Maybe you have found a lost stash when you were cleaning your room or stumbled upon some old bud in the pocket of that jacket. You may ask: Is it still good?

The answer to these questions depends on a number of factors. In general, cannabis that has been properly stored in an airtight container in the dark can stay fresh for up to a year. But the short answer is: Yes. Cannabis can essentially go bad. It has a tendency to lose its potency or "effect" over time due to a number of factors.

For most people, the storage conditions of cannabis are less than ideal. Exposure to light and air breaks down the chemical compounds (cannabinoids such as CBD) found in cannabis and various terpenes, causing the plant to lose its aroma, flavor, and potency. Even if it may still provide relaxation and pain relief, cannabis that has been stored for long periods or constantly exposed to air (i.e. zip lock baggie) will eventually dry out, producing harsh smoke. On the other hand, cannabis that has too much moisture may develop mold.

Many may also be surprised to learn that it can also lose its potency the more a person handles it. In a nutshell, the chemicals such as cannabinoids and other bioactive compounds are produced in little sacs. In handling the marijuana, there is great potential for a person to break those glands, exposing the chemical.

Additionally, smoking moldy cannabis can cause health issues such as headaches, breathing problems and other flu-like symptoms. Another important factor in keeping your cannabis fresh is carefully monitoring your cannabis product, so you can get a good idea if it's gone bad. If the flower is really dry and crumbles easily, then you can still use it but be prepared for harsh hits. If you see white fuzz, dark spots or your marijuana smells musty or off-putting, just toss it out. It's simply not worth the headache an everything that comes with it

Lastly, always put your cannabis in an airtight container and store it in a dark, cool place. As mentioned, any exposure to UV sunlight or even storing your dry herb close to electronics or flammable devices can pose a serious hazard. And despite all of the myths out there, please, whatever you do, we advise that you do not store cannabis in extreme template uses, say a refrigerator. This not only can destroy the taste of your cannabis, but it can also cause cannabinoid degradation, which can decrease its effectiveness for providing maximum relief— be it mental or physical.

No doubt, when cannabis is good — it's really good. However, as we've learned today, cannabis can go bad. For the anal cannabis consumer, there are a number of other ways to keep your dry herb fresh. But, if you're a newbie, no fear. With the help of these few tips, you can avoid wasting your money and time — your lungs and wallet will thank you.