Does CBD Oil Expire?
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 … Read more