Does Weed Butter Go Bad? Shelf Life, Storage Tips, and Potency Testing
Introduction
Cannabis-infused butter—commonly called weed butter or cannabutter—is a must-have for homemade edibles. But if you find an old jar in the back of your fridge, you likely wonder: does weed butter go bad? The short answer: yes—just like regular butter, it can spoil. The timeline depends on how it was made, how it’s stored, and your infusion method.
How Long Does Weed Butter Last?
- Refrigerator: 2 to 4 weeks
- Freezer: Up to 6 months (longer if vacuum-sealed and frozen quickly)
- Unsalted butter or milk solids shorten shelf life
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Any contamination (crumbs, residue) speeds spoilage
Signs Weed Butter Has Gone Bad
- Rancid or sour smell
- Mold or discoloration
- Odd taste or gritty texture
- Separation into liquid and solids, or visible curdling
If you notice any of these, throw it out—spoiled cannabutter can make you sick.
How to Store Cannabutter Properly
- Use airtight containers to guard against oxidation
- Label each container with infusion date and potency
- Refrigerate immediately if using within a month
- Freeze in single-use portions (use silicone molds or ice trays)
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Keep it away from strong odors—it absorbs them easily
Does Weed Butter Lose Potency Over Time?
Absolutely. Exposure to heat, light, or air can degrade THC. That means your homemade brownies or cookies may not punch as expected. For reliable dosing, especially after storage, always test your cannabutter.
Test Your Cannabutter with tCheck
Take the guesswork out of home infusions! The tCheck THC & CBD Potency Tester gives fast, accurate readings—right in your kitchen. Know exactly how strong your butter or oil is, so you can:
- Dose edibles safely and consistently
- Adjust recipes based on measured potency
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Avoid surprises in your baked goods or treats
Final Thoughts
So, does weed butter go bad? Yes—but with proper storage, it can last for months and retain its potency. Don’t guess your strength—test with tCheck for reliable, worry-free edibles.