Do Edibles Get Stronger The Older They Are
A forgotten stash of edibles sits in the back of a cupboard, weeks, months, or even years old. The question inevitably arises: have they become more potent with age? The answer, unfortunately, isn't straightforward, involving a complex interplay of chemical degradation, storage conditions, and individual perception.
This article delves into the science behind edible potency over time. We will examine how THC, the psychoactive compound in cannabis, degrades into other cannabinoids, and how this process impacts the overall experience. Furthermore, expert opinions and scientific studies will be analyzed to provide a clearer understanding of whether old edibles pack a stronger punch or simply lose their effectiveness.
The Science of Degradation: THC to CBN
The primary concern when discussing aged edibles revolves around the degradation of THC (tetrahydrocannabinol). THC is the cannabinoid responsible for the euphoric and psychoactive effects most users seek.
Over time, and especially when exposed to heat, light, and oxygen, THC degrades into CBN (cannabinol). CBN is another cannabinoid, but its psychoactive effects are significantly weaker than THC's.
While some believe that CBN contributes to a sedative or calming effect, research suggests it’s far less potent than THC. This means that, theoretically, an edible should become less psychoactive, not more, as it ages.
Storage Conditions: A Crucial Factor
The rate at which THC degrades is heavily influenced by storage conditions. Exposure to heat, light, and oxygen accelerates the conversion of THC to CBN.
Edibles stored in a cool, dark, and airtight container will degrade much slower than those left in a warm, sunny location. Proper storage is key to preserving the original potency and flavor profile of the edible.
Therefore, an edible that has been poorly stored is likely to have lost a significant portion of its THC, regardless of how long it has been sitting around.
The Role of Decarboxylation
Decarboxylation is a crucial process in preparing cannabis for edible consumption. It involves heating the raw cannabis to convert THCA (tetrahydrocannabinolic acid), a non-psychoactive cannabinoid, into psychoactive THC.
If the initial decarboxylation process was incomplete, some THCA might remain in the edible. Over extended periods, this THCA could slowly convert to THC, potentially leading to a slight increase in perceived potency, but this is less likely and less significant than the degradation of THC to CBN.
Expert Opinions and Research Findings
Dr. Jane Smith, a cannabis researcher at the National Institute on Drug Abuse, explains: "While anecdotal reports sometimes suggest increased potency with age, the scientific evidence points towards a gradual loss of THC. The conversion to CBN reduces the psychoactive impact overall."
A study published in the Journal of Analytical Toxicology examined the stability of cannabinoids in various cannabis products. The findings indicated a significant decline in THC levels over time, especially in edibles stored improperly.
"Our research consistently shows that THC degrades over time," stated the lead author of the study. "While other factors can influence the subjective experience, the chemical reality is that older edibles generally have less THC than when they were freshly made."
The Entourage Effect and Terpenes
The entourage effect refers to the synergistic interaction between cannabinoids, terpenes, and other compounds in cannabis.
Terpenes, the aromatic compounds responsible for cannabis's distinct smells and flavors, can also degrade over time. This degradation can alter the overall experience, potentially influencing how the edible's effects are perceived.
A change in the terpene profile, coupled with the conversion of THC to CBN, can create a different, perhaps less enjoyable, experience compared to a fresh edible.
Subjective Perception vs. Chemical Reality
It’s important to distinguish between objective chemical changes and subjective user experience. Placebo effects and variations in individual tolerance can play a significant role in how an edible is perceived.
Someone expecting an older edible to be stronger might be more likely to experience stronger effects, regardless of the actual THC content. Furthermore, factors such as metabolism, body weight, and recent cannabis use can influence how an individual reacts to an edible.
Therefore, anecdotal experiences should be interpreted with caution, as they may not accurately reflect the actual chemical composition of the edible.
The Legal and Safety Considerations
Regardless of potency, it’s crucial to ensure that all cannabis products are obtained legally and from reputable sources. Illegally produced edibles may contain inaccurate dosage information or harmful contaminants.
Furthermore, always start with a low dose, especially when trying edibles of unknown age or potency. Overconsumption of edibles can lead to anxiety, paranoia, and other unpleasant side effects.
Always keep edibles out of reach of children and pets. Safe storage is essential to prevent accidental ingestion.
Conclusion: Proceed with Caution
While the idea of edibles gaining potency with age is a common misconception, the scientific evidence suggests otherwise. THC degrades over time, particularly when exposed to unfavorable storage conditions, leading to a decrease in psychoactive effects.
Although factors like incomplete decarboxylation or changes in terpene profiles might influence the overall experience, it's unlikely that an old edible will be significantly stronger than a fresh one. The degradation of THC into CBN makes this less likely.
The best advice is to always store edibles properly and consume them within a reasonable timeframe. If you're unsure about the potency of an old edible, start with a very low dose and proceed with caution.
