Can Microdosing Capsules Expire? How to Store Microdosing Capsules for a Longer Shelf Life
Yes, microdosing capsules can expire, but if you know how to store them properly, you can extend their shelf life, and they can last up to a year without losing potency.
In this guide, we explain everything you need to know about storing microdosing capsules. You’ll learn how to spot expired capsules, what happens when they expire, and if freezing them can help extend their shelf life.
Keep reading to make sure your microdosing capsules stay fresh!
Check out this article to learn more about microdosing.
Key Takeaways:
- Proper storage is key to keeping your microdosing capsules fresh. Things like temperature, light, and humidity can affect their potency.
- If exposed to direct sunlight, heat, or moisture, your capsules won’t last long.
- Taking expired capsules leads to weaker effects, contamination, and stomach issues.
How Long Do Microdosing Capsules Last?
Microdosing capsules last up to a year or more if stored correctly. But what happens if they are not?
If they’re not stored correctly, their potency can decrease faster, sometimes within a few months.
Factors Affecting Potency and Expiration
- Light: Direct sunlight can break down psilocybin, reducing the capsule’s effectiveness.
- Air: Exposure to air can degrade psilocybin over time.
- Moisture: Humidity or dampness can cause capsules to spoil or develop mold.
- Temperature: Warm temperatures can accelerate the breakdown of the active ingredients.
It’s not just about how long they last but how long they stay effective. Without proper storing, you risk ending up with capsules that are weak, less potent, and a waste of your time.
Check out this article to learn where to buy microdosing capsules in Canada.
How to Store Microdosing Capsules for a Longer Shelf Life?
Storing your microdosing capsules properly is essential to keep them potent and effective. Here is how to make sure they last:
1. Keep Them in a Cool, Dry Place
Store your capsules at cool room temperature, between 15°C and 20°C (59°F to 68°F). Avoid direct heat sources like ovens or radiators, as high temperatures can harm the capsules and degrade the psilocybin inside.
Places like a kitchen cabinet or a closet that doesn’t get too hot or cold are perfect. Even a drawer in your bedroom can work, as long as it’s not near a window where sunlight can sneak in.
Heat can affect their potency, so keeping them in a stable, cool place helps prevent mold growth and keeps the capsules intact.
2. Avoid Exposure to Light
Light is the enemy of psilocybin. Direct sunlight can break it down, making your capsules less effective.
Store them in a dark spot like a pantry or drawer. If you’re using a kitchen cabinet, choose one that’s deep enough to keep out light.
You can also use opaque containers, such as dark glass jars, which are perfect for blocking light and adding an extra layer of protection.
3. Use Airtight Containers
Store your capsules in airtight containers to protect them from air and moisture. Over time, air exposure can degrade the psilocybin, and moisture can lead to mold growth, which can ruin your capsules.
Vacuum-sealed bags or airtight glass jars with tight lids work best. These containers help keep your capsules safe from environmental factors, ensuring they stay potent and effective.
4. Keep Away from Moisture and Humidity
Moisture is another threat to microdosing capsules. High humidity can cause mold, making the capsules unsafe to take.
Store them in a dry spot, away from damp places like bathrooms or basements. You can also add silica gel packets to your containers to soak up any extra moisture.
Keeping the humidity below 50% will help your capsules stay in good condition.
By following these steps, you’ll extend the shelf life of your microdosing capsules and maintain their potency, ensuring they remain safe and effective for as long as possible.
What Happens if You Take Expired Microdosing Capsules?
Taking expired microdosing capsules can lead to a few problems. They might not work as well, and there’s a chance they could make you feel unwell.
1. Reduced Potency
One of the main issues with expired capsules is that they lose their strength.
Over time, the psilocybin breaks down, so the capsules won’t have the same effect. This means you might not get the benefits you’re expecting, like improved mood or mental clarity.
If the capsules have been exposed to too much heat, light, or moisture, they’ll lose their potency even faster.
2. Increased Risk of Contamination
Expired capsules also carry a higher risk of contamination. Over time, they can develop mold or bacteria, especially if they haven’t been stored properly. This could lead to stomach aches or other health issues.
Before taking any capsules, check them closely. If they look discolored, have visible mold, or smell strange, throwing them away is safer.
3. Health Problems
How to Tell if Your Microdosing Capsules Have Expired?
Knowing how to spot expired microdosing capsules is key to staying safe and ensuring they remain effective. Here’s what to look for:
- Color Change
A color change is one of the first signs that your capsules have expired. If you notice that the capsules are darker or have lost their original color, they’re no longer safe to use. - Smell
A musty or off smell is another sign that your capsules may have expired. Capsules should maintain a neutral or slightly earthy scent. If they start to smell musty or unpleasant, it’s a sign they’re no longer good to take.
- Mold or Bacteria
Visible mold or bacteria on your capsules means they’re definitely expired and unsafe to take. Mold can appear as fuzzy patches, discoloration, or dark spots on the capsules. If you see any signs of mold, throw the capsules away immediately to avoid any health risks.
- Packaging Damage
Check the packaging as well. If the packaging is damaged, it can expose the capsules to air, moisture, and contaminants, causing them to expire sooner. Damaged packaging might mean the capsules inside are compromised, so it’s better to be cautious and not use them.
By regularly checking your capsules for these signs, you can ensure they remain safe and effective. If you notice any of these signs, it’s best to throw the capsules and get new ones.
Would Freezing Microdosing Capsules Extend Their Shelf Life?
No, freezing microdosing capsules is not a good idea, instead of preserving the psilocybin, freezing damages the capsules.
Freezing can cause the capsules to expand and contract, which may lead to cracks or breaks in the capsule. This can let in moisture, which can degrade the psilocybin and make the capsules less effective.
To keep your capsules fresh and make them last longer, it’s better to store them in a cool, dry place.
Final Thoughts
Properly storing your microdosing capsules is key to keeping them effective. Keep them in a cool, dark, and dry place to maintain their potency.
Microdosing should improve your life without disturbing it. By focusing on how you store your capsules, you prioritize both the safety and the effectiveness of your microdosing regimen.
Are you looking to start microdosing?
Find your perfect dose with our mini-pack bundle containing samples of our top three blends!
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do microdosing capsules last if stored properly?
Properly stored microdosing capsules can last up to a year or more, depending on how well they are kept.
What should I do if I notice mold on my microdosing capsules?
If you see mold on your capsules, do not take them. Moldy capsules are unsafe and should be thrown away immediately.
Why is it important to store microdosing capsules in an airtight container?
Storing capsules in an airtight container protects them from air and moisture, which can degrade their potency.
Can exposure to light affect my microdosing capsules?
Yes, exposure to light can break down the psilocybin in the capsules, making them less effective.
How should I store my microdosing capsules?
Store your microdosing capsules in a cool, dark, and dry place to keep them potent and effective.
Can I freeze my microdosing capsules to extend their shelf life?
No, freezing can damage the capsules and reduce their effectiveness. It’s better to store them in a cool, dry place.
By Rachel Grey
I’m Rachel Grey, a Ph.D. psychologist specializing in psychedelic therapy with psilocybin and natural plant medicines. I obtained my doctorate from the University of Toronto, where I immersed myself in the study of these transformative therapies. With over 10 years of experience, let’s embark on transformative journeys of healing, growth, and self-discovery as we explore the power of psychedelic therapy together.
