Cannabis and sleep; do the two go together? Sleep difficulties are problems that affect many people. You need sleep to function properly. But when your biological clock does not tell your body when it is time for a deep sleep, you do not wake up rested the next morning.

If you suffer from sleepless nights, you are not alone. Studies show that as many as 30% of adults suffer from sleep problems. There are several causes of sleep problems, including anxiety, stress and pain. People who struggle with sleep difficulties try different methods to get a better night’s sleep. One solution that people are increasingly using is cannabis as an aid.

People often use cannabis, also known as marijuana, for recreational purposes. Most people enjoy a high in social situations. In recent years, however, cannabis has increasingly been used as a natural treatment for health problems. It is speculated that cannabinoids and terpenes may also help with disturbed sleep. But is cannabis actually beneficial to your sleep or does sleep quality suffer when consuming the plant? Find out if going to sleep while stoned is the solution.

Smoking and sleeping: the solution?

The cannabis plant affects various bodily functions. An example is falling asleep. Many therapeutic users report that cannabis helps them sleep better. If you have experience using cannabis, you may have noticed that it indeed affects your ability to fall asleep, how much you dream and how rested you feel in the morning.

Much is still unknown about the impact of cannabis on the human body. Scientific research shows that it affects sleep in several ways. Research indicates that cannabis may promote sleep readiness and reduce the likelihood of disturbed sleep. This has proven especially true in people with sleep problems or chronic pain.

This finding may be related to the interaction of cannabinoids. THC and CBD interact with the endocannabinoid system (ECS). These cannabinoids can increase the level of adenosine. This promotes sleep, and decreases alertness. While these results are promising, there is still much to discover.

Types of cannabis that promote sleep

THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) and CBD (cannabidiol) are two active ingredients in cannabis. THC acts psychoactively, while CBD has a relaxing effect. CBD-rich strains are therefore suitable for improving sleep because they do not cause a high.

Indica-dominant strains are generally CBD-rich strains. These contain high levels of CBD, and low levels of THC. People often use CBD for medical purposes. CBD has a calming effect that can help reduce anxiety and stress.

What cannabis strains should you choose for good sleep?

There are numerous indica-dominant strains with high CBD content. These have a positive impact on sleep. Below are some popular strains of cannabis for falling asleep.

Northern Lights

Northern Lights is a very popular strain among cannabis connoisseurs. It produces a relaxing effect, making it work well for people who have difficulty falling asleep.

Dutch Duchess

If you have trouble sleeping, the Dutch Duchess cannabis strain is also a good option. This strain has mostly kush genetics with as much as 70% coming from the indica plant. This results in intense physical relaxation complemented by a mentally calming effect.

Grandaddy Purple

Grandaddy Purple offers a calming effect that enhances your mood. It is suitable for people who have trouble sleeping. This strain is also recommended for pain conditions. Grandaddy Purple is a cross of two well-known strains, Big Bud and Purple Urkle. People who use it recreationally appreciate its calming effect. Perfect for bedtime! This weed is also used for medical purposes. It stimulates the appetite and reduces complaints such as stress, depression or pain.

CBD oil

CBD oil is an extract of the cannabis plant. It is a good solution for people who want to quit smoking cannabis and still need help getting to sleep. CBD offers the relaxing components of cannabis as an oil. However, it doesn’t contain THC.

3 tips on how to use cannabis for sleep

• Finding the right dosage is one of the most important tips when using cannabis. Too high a dosage can lead to unwanted side effects. Too low a dosage will not be effective. Therefore, it is important to start with a low dosage. You can then gradually increase this until you achieve the desired results.
• There are several ways to consume cannabis. Consider smoking, vaping, edibles, and tinctures. For sleep problems, people often use cannabis edibles because the effects last longer. Also, you can measure these more easily than smoking or vaporizing.
• When to consume cannabis for a good night’s sleep depends on the method of ingestion. When ingesting edibles, such as space cake made from cannabis butter, it takes several hours before you feel the effect. So it is recommended to eat the edibles 1-2 hours before going to bed.

Cannabis and sleep: What to consider?

Watch your tolerance for cannabis. Although hash effects may be desirable, cannabis contains addictive components. Users should keep a close eye on whether their tolerance is building. If you become physically dependent on cannabis, it is wise to taper off.

In addition, long-term use of cannabis can affect sleep quality. REM sleep, the deep sleep in which you dream, becomes shorter. This can sometimes cause you to wake up tired after all. On the other hand, you do fall asleep faster and thus have more time to rest.

Furthermore, the road to a better night’s sleep with cannabis is a matter of trial and error. What works for one person may not work as well for another. At The Border, we have a variety of cannabis and CBD products. This way, we meet everyone’s needs.

Here’s how The Border ensures a better night’s sleep

Cannabis is a natural product that is becoming increasingly popular for a good night’s sleep. It has become clear that several types of cannabis positively affect sleep.

Would you also like a better night’s sleep using cannabis? At The Border you will find a huge assortment of indica-rich cannabis strains. You’ll also find CBD products that promote sleep. Stop by our coffeeshop in Amsterdam on the edge of the Amsterdamse Bos.

Nothing is more disappointing than arriving home to find that the weed you just bought isn’t of the best quality. But rest assured, this doesn’t have to happen to you a second time. Did you know that in 5 steps you can easily recognize good weed by using your senses?

Ps. At Coffeeshop The Border Amsterdam we only sell quality weed. No need to worry. However, if you’re in another city or on vacation, then the following information is extremely valuable.

Step 1: Smell the weed

You can in fact recognize well-grown cannabis first of all by the recognizable pungent smell of weed. In general, the stronger the scent of weed, the better its quality. So don’t be afraid to simply open the bag and smell it first.

Do you immediately recognize slightly sweet, fruity, sour or even citrusy aromas? Then you are probably looking at a good quality product.

If you find it difficult to recognize a scent or if the weed smells more like grass or hay, then you had better not buy this weed. In that case you are dealing with mouldy weed that has not been dried properly, or cannabis that has not been harvested in the correct manner.

Step 2: Recognizing green colour and bud rot

What does good weed look like? After you’ve sniffed the weed, it’s time to take a look at the buds. In truth, you can recognize good weed by the colours of the buds.

If the buds have a nice green colour, then you are dealing with weed that has been properly grown. This is the colour you are looking for.

Are there more brown, yellow, or red tones in the buds? Then you are working with old weed, or weed that has bud rot in it. It is not advisable to buy this top rot weed. 

Step 3: Airy or compact structure

After looking at the colour of the buds, you are next to look at the structure of the weed. If you chose an indica cannabis strain, it should have as many dense and compact buds as possible. When the weed has airy buds, this is often a sign that the weed was not grown correctly.

If you choose a sativa cannabis strain, the buds will be more airy. As long as these are fairly packed, you are dealing with a fine product. 

The structure of the weed is also determined by the moisture content. You want the weed to feel crunchy and easy to crumble. If the weed feels damp, you may be dealing with moldy cannabis. If the weed feels too dry and is easy to crumble into powder, this too is not a good sign.

Step 4: Do you see trichomes?

The most reliable way to recognize good weed is to check the buds for trichomes. Well-grown weed is full of trichomes that have a milky colour. Trichomes are the resin glands on the female buds that are responsible for producing resin and cannabinoids.

When there are enough trichomes on the buds, it means that the weed has been given enough time to optimally develop the active substances you desire in your weed, such as THC concentration and CBD concentration. Trichomes are not easy to see with the naked eye, but with a magnifying glass you can easily recognize the trichomes in your weed.

Step 5: Time for a joint

If the weed has passed the smell and appearance tests, in all likelihood you are dealing with a quality product and you are ready for the final step. Rolling a joint and smoking your cannabis. Only by smoking the weed will you find out if you have purchased good quality cannabis.

During the smoke test, pay attention to the taste of the joint. Your joint should have a spicy or coffee-like taste if you have bought an indica strain. If you have chosen a sativa then it should have a more acidic citrus-like taste. If you taste a musty grassy flavor, then you are dealing with weed that has not been properly dried or is too fresh. In that case it is advisable to purchase better weed.

Examples of bad weed

Have you performed the above 5 steps? Then you may already have an idea of whether you’re dealing with good or bad weed. But when you first purchase cannabis from a new provider, it’s important to recognize bad weed at a glance.

Bad weed can come in different forms. For example, you may be dealing with cannabis that exhibits the following characteristics:

• Brown colour
• Crumbly and dry
• Visible mould or seeds, also called bud rot
• Musty smell
• Weaker effects

Knowledge regarding these characteristics is important, not only when buying new weed, but also when inspecting your own. Maybe you went on vacation, or forgot you had some weed left in your jacket pocket. If you don’t know exactly how old the weed is, you can check the cannabis for the above characteristics. Learn more about extending the shelf life of your weed here.

Buy quality weed at The Border Coffeeshop in Amsterdam

If you still can’t quite manage to recognize good weed, walk into our coffeeshop in Amsterdam to check out a number of cannabis varieties. Our staff will gladly help you pick out weed that not only smells good and looks good, but will also pass the smoke test. We are currently open from 8 a.m. to 1 a.m. (but please note that this may change again). Will we see you in our coffee shop soon?

When you walk into a coffee shop, you can choose from countless types of weed or hash. Each type of weed, derived from a specific hemp plant, has its own effect, smell, color, and taste. The cannabis assortment can be overwhelming for someone who is unfamiliar with the weed varieties. After all, you don’t know which cannabis is best for you.

Each hemp plant contains substances that determine the effect of cannabis. As cannabis plants have been endlessly crossbred, countless weed varieties have been created, all of which have their own attributes.

Read here what the most common types of cannabis are in the Netherlands and what effect they have. This way you will be well prepared when you go to the coffeeshop!

Types of hemp plants

All types of cannabis are derived from these three hemp plants. These hemp plants form the basis for the entire cannabis industry. In the Dutch coffeeshops you will find mainly crosses between Indica and Sativa plants.

The three hemp plants are:

• Indica. Indica contains both THC and CBD. It is a plant that grows quickly and produces a large harvest time after time. The significant concentration of CBD greatly reduces the effect of THC.
• Sativa. The Sativa plant is characterized by thin leaves and has a high THC content compared to the Indica plant. This plant offers a smaller harvest, but the weed derived from it is often more expensive due to its high concentration of THC.
• Ruderalis. Ruderalis is a plant that is used to a much lesser extent. This plant contains barely any THC and therefore offers no psychoactive effects.

Countless types of weed

Meanwhile, from the hemp plants, many types of weed have emerged that contain genetics from different plants. In the coffeeshop you can therefore find different types of cannabis.

The disadvantage is that in every coffee shop the same type of cannabis can have a different name. This makes it challenging to tell the species apart.

However, if you look at the most popular types of weed in the Netherlands, then the different varieties are actually fairly manageable.

In the Netherlands you can find the following types of weed in the coffeeshops.

Amnesia

Perhaps one of the most popular weed varieties in the Netherlands. This is a strong marijuana strain with a high THC percentage. Although it takes a long time to grow, the plant has a strong effect. The name says it all: Amnesia makes you suffer from memory loss. After the high, you cannot remember everything from the past hours.

Within this expensive marijuana category there are already several subcategories that have been formed, all of which have a modified effect. An example of an Amnesia strain is Amnesia Haze.

Haze

Haze is also very popular among cannabis users. This type of weed is primarily derived from the Sativa plant. Haze therefore has, like the Sativa, a high THC concentration.

Like the Sativa plant, the Haze cross often has buds that are far apart. The plants also grow tall into the air.

In addition to the cerebral, psychoactive effect caused by haze, the most famous characteristic of this cannabis strain is without doubt its smell and taste. The taste is so well known that among smokers it is called the haze taste. It is often sweet and has a slight herbal taste.

A more acidic taste is also possible, such as in the Lemon Haze variety. Other Haze varieties include Silver Haze and Purple Haze.

Blue/Purple weed variety

The blue and purple cannabis strain is, as you can guess, of a darker color. The blue/purple color is created by certain compounds that are activated at lower temperatures. These cause the plants to turn a blue color instead of the green color you are used to from marijuana. An example of the blue weed variety is the Blueberry.

Cheese 

This weed variety, which originated in the United Kingdom, gets its name from the strong smell that resembles the smell of cheddar cheese. The rich sweet aftertaste is also very characteristic of this weed variety, which is very easy to grow.

The cheese weed variety contains mostly Indica genetics. This weed variety offers a weaker high than strains with a high percentage of Sativa. This variety makes you want to stay on the couch while it produces a euphoric feeling.

Power Plant 

The Power Plant, or PP, is also one of the best-known cannabis varieties in the Netherlands. This weed comes from the Sativa plant and has a high THC percentage. This gives an intense cerebral high.

The plant is easy to grow and does not require much maintenance, ideal for a beginner. The plant flowers quickly and often produces large yields.

The taste is described as a wood-like or earthy flavor. 

Northern Lights

Northern Lights is a marijuana strain that is primarily made up of Indica genetics. Not surprisingly, this weed is a popular choice for medicinal use. For example, it is used for chronic pain or stress.

The weed has a herbal taste when smoked, and makes a person feel happy and relaxed.

White Widow

The White Widow is perhaps one of the most famous cannabis strains in the world. This strain was created by crossing Sativa plants from India and Brazil. Sold in Holland since the 90s, White Widow is a true classic.

The taste is fruity and light. But beware, this weed can give you a strong stoned feeling which makes you want to stay on the couch.

Curious which marijuana variety suits you best? 

Would you like to know more about the different kinds of weed, and are you curious about which weed is best for you to smoke? Feel free to drop by at Coffeeshop The Border in Amsterdam. We’ll be happy to talk it through with you!

Many people know that cannabis can get you high or stoned. These two terms are continuously used interchangeably when it comes to the effects of cannabis. However, very few people know exactly what the difference is.

Here we explain exactly what these terms mean. Find out here whether cannabis makes you high or stoned.

The effects of cannabis

How strong and the type of effect a person experiences after ingesting cannabis depends on the type of cannabis. In general, two different effects can be distinguished: high and stoned.

These two effects have different properties. To give a clear picture of what “high” or “stoned” means exactly, we dive deeper into these two effects and their causes.

It starts with the buzz

A buzz is always the first thing experienced when ingesting cannabis, unless the cannabis contains barely any active ingredient. With some forms of cannabis, such as smoking a joint, the buzz is noticeable quickly. With other forms, such as edibles, the buzz takes a little longer.

The “buzz” refers to the first noticeable effect of cannabis. This happens when the first substances reach your bloodstream. The effect is not as strong, but you will slowly feel a euphoric feeling. You may start to giggle, or feel extremely relaxed.

A buzz precedes both getting stoned and getting high.

What does high mean?

When people talk about a high, they are referring to the mental state they are in after ingesting cannabis. This state is characterized in particular by increased energy and a better mood that emerges after the first buzz.

A high can manifest itself in a variety of ways. Many people show more social behavior and experience bursts of laughter. But negative feelings can also be stimulated during a high. Examples include anxiety and paranoia.

In addition to the psychoactive effects of a high, there are also some external characteristics by which a high can be recognized. Characteristics are red eyes, eyes that are half-closed, and a dry mouth.

Depending on the quality of the weed, the high can last for 3-4 hours. The peak of the high is reached after about 30 minutes.

How strong you experience the high depends on a number of factors, including the consumption method, the marijuana strain, and the amount of active ingredient it contains (THC).

Cerebral effect of a high

When talking about a high it is mainly referring to a cerebral high. Although you can also feel physically high, the effect is mainly felt in the brain. The cerebral effect includes characteristics such as a high in creativity and productivity.

A physical effect as a result of cannabis is more common when you are stoned. Physical sensations are then heightened. An example of such a physical sensation is a heavy feeling in the limbs.

What substances cause being high?

Everyone’s body is naturally kept in balance by the presence of various messenger substances. Thus, the body ensures that both mental and physical well-being is maintained. Therefore, substances are also released that cause happy and euphoric feelings.

Cannabis contains substances that mimic these messenger substances. 

In this way, cannabis can evoke a feeling of happiness. The substance in cannabis that is responsible for this, among other factors, is THC. THC, however, produces a much stronger effect than the body’s own messenger substances.

A high is primarily caused by cannabis containing a high concentration of THC.

What does stoned mean?

Stoned is the phase that follows a high, or emerges after a buzz when cannabis has a low THC concentration.

Unlike a high, a person who is stoned feels heavy, dull, and has the feeling that everything has slowed down. One also often feels sleepy and hungry which can lead to binge eating.

Someone who is stoned often makes a relaxed impression and seems to have little energy.

The physical effect of being stoned

When someone is stoned, this is more noticeable physically than cerebrally. Couch lounging is a sign of being stoned. The body feels heavy and the individual often feels lethargic and has no desire to move.

What substances cause being stoned?

In cannabis, the effect is mainly determined by the balance between two cannabinoids: THC and CBD. THC is the active substance that produces a psychoactive effect, while CBD suppresses this psychoactive effect and produces a relaxed feeling.

Weed with a high concentration of CBD, and a low concentration of THC mainly creates a stoned feeling.

So, do you get stoned or high?

Whether cannabis gets you stoned or high, or first high and then stoned, depends on the type of cannabis. All substances in cannabis influence each other. They can either stimulate or inhibit actions and effects. Therefore, every marijuana strain has its own unique effect.

A cannabis strain can make you high, stoned, or first high and then stoned.

Want to know more?

Would you like to know more about the composition of different marijuana strains and the effects they have? Come visit us at coffeeshop The Border on the border between Amsterdam and Amstelveen.

There are various types of marijuana and crossbreeds of marijuana. For the most part these are derivatives of two plants: Indica and Sativa. Perhaps you have never thought about this before and assumed that there is only one type of hemp plant. However, there are multiple varieties of the cannabis plant.

The two plant species that are distinguished from each other are different in a number of ways, such as effect, appearance, and growth. Which cannabis plant suits you best?

What is cannabis indica?

Indica is a popular hemp plant that is recognizable by its broad leaves. It is a plant that grows faster and brings in a bigger harvest compared to its competitors. It is a plant that has many beautiful dense buds that are perfect to produce hemp products.

Originally, the Indica plant comes from Afghanistan, where its products have been used for hundreds of years for various purposes. Almost every marijuana strain on the market today can be partly derived from the Indica plant. Pure Indica cannabis is also found, unlike pure Sativa weed which is almost impossible to obtain.

A well-known characteristic of the Indica plant is that it contains a high concentration of CBD. THC, on the other hand, occurs in a lesser concentration. CBD and THC are both substances in cannabis called cannabinoids. These provide the cerebral and physical effects one feels when ingesting a cannabis product. CBD provides a relaxed feeling, and THC provides the “high” people often talk about.

Since the Indica plant contains high levels of CBD, it is the perfect plant for medicinal cannabis. Cannabis products used as medicine are high in CBD and low in THC. In other words, it reduces pain and makes you feel relaxed, but it doesn’t get you high.

What is cannabis sativa?

Sativa is native to China. This plant was used as a medicine thousands of years ago. However, it was soon discovered that Sativa causes the well-known “high”. This is due to the high concentration of THC that a Sativa plant contains.

Although the Sativa plant also contains CBD, the CBD concentration is many times lower in the Sativa plant. This is the reason that Sativa is generally used recreationally.

Although the Sativa plant offers a greater “high,” it takes more time and effort to produce Sativa cannabis. The plant grows slowly, and the harvest of a single Sativa plant is also smaller compared to the indica plant.

How do the plants differ in growth?

Indica plants grow quickly and have a flowering period of 45-60 days. They rarely grow taller than 1.5 meters, which is why they are often used for growing cannabis indoors.

Sativa plants take longer to grow and have a flowering period of 60-90 days. Sativa’s are large plants that grow tall into the air. For example, it is quite common for a Sativa plant to grow 3-4 meters tall. A Sativa plant is, therefore, better grown outdoors.

The growth of the plant depends mainly on nutrition. Sativa plants do not need much to grow and take up little nutrients from the soil during the growth process. This is in contrast to the Indica plants, which need a lot of nutrients to grow from a small plant into a large bush.

What external differences are there?

Just like Indica and Sativa plants differ in effect, they also differ in appearance. Although some external features have already been mentioned, there are some other characteristics by which you can recognize an Indica plant and a Sativa plant.

An indica is a small plant that looks more like a bush than a tree.It has many sturdy branches from which thick dark leaves (usually with about 5 fingers) grow along with compact buds.

The Sativa, on the other hand, looks more like a tree than a plant with thin stems. The narrow leaves attached to these are long and pointed in shape. A Sativa leaf is light in color and has more fingers, on average about 11.

 You can also recognize the Sativa plant by its loose buds that are far apart.

What are the differences in effects?

Indica and Sativa cannabis are used for different purposes. They are therefore taken by different types of people and at different times throughout the day. It simply depends on what effect you are looking for.

The effects of Indica cannabis are what is generally called ‘stoned’. This weed reduces your energy making you feel tired and heavy. This marijuana strain is often used in the evening when the day’s activities are over.

Indica can also have a painkilling effect. Therefore, Indica is often used for medicinal applications.

The effects of Sativa resemble an actual cognitive ‘high’. You feel energetic and creative. As a result, it contributes to productivity. Sativa is therefore often used during the day. Effects of Sativa cannabis include increased appetite, increased energy, and laughing fits.

Hybrid species

By now, there are numerous cannabis strains available. They are generally hybrids between Indica cannabis seeds and Sativa cannabis seeds. These are called hybrids.

These crossings result in weed that contains THC and CBD in different quantities. This allows you to choose the weed that produces the exact desired effect.

Not only the differences in effects are the reason for crossing cannabis species. Shortening flowering periods and increasing yields are also reasons for crossing Indica and Sativa plants.

Indica vs Sativa: try both at coffeeshop The Border

Wondering which strain suits you best? Or would you like to try both strains? Come to The Border coffeeshop on the border of Amsterdam and Amstelveen. Our staff will help you make the best choice.

Do you regularly go to a coffeeshop in your neighborhood to get some weed? Or did you visit The Border Coffeeshop Amsterdam with your friends last weekend? Then of course you want to be certain that this has no negative consequences for your work situation. Is your employer allowed to take drug tests, for example? Read all about the privacy laws regarding drug testing in the workplace.

Is an employer allowed to take drug tests?

Cannabis is the most commonly used drug in the Netherlands. Of the adult population in the Netherlands, 24% have used cannabis at some point in their life. Within this adult population, the majority are working full time. 

In numerous sectors, employers regularly test for alcohol consumption and drug use. If you have marijuana in your system, your employer may detect it during a drug test.

Drug testing at work

Many companies regularly test their staff for drinking and drug use, such as marijuana use. Employers sometimes do this by testing their employees themselves, or by hiring commercial companies that can perform the drug test on the staff on their behalf. 

A test is performed by taking saliva. This is often done at the entrance to the workplace. Previously, drug testing in the workplace was legal, however, a few years ago the law on this was amended.

The Privacy Law

Privacy law and drug testing explained

In 2018, the privacy law was tightened regarding drug testing in the workplace. The General Data Protection Regulation (AVG) states that the processing of health-related data of a person is not allowed. This includes any data relating to the physical and mental health of an individual, including drug test results. 

This means that employers are not allowed to randomly test their staff for alcohol, drugs, and medicine use. Not even if the employee offers no objection.

Alcohol and drugs can, of course, have an effect on the individual’s work performance. Where there is cause for concern, however, the employer is not allowed to conduct a test himself. Furthermore, the employer is not allowed to view medical records or test results. Such information is regarded as health data and is protected by privacy laws. 

Instead, the employer is allowed to hire a company doctor to conduct a test. The results of the drug test, nevertheless, are kept private under the doctor’s medical confidentiality. This applies to most workplaces. Still, there are some exceptions where an employer may order his or her employees to take a drug test.

What are the legal exceptions?

In most occupations, it is illegal to be tested for liquor, drugs, or medications. However, there are some professions where the use of these substances may pose a danger to life for both the individual and the company’s customers. In these cases, it is lawful to impose regular drug testing. These professions include the following: machinists, drivers, boatmen, and pilots.

The current situation

Although drug testing is illegal in most companies, one of the largest test producers still sells between fifty and seventy thousand drug tests to companies every year. It seems many companies therefore still administer drug tests among their staff. 

The employee is, however, not obliged to comply with this under the privacy law. Nevertheless, many employees feel pressured. This is also the reason why complaints about illegal drug testing are not reported to the authorities. People are often afraid of losing their jobs. This has been confirmed by several Dutch trade unions.

See you soon?

So you don’t have to worry when you go to a coffee shop to smoke weed. An employer can only find this out by performing a drug test, which in most cases is not legal. You can therefore continue to enjoy the products of The Border: the best coffeeshop in Amsterdam!

You empty out your closet and find a bag of marijuana or hashish. If you cannot remember how long it has been there, it is probably old cannabis. But how do you recognize old cannabis and how do you prevent it from losing its shelf life? You will be surprised how long cannabis can be kept, provided you store it properly. And even if the quality of your marijuana or hash has deteriorated, you can still enjoy it. Read below to find out how you can identify old cannabis and what the best way is to store your marijuana.

Does cannabis have an expiration date?

Although marijuana cannot spoil as quickly as many foods do, it does have an expiration date. However, if you do not store the cannabis properly, then there is a chance that it can become wet or damp. As a result, it will go moldy quickly. Moldy cannabis is totally unusable. If you see any mold on old cannabis, throw it away immediately. Smoking this cannabis could endanger your health. In addition, you will no longer experience a high when using it. Consuming moldy cannabis can lead to headaches, respiratory problems, or even pneumonia.

If your cannabis is not moldy, it will dry out over time and eventually lose its potency. Non-moldy cannabis can lose its shelf life in time. This is similar to spices. Old nutmeg is not the end of the world, but it also doesn’t provide the desired taste in your dish. So old marijuana won’t make you sick, but it doesn’t provide a great high either. The same goes for hash which has been lying around for a while.

How do you extend the shelf life of cannabis?

We have already mentioned that if you want to get the most out of your stash you will have to store it properly. If you store your marijuana or hash carefully, you can keep it for up to a year. With these tricks, you can extend the life of your cannabis.

The right container

Careful storage of cannabis begins with choosing the right container. Make sure you store your weed or hash in an airtight container. This can be a (preferably) glass container that you can buy at any store that sells household items. But there are also containers for sale today that are specially designed to store cannabis. These are sterile and provide the right humidity in the container itself. Have you found the right container? Fill the container only for three-quarters with cannabis. 

If there is too much air in your container the buds will age faster. Therefore, never put a small supply in a container that is too big. It is also important to avoid plastic containers as much as possible. The static charge of plastic will affect the trichomes and your buds will be more susceptible to oxidation.

A suitable storage place

With a storage container, you can create an ideal humidity level for cannabis. But light and heat can also affect your weed or hash. Ultimately, of course, you want to see glistening trichomes and beautiful buds that are free of fungus. For this, you will have to choose your storage location carefully. The UV rays in sunlight affect the THC in cannabis. This causes your cannabis to lose its strength and will cause you to experience a weaker high when using the marijuana. Therefore, choose a dark and cool storage place.

How to recognize old weed

Recognizing old cannabis

Despite all your efforts to store weed in the best possible way, you may feel that your cannabis is out of date. This is how you can determine whether your stash is past its peak. And the best part is: you don’t need anything more than your own senses to do so!

Smell

Does your weed no longer smell like the cannabis you’re used to? Then you are probably dealing with old or moldy marijuana. Well-grown cannabis can be recognized mainly by its distinctive pungent smell. The stronger the weed smells, the better the quality. To detect old weed, you will therefore need to smell your weed.

What do you smell? Do you immediately recognize the slightly sweet, fruity, sour, or even citrus-like aromas? Then your stock is fine. If the cannabis smells musty or more like grass or hay, then your cannabis has probably been in contact with moisture and has gone moldy. Throw it out!

Observe

Does your weed look crumbled and dry? As if it has been left to decay for too long? Then you are undoubtedly dealing with old weed. You can recognize good cannabis by the color of its buds. The buds should have a nice green color. Do the buds have a more brown, yellow or red color? Then you are dealing with old weed. You can smoke this product, but don’t expect too great an experience. 

Do your buds look good, but are there any white fluffy spots on the outside? Then you are dealing with mold. This weed should go directly into the trash.

Feel

Another good way to qualify your weed is to feel it. Does it still feel firm and even a bit sticky? Then your stockpot has done what you have been hoping for. Your cannabis stock is still in very good shape. Does it feel dry or crumbly? Then it has seen better days. If it feels spongy, it contains too much moisture and you are probably dealing with moldy cannabis.

Taste

You have now been able to observe with your senses whether your supply of cannabis has been well preserved. You are now probably tempted to take a chance and smoke it. However, you should first take a little taste of it. Put a small piece in your mouth and you will immediately taste whether the expiration date has passed. Do you detect flavors other than the subtle aromas that distinguish different types of cannabis? Does it resemble old cheese? Then something has gone wrong with the storage of your product. If it still tastes like regular weed, you can go ahead and roll it into a nice joint.

Want to know more about old weed?

Would you like to know more about storing your buds?  Our staff will be happy to explain how you can extend the life of your products. This way you can enjoy your favorite cannabis for even longer. Find your favorite types of weed in our coffeeshop in Amsterdam. We are currently open from 08.00 to 01.00 (but please note that this can change). Will we see you soon?