THCA Snowballs Shelf Life: Expiration Date

THCA, or tetrahydrocannabinolic acid, is a non-psychoactive cannabinoid found in fresh, undried cannabis.  As the cannabis plant dries and ages, THCA slowly converts to THC, the compound known for its psychoactive effects.  THCA snowballs or snow caps offer a whole new way to enjoy THCA flower, by rolling each bud in a fine powder made of THCA diamonds. 

Of course, this boosts the potency of the flower by a lot, allowing you to enjoy an even stronger delta 9 THC high.  Still, like all hemp-based products, THCA flower snowballs can expire, and can expire sooner than you may think if you’re not storing them properly.  That’s why we will be covering the proper storage for THCA snowballs, and when you can expect them to expire.

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What is the Shelf Life of THCA Flower Snowballs?

First of all, all flower has a shelf life, and so do THCA diamonds – aka the purified cannabinoid that naturally becomes crystallized.  THCA diamonds and flower have about the same shelf life, which is roughly 6-12 months, after which point, the compounds in the plant naturally degrade.  The cannabinoids and terpenes in flower are organic compounds which naturally break down with age, and by the end of this process, they lose all effectiveness, making flower pretty much useless, as well as lacking in flavor and aroma, which are appealing as well.  

As it turns out, THCA flower products degrade faster than other THCA product types, because other products, like vapes, gummies, tinctures, and so on, are made with an extract of hemp, which has a shelf life of about 2 years.  So, if you’re going to be purchasing THCA snowballs or other flower in bulk, just make sure you’re mindful of how long you will have to use it before it’s no longer fresh.

Is it Safe to Use Expired THCA Flower Snowballs?

Now you know that THCA flower products, including snowballs, are fresh for about a year, after which point the compounds start to break down.  But, does that mean that using expired THCA snowballs can be harmful to your health, like drinking expired milk, or eating moldy vegetables?  Luckily, the answer is no.  Flower products undergo a dry-curing process after harvest, which prevents them from attracting mold and other harmful microbes as best as possible, and so flower doesn’t rot with age.  

The only exception is flower that’s growing mold due to improper storage – basically, exposing it to moisture for a prolonged period of time – which is something you should be able to tell right off the bat by appearance and smell.  Of course, if your snowballs are moldy, you should never, ever attempt to consume them in any way, as this can cause major health effects.  

Overall, the only thing that will happen when you consume old THCA snowballs is that you won’t get the effects you’re looking for.  That alone is enough of a reason to simply get rid of it, and then purchase more.  Naturally, it also means that you should make a point to only buy as many snowballs as you’ll realistically use within 6 months or so.

How Can You Know That You’re Buying Fresh THCA Flower Snowballs?

Keep in mind that sometimes, the snowballs you’re purchasing may not have been fresh at the time of sale, which means it’s closer to expiring than you realize.  So, how can you know that you are buying fresh snowballs?  That’s easier when you’re buying in person, since you can look at the snowballs and make sure it still has a pungent aroma and feels fresh rather than dried out.  But you can generally find higher-quality snowballs online, which rules out that option.

The best way to buy only fresh THCA snowballs online is to go with a brand that’s very well-known/established and is trusted.  Online stores that’re popular and have a good reputation throughout the industry are going to have a fast product turnover rate, so that snowballs don’t really get a chance to sit in a warehouse and age before being sold.  Besides that, they’re less likely to risk their reputation by selling expired THCA snowballs/snow caps.

What are the Top Ways to Store THCA Flower Snowballs to Keep Them Fresh?

If you’ve purchased THCA snowballs recently, you want to enjoy the full extent of their flavor and effects, right?  Well, the key, in this case, is knowing how to store the product properly.  Storing it in the wrong way can make it expire even faster than 6 months, so follow these tips to prevent that from happening so that you can get your money’s worth.  These methods & tips we’ll be covering apply to all flower products, and not just snowballs. Periodically, you will need to check on your THCA flower snowballs for any signs of mold or odor changes.  Adjust storage methods if necessary, too.

Tip #1: Keep It in an Airtight Container

Of course, an airtight container will keep the flower fresh, so make a point to store it in a jar or something of that nature – including the package it originally came in.  Glass or metal containers with airtight seals are preferred. 

Choose a container size that fits the quantity of your THCA flower snowballs closely, minimizing excess air space which can accelerate degradation.  Basically, since oxygen can degrade cannabinoids over time, limiting air exposure is crucial for preserving freshness.  Steer clear of plastic if possible though, as it can affect the flavor and potentially leach chemicals.

Tip #2: Avoid Light

A dark area like a closet, a cabinet, or a drawer is best for your THCA snowballs, since light causes compounds in hemp to break down quickly.  To put it even more simply, prolonged exposure to light, especially UV light, can degrade cannabinoids and terpenes.

Tip #3: Keep It Away from Heat

Another thing to avoid is heat, which can also cause the rapid deterioration of the compounds in hemp, leaving you with flower that’s basically useless.  You want it at a temperature that’s consistently below 70°F (21°C).  Excessive heat can dry out the cannabinoids and terpenes, diminishing quality and potency.

Tip #4: Keep It Dry (But Not Too Dry)

Avoid humidity, which can destabilize those cannabinoids and terpenes, and worse, attract mold to your THCA Snowballs flower.  Then again, you don’t want an area that’s too dry – like below a heating vent – because that will just make your flower dry out.  Maintain a relative humidity (RH) level between 58% – 62% to preserve the freshness and prevent mold growth or drying out.  Also, consider using humidity control packs designed for cannabis storage to maintain the optimal RH within your storage container.

What Can Be Done if THCA Flower Snowballs Have Gotten Too Moist or Too Dry?

Let’s say your flower isn’t expired, but it did end up either drying out or getting too moist/sticky.  In the event of dry flower, for instance, simply place a lettuce leaf in the container alongside the buds.  The moisture of the lettuce will get absorbed by the flower.  If the THCA Snowballs is too moist, for example, use a dry paper towel sheet inside the container will absorb the excess moisture.  Now, there are some other methods you could try, in order to adjust the moisture level.

If the THCA Flower Snowballs are Too Moist:

Too much moisture can lead to mold or mildew, which can ruin your THCA flower snow balls. Here’s how to address this issue:

1. Air Drying: Place the flowers in a dry, well-ventilated area away from direct sunlight.  Spread them out on a paper or mesh screen to allow air circulation around them.  Check regularly to ensure they are drying evenly and not too quickly, which can affect their quality.
2. Rice Method: Rice can be used as a desiccant to remove excess moisture.  Place the moist THCA flower in a container with dry, uncooked rice.  Make sure the flower isn’t in direct contact with the rice to avoid dust contamination.  Check daily until the desired dryness is achieved.
3. Silica Gel Packs: Similar to the rice method, silica gel packs can absorb moisture effectively.  Place the flower in a container with a few packs, ensuring they don’t directly touch the flower.  Monitor the moisture level daily.

If the THCA Flower is Too Dry:

Dryness can lead to a harsh smoking experience and diminished terpene profile.  Here’s how to rehydrate:

1. Humidity Packs: Using humidity control packs designed for cannabis can help.  These packs release or absorb moisture to maintain a specific humidity level, typically around 62%.  Place the packs in an airtight container with the THCA flower and check periodically.
2. Fruit Peel Method: Adding a piece of fruit peel (like orange or apple) to the container with the flower can reintroduce moisture.  Make sure the peel doesn’t directly touch the flower to prevent mold growth.  Leave it in for a few hours, up to a day max, depending on how dry the flower is.
3. Lettuce Leaf: Similar to the fruit peel method, a fresh lettuce leaf can add moisture without transferring strong odors.  Check the moisture level frequently to avoid over-hydration.
4. Bread Slice: A slice of fresh bread can also be used to add moisture back into dry THCA flower.  The bread provides a gentle and slow release of moisture.  Monitor closely to prevent mold growth.

Buy Only Fresh THCA Snowballs at Bloomz!

The first step to enjoying fresh and effective THCA snowballs is to ensure that they’re fresh at the time of purchase.  Here at Bloomz then, you never have to worry about those snowballs sitting on the shelves for a long time. 

We have a very high product turnover rate thanks to our strong reputation in this industry, and we’re proud to sell snowballs made from freshly harvested and cured flower buds.  Explore our selection of premium THCA Flower Snowballs/Snow Caps today!

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