Does Pot Lose Potency as a Plant Gets Older?

As marijuana is becoming increasingly popular for both medicinal and recreational purposes, people are interested in understanding the factors that influence its potency. One common question that arises is whether or not the potency of marijuana decreases as the plant gets older.

The Growth Stages of Marijuana

In order to answer this question, we need to first understand the growth stages of marijuana. Marijuana plants go through two primary stages of growth: vegetative and flowering. During the vegetative stage, the plant grows leaves and stems, which are the structures that allow it to photosynthesize and take up nutrients. During the flowering stage, the plant begins to produce flowers, which contain the resinous glands that are responsible for producing the cannabinoids that give marijuana its psychoactive effects.

The Effect of Age on Potency

There is some evidence to suggest that the potency of marijuana may decrease as the plant gets older. This is because the amount of cannabinoids that are present in the flowers decreases as the plant ages. As the resinous glands in the flowers begin to dry out, the concentration of cannabinoids decreases, leading to a decrease in potency.

However, it's important to note that the decrease in potency may not be significant enough to be noticeable to the average person. Only a small percentage of the cannabinoid content needs to be lost in order for the potency to be affected. Additionally, other factors such as the strain of marijuana, the growing conditions, and the methods of cultivation and harvesting can have a significant impact on the potency of the final product.

The Role of Cannabinoid Degradation

Another factor that can play a role in the decrease in potency of marijuana as it ages is cannabinoid degradation. Cannabinoids are sensitive to light, heat, and oxygen, and as a result, can degrade over time. This degradation can result in a loss of potency as well as changes in the overall profile of the cannabinoid content.

In order to minimize the effects of cannabinoid degradation, it's important to store marijuana properly. This means keeping it in an airtight container in a cool and dark place. Additionally, it's important to handle the marijuana as little as possible, as even handling it can cause some degradation to occur.

Conclusion

While there is some evidence to suggest that the potency of marijuana may decrease as the plant ages, the effect is likely to be minimal. Other factors such as strain and growing conditions are likely to have a greater impact on the potency of the final product. Proper storage and handling can also help to minimize the effects of cannabinoid degradation and preserve the potency of the marijuana over time.

Ultimately, the best way to ensure that you're getting potent and high-quality marijuana is to purchase it from a reputable and licensed source. This will ensure that the marijuana has been grown and harvested under optimal conditions and that it has been tested for potency and purity.