How Long Does Indoor THCA Flower Last For?

Did you know that indoor THCA flower accounts for a massive portion of flower that’s sold in the USA?  Well, now you do, as the reason for this is in view of the fact that indoor growing methods are seen by many cultivators as far superior to the more traditional “sungrown” methods.  Essentially, growing flower indoors gives cultivators full control over climate factors like light exposure, humidity, temperature, and so on, allowing buds to grow to their full potential under the most meticulous care.

Because indoor flower is grown differently than outdoor flower, a lot of customers ask us whether or not this affects the shelf life of their buds.  We’re going to talk all about the expiration date of indoor THCA flower, and what that can mean for you.

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What is the Shelf Life of Indoor THCA Flower?

Regardless of how THCA flower is grown, its strain, etc., all cannabis flower products have the same shelf life, being an organic product.  This means that indoor flower has the same shelf life as all other cannabis flower, which is roughly 6 months to a year, based on how rapidly the compounds in the product break down.  The cannabinoids and terpenes in flower are organic compounds which naturally break down gradually over time, and by the end of this process, they no longer have any effectiveness, meaning that expired flower is useless as it can no longer produce its known effects or offer a satisfying flavor.  

Another thing to remember is that THCA hemp flower has a shorter shelf life than any product that uses an extract of hemp (gummies, tinctures, vapes, etc.), which has a shelf life of about 2 years.  What this means is that the flower is only really worth using within a year of harvest – although really, using it within 6 months is ideal, as after 6 months, the freshness starts to wear off.

Is it Safe to Use Expired Indoor THCA Flower?

At least one bit of good news is that expired THCA flower isn’t going to get you sick – it simply won’t work.  Flower is cured to prevent most pathogens from spreading.  The only exception is flower that’s growing mold, which you should be able to tell just by appearance or smell – more on that in a little while here.  That could be harmful to consume.

Again, the real risk of using expired THCA hemp buds flower 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 thus, purchase more.  Naturally, it also means that you should make an effort to only buy as much flower as you’re going to actually consume within the next few months.

How Do I Know if I’m Buying Fresh Indoor THCA Flower?

Keep in mind, just because the flower in your possession is recently purchased doesn’t automatically mean that it’s fresh, since if you buy flower that has been sitting on a shelf for a few months in a warehouse, it’s closer to expiring than you may think.  So, how can you know that you’re buying fresh flower?  That’s easier when you are buying in-person.  Why?  Because you can inspect the flower and check if it still has a pungent aroma, and also if it feels fresh rather than dried out.  But you can generally find higher-quality THCA flower online, so it’s worth it most of the time to avoid local spots that carry indoor THCA flower.

We always suggest that you purchase indoor THCA flower from a trusted and recognized brand that has a strong reputation on the hemp market.  Online stores that are popular and have a good reputation throughout the industry are going to have a fast product turnover rate, so that flower never sits on the shelves for long.  Besides that, they are less likely to risk their reputation by selling old, declining flower.

What is the Best Way to Keep My Indoor THCA Flower Fresh?

Now that you’re aware that indoor THCA flower does expire, let’s talk discuss what you can do to keep that flower fresh.  You see, while flower in general once again, does have a shelf life of 6-12 months, failing to store it properly can actually cause its compounds to break down before that.  With that being said, here are the best practices for THCA flower storage.  Note: These tips below apply to all flower products, including pre-rolls.

Tip #1: Controlled Environment

Store your THCA flower in a controlled environment.  This includes maintaining a consistent temperature and humidity level.  The ideal temperature is usually around 60°F -70°F (15°C -21°C), and humidity should be kept between 58%-62%.  These conditions help in preserving the terpenes and cannabinoids.

Tip #2: Airtight Containers

Of course, an airtight container will keep the THCA flower fresh, as this will prevent air exchange and protect the flower from outside elements.  Glass jars with airtight seals are often recommended, or something of that nature – including the package it originally came in.

Tip #3: Avoiding the Light

Keep the THCA flower away from direct sunlight.  Light, especially UV rays, can degrade those cannabinoids and terpenes over time.  So, storing your flower in a dark place or using containers that block UV rays can be beneficial.  This could be a closet, a cabinet, or a drawer, all of which are ideal areas for flower products.

Tip #4: Keep It Away from Heat (Until Ready to Smoke or Vape with It)

Another thing to avoid is heat, which can also cause the rapid deterioration of the compounds in hemp, leaving you with THCA flower that’s basically useless.

Tip #5: Avoid Moisture (But Don’t Keep It Too Dry Either)

Excess moisture can lead to mold and mildew growth.  Ensure your storage container is dry before placing your THCA hemp flower inside.  If you’re in a particularly humid environment, consider using humidity control packets that can be placed inside the storage container.  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.

Tip #6: Minimal Handling

Try to handle the THCA flower as little as possible.  The oils and trichomes on the flower are delicate and can be damaged or removed by frequent handling.

Tip #7: Avoid Plastic Bags or Containers

Plastic can carry a static charge that can pull trichomes off the THCA hemp flower.  Also, it just isn’t as effective in controlling moisture and odor as glass or metal containers.

Tip #8: Regular Checks

Periodically check your THCA flower for any signs of mold, mildew, or changes in aroma and texture.  This will help you catch any issues early on and also give you a better idea if the flower itself is still worth saving or needs to be disposed of.

What Can I Do if My Indoor THCA Flower Has Gotten Too Dry or Too Moist?

Sometimes, it’s not that your flower has expired, but it has gotten too moist, or too dry.  If your flower has dried out, simply place a lettuce leaf in the container alongside the buds.  The lettuce will lend its moisture to your THCA flower buds.  If the flower is too moist, a dry paper towel sheet inside the container will absorb the excess moisture.

Fresh Indoor THCA Flower is Easy to Score at Bloomz!

No doubt, indoor THCA flower can offer immense satisfaction, as the cultivation techniques behind it bring the best overall quality out of each and every bud.  But, you always want to be sure that the THCA flower you’re buying is fresh, so that it can last for a long time, delivering maximum effectiveness and flavor  Explore our THCA Flower and other hemp-infused flower products today, as you will be treated to perfectly fresh buds that’re ready to amaze with their taste and potency.

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