CBD oil has a huge range of benefits. From anxiety relief to pain management to PTSD symptom reduction, it can make you a healthier and happier person. But when you don’t need to use it, for how long can you store it? What’s its shelf life? Or does it go bad?
These questions might be boggling your mind whenever you are about to invest your money into a premium bottle of CBD oil.
But not anymore as here we will make you wiser in buying yourself good CBD oil by informing you about how you can store it properly, does it expire, and more. So throw your worries away and hop in.
Does CBD Oil Go Bad?
Absolutely, like all botanical substances, CBD oil has a shelf life. First, it starts losing its effectiveness after a certain period of time because of the degradation of cannabinoids. Then, it goes bad which can make the user sick if consumed.
Although how long CBD oil will last depends on a variety of factors such as its quality, ingredients, how it is extracted/stored, etc, it has a long shelf life as compared to other botanical products.
CBD oil can lose its potency if not stored properly or kept for longer than 24 months. The loss of potency means that the cannabinoids have degraded and can’t work at their best in the body.
An older CBD oil bottle means that it’s hard for you to experience the desired effects. Also as mentioned above, losing its effectiveness is one thing but CBD oil can go bad in a manner that it can lose its overall quality and increase the chances of sickness if consumed.
What is the Shelf Life of CBD Oil?
CBD oil can last from 14 months to 24 months depending on how it is stored. Exposure to direct sunlight and excessive heat are two factors that can harm CBD oil’s potency and make it go bad even before its expiry date.
As high-quality products last longer (especially the ones that are less processed and contain fewer artificial ingredients), pure CBD oil lasts longer than its flavored counterparts as the added stuff has its own shelf life that could be shorter than CBD’s shelf life.
The extraction method of CBD oil also plays an important role in its shelf life. Cannabis products have different shelf lives based on how they were made, as some methods provide more stability of cannabinoids than others.
Any CBD product (be it a premium one or a cheaper variant) must have a clear expiration date mentioned on the label. The FDA (Food & Drug Administration) has imposed this condition in order to protect users from any CBD products that don’t meet the required safety guidelines.
What Factors Affect the Shelf Life of CBD Oil?
Components
CBD oil contains several different components such as cannabinoids, flavonoids, terpenes, etc. Each of these components has its own life, so knowing the components of your CBD oil product well is important for figuring out its shelf life.
Environmental factors also affect these components, so you must keep your CBD oil away from extreme temperatures, direct sunlight, and moisture.
Carriers
Carriers refer to the substances that are used to dilute CBD oil, allowing its use in different forms.
Some examples of carriers are vegetable glycerin, medium-chain triglycerides, olive oil, etc. They can also affect the life of CBD oil, as some carriers have more stability than others.
For example, MCT oil has a longer shelf life than glycerin, so using it as a carrier can elongate the life of your CBD oil.
Carriers are also effective in keeping off contaminants and keeping your CBD oil clean, thanks to their antifungal and antimicrobial properties.
Brand Manufacturer
Every CBD oil manufacturer uses different resources to make its products. You must conduct thorough research so that you get the best quality one. Always go for a brand that uses a high-tech third-party lab to test its products and complies with industry standards.
Also make sure that it uses organic, non-GMO ingredients and has a reputation for producing top-quality products. Not to forget a good customer service policy that can help if something goes wrong with your purchase.
Packaging
CBD oil should always be packed in a manner that protects its freshness and effectiveness. Look for a brand that uses child-resistant packaging to prevent tampering. The container should also be dark-colored or opaque to protect the content from light exposure.
Some brands also offer sample packs which is a great way to test the product before investing in a larger pack.
Moreover, buy only the products that are labeled with clear ingredients and instructions for use. This will make sure that you understand the usage properly.
Storage Method
CBD oil should always be stored in a cool and dark place. It should not be exposed to direct heat or sunlight, which can make the oil lose its potency. On top of that, you must keep the oil away from moisture which can also make oil degrade in quality.
It’s a great idea to keep your CBD oil in an airtight container when you are not using it. This will help you to keep it free of contaminants and high quality. Lastly, keep the oil away from pets and children.
Expiration Date
Just like any other commodity, CBD oil also has an expiration date. You can find it on the bottle or packaging, and it usually says “Best By” date. After this date, the quality of the oil will degrade and only using it before expiration will yield maximum benefits.
How to Tell If Your CBD Oil Has Expired?
There are a few things you can pay attention to check whether your CBD oil is fit for use or not. Here are they:
Smell
Different CBD oils have different scents. A raw extract has an earthy odor while distilled oils have a more refined aroma. A change in smell from when you first opened the bottle can tell you a lot about your CBD oil’s fitness for use.
Taste
Just like smell, if your CBD oil’s taste changes, your product could be past its time. However, make sure that you shake the bottle well before use as some ingredients separate when CBD oil sits on the shelf for a long time which can cause a change in taste.
Color
The fatty acids in the CBD oil can oxidize over time, making them inactive and ultimately making the CBD oil change its color to a darker, more cloudy tone.
Consistency
CBD oil can change in consistency or thickness over time, especially when refrigerated. Refrigerated CBD oil is thick but returns to its normal consistency as it warms. If this doesn’t happen, your CBD oil might be expired.
Price
Price has a role to play in every commodity and with CBD oils, it’s no different. You pay more for a more premium and purer product and stay relaxed. But if you come across a CBD oil that is too low priced than it should be then it might be a fake product or an expired one.
Expiration Date
Although this should be the first step whenever you want to buy any product, if you feel that something isn’t right with your CBD oil, check its expiration date immediately. Unfortunately, so many people miss out on this simple step and continue using an expired CBD oil.
How to Make Your CBD Oil Last Longer?
Proper storage may extend the life of your CBD oil. Cannabinoids are sensitive to heat and light, so these are the two most important environmental factors you should keep in mind.
Let’s go deeper into storing your CBD oil the right way:
Only Buy as Much You Need
Most people take about 10-50 mg of CBD oil daily to supplement their endocannabinoid system. So naturally for some people, CBD oil lasts for a month, while for some, it takes a few months or even a year to empty the bottle.
If you don’t take large servings of CBD oil in your daily routine, we advise that you buy only as much as you need as you can always buy more later whenever you want it.
Protect it from Air
Air makes the cannabinoids degrade and lose their potency. If you want to keep your CBD oil fresh along with keeping its health benefits intact, it’s best to store it in its original airtight container.
Store CBD Oil in a Cool and Dark Place
Your CBD oil should not come into contact with direct heat or light. Just like air exposure, they destroy CBD, terpenes, and other cannabinoids thereby ruining the quality of CBD oil.
Exposure to intense light and heat causes oxidation of the oil, which causes destabilization and evaporation.
What Happens If You Take Expired CBD oil?
Can using expired CBD oil harm you? Well, not really. Yes, it will lose its potency as it is past its expiration date but that’s all that can happen.
Although using an expired CBD oil is just like consuming a generic plant-based oil, doing so is not recommended as you might get sick as what happens by consuming any expired item.
It’s crucial to check the expiration date on your CBD products before using them and to store them properly to maintain their freshness.
If your CBD oil is past its expiration period, it’s best to get rid of it and buy a new bottle to ensure maximum safety and enjoyment in your CBD experience.
Can the Potency of CBD Decrease Over Time?
Yes CBD can lose its potency over time due to many reasons. When CBD products are left to sit for a while, they might not be as effective as they were when they were new. This is because exposure to air, light, and heat can harm the potency of CBD.
It’s just like food which loses its freshness and nutrients when left out for too long. CBD oil, for example, might become less effective if not stored in proper conditions or if it is stored past its expiration date.
Over time, the compounds in CBD can break down and make the product weaker. That’s why it’s important to store CBD in a cool, dark environment and check the expiry date before using it.
However, it’s important to know that while CBD might become less effective, using expired CBD isn’t necessarily harmful.
It just might not work as well as a new CBD product. To make sure that you get the most out of your purchase, it’s advisable to use it as soon as you can and store it properly.
If you by chance have had a CBD product for a long time and notice changes in its smell, color, or taste, it might be a sign of its weakened potency. In such a case, it’s a good idea to buy a new CBD product and experience its benefits to the fullest.
How To Store CBD Oil Properly?
- Keep your CBD oil away from sunlight, extreme temperatures, and air as high temperatures along with air degrade CBD oil, making it ineffective over time.
- CBD oil should be kept at room temperature. But if it is not possible for you, keep it in a refrigerator to keep its potency intact. Some brands even recommend refrigerating their CBD oils, so check their recommendations and do the needful.
- Store your CBD oil in a dark place as sunlight can also damage the fatty acids in the CBD oil and warm it, resulting in the breakdown of oil components.
- Many brands package their CBD oil in dark-colored bottles to block the effects of sunlight. Some bottles are also made of UV-protected glass, which provides superior protection to the oil.
- Always store CBD oil in an airtight container. Also, make sure to close the cap tightly to avoid any undesirable air exposure.
- CBD oils should always be stored in darker-colored, airtight containers at room temperature.
Conclusion
So that’s all we have for now about the possibilities of CBD oil going bad and some effective measures to extend its shelf life. We would always advise you to be careful about the reputation of the brand you are buying from and also the retail outlet or website selling it.
If they provide insufficient information about the product or if its price is too good to be true, please stay away from it.
Always check the condition of the stock you have kept at home and be aware of its expiration date if it has been a while since you last used it. While using expired CBD oil isn’t likely to hurt you, it won’t provide desirable results.
And why aim for mediocrity when you deserve the best.
FAQs
Does CBD oil really expire?
Yes. After a certain period of time, CBD oils break down, lose their potency, and effectiveness. They stay good for about 1-2 years, depending on the quality, ingredients, storage, type, and extraction method used.
To make sure that your CBD oil stays fresh for a long time, store it in an airtight container in a cool and dark place.
Does CBD oil go bad if not refrigerated?
No. Most CBD oils do not need to be kept in a refrigerator as long as you store them properly at room temperature. However, some brands recommend refrigerating their CBD products, so make sure to check the recommendations of the one you are buying.
Can you use expired CBD oil on your skin?
Although expired CBD oil doesn’t harm your skin, it won’t be beneficial as well due to degradation in its potency. So yes you can use it without any harm or much benefit.
Can CBD edibles gummy expire?
CBD gummies can last 6-12 months if stored correctly due to their sugar, water, and gelatin content. Unopened packets have a longer shelf life of gummy than opened ones, and handling can speed up deterioration.
Can you take expired CBD oil?
Although any product should not be used once it is past its expiration date, expired CBD oil won’t make you unwell if consumed accidentally or intentionally. However, your stomach might get a bit upset and that’s all.
How long is CBD oil effective once opened?
The life of your CBD oil once its bottle is opened is not a concern if you have bought a quality product, are storing it properly, and using it regularly. Also make sure to keep the oil in its original container, use a clean dropper to take it, and close the bottle tightly after use.
Can you get sick from expired CBD oil?
No. You won’t get sick from consuming expired CBD oil but using it once it is past its expiration date is not recommended.