How to Store THC Beverages (and Do They Expire?)

Store THC beverages the way you'd store a nice craft soda: somewhere cool, dark, and dry, kept upright, and away from heat and sunlight. And yes — they do expire, or more precisely, they have a best-by window after which the flavor fades and the THC slowly loses potency. Store them well and drink them within the timeframe on the label, and every can will taste and feel the way it should.

Here's exactly how to keep your drinks at their best, plus what "expiration" really means for a hemp-derived beverage.

The ideal storage conditions

Three enemies degrade a THC drink over time: heat, light, and air. Keep those in check and you're most of the way there. Aim for:

• Cool. A stable, room-temperature-or-cooler spot is ideal. A pantry, cabinet, or fridge all work. Avoid anywhere that gets warm.
• Dark. Light — especially direct sunlight — speeds up cannabinoid breakdown. A closed cupboard beats a sunny windowsill or countertop.
• Dry and upright. Store cans and bottles standing up in a dry place to protect the seal and keep everything stable.

Think of the coolest, darkest cabinet in your kitchen as the home base for your stash.

Do THC beverages expire?

They don't "expire" like milk, but they do have a best-by date, and it exists for two reasons:

1. Flavor and carbonation fade. Like any soda or seltzer, the taste and fizz are best when fresh and gradually decline over many months.
2. THC potency slowly decreases. Cannabinoids naturally degrade over time, especially with heat and light exposure. An old, poorly stored can may feel slightly weaker than a fresh one at the same labeled dose.

Always check the printed best-by or expiration date on the can and aim to enjoy your drinks well within it. If a beverage is far past its date, looks or smells off, or the can is damaged or bulging, don't drink it.

Why heat and light matter so much

The active THC in your drink is sensitive. Heat and UV light accelerate the natural breakdown of cannabinoids, which can gradually reduce potency and dull the flavor. That's why the storage advice mirrors what you'd do for a good craft beverage or a bottle of quality oil — keep it cool and out of the light.

Practical takeaways:

• Don't leave cans in a hot car, a garage that bakes in summer, or on a sunny shelf.
• Skip the freezer. Freezing a carbonated can can cause it to burst as the liquid expands.
• A stable temperature is better than a fluctuating one, so avoid spots near the oven, radiator, or a sunny window.

Tip: Chill only what you'll drink soon, and keep the rest in a cool, dark cupboard. Storing your whole supply in a dark cabinet (rather than under bright lights) helps preserve both flavor and potency until you're ready to pop one in the fridge.

What about after you open one?

Once you crack a can, treat it like any other carbonated drink: it's best enjoyed right away. If you don't finish it:

• Refrigerate it promptly and cover the opening if you can.
• Drink it within a day. After that the carbonation is gone and the taste won't be the same.
• Opened drinks are about freshness and flavor — for best results, don't leave one out at room temperature for hours.

Quick storage checklist

1. Keep unopened cans cool, dark, dry, and upright.
2. Avoid heat, direct sunlight, and freezing.
3. Check the best-by date and enjoy within it.
4. Refrigerate after opening and finish within a day.
5. When in doubt about an old or damaged can, don't drink it.

Want to make sure you're getting the most out of each drink? Our guides on how to safely consume THC beverages and what THC beverages are pair nicely with good storage habits.

Mind your dose. start low & go slow, wait 45–60 min before another, 21+ only, never drive or mix with alcohol.

Stocking up? Browse the full collection or grab a value multipack to keep on hand.

Frequently asked questions

Do THC drinks need to be refrigerated?

Unopened cans don't have to be refrigerated — a cool, dark, dry cupboard is perfectly fine for storage. Chill them before drinking for the best taste. Once a can is open, though, refrigerate it promptly and finish it within a day to preserve freshness and carbonation.

How long do THC beverages last?

Check the best-by or expiration date printed on the can and aim to enjoy the drink well within it. Over many months, flavor and fizz fade and THC potency can slowly decrease, especially if the can has been exposed to heat or light. Store it cool and dark and it'll stay at its best longer.

Can I freeze a THC seltzer?

It's best not to. Freezing a carbonated can may cause it to burst as the liquid expands, and it won't improve the drink. Keep cans in a cool, stable spot instead, and simply move one to the fridge when you want it cold.