It will stay potent for years if it is kept in a dark, airtight place. Salvia just recently became illegal in Delaware and the DEA is moving closer to putting restrictions on it. My suggestion is go too www.bouncingbearbotanicals.com and buy a pound of it if you want to use it in the future, a pound will last a VERY long time. It's too bad this great plant will soon be on the list of "illegal" activities.