry, or a drawer. Keep them away from direct sunlight and heat sources like radiators or stoves. 
• Use the fridge: Refrigeration is the ideal storage place for edible gummies, especially if it’s humid and warm because it slows down the breakdown process. Put the gummies in an airtight container to avert moisture buildup and protect their consistency. 
• Freeze them: If you’ve bought more edible gummies, you can freeze them to prolong their shelf life for up to six months. You can freeze them in their original package (if it’s resealable) or another freezer-safe, airtight container, removing as much air as possible. When you want to pop one, leave the gummies to thaw at room temperature first.

Related: Can Dogs Smell Edibles? What Every Pet Owner Should Know 

What You Should Do With Expired Edible Gummies?

If your edible gummies are beyond the best-before date, you needn’t worry because there are simple ways to find out if they’re safe for consumption or if you should discard them:

• Look for signs of spoilage like mold, discoloration, and an off-putting smell. If their texture is unusual (slimy, too sticky, or too hard) or they have green or white fuzzy spots, dispose of them.
• If the gummies are slightly past their best-before date, but there aren’t any visible spoilage signs, they may be safe for consumption. Know that their potency may be lower so you may not experience the desired effects.
• If the gummies have lost potency but don’t show signs of spoilage, you can use your creativity to repurpose them—from crafts and art projects to decorations, the list is endless!
• Discard expired and spoiled gummies safely by wrapping them in paper or sealing them in a bag before you put them in the trash. This ensures no children or pets accidentally ingest them. 

• Avoid wasting your gummies by keeping them in airtight containers in a cool, dry place. 

Final Thoughts 

Edible gummies are a practical and delicious way to reap the benefits of THC and CBD or both. Though their shelf life is stable and ranges from six months to two years, factors like storage conditions, ingredients, and humidity can cause a quicker degradation. 

To ensure you get the most out of your pack of fresh edible gummies and avoid side effects from expired or spoiled gummies, follow storage and consumption guidelines and preserve their full potency and flavor while staying safe and healthy.

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