A bottle of CBD oil doesn’t come cheap. For some, it might even be a luxury. If you’re one of these people, you must want to try your best to make sure this therapeutic compound lasts as long as possible. If you ingest only a few drops a day, the bottle could last for more than a year. But, you might still find yourself asking: “Does CBD oil expire?” “Am I using something that could harm me?”
To answer these questions about CBD’s shelf life and how to extend it, we’ve compiled this comprehensive guide to nudge you in the right direction:
Here are answers to some common questions about CBD longevity, including how to extend CBD oil’s shelf life.
How Long Does CBD Oil Takes To Expire?
CBD science is not rock-solid. As a general recommendation, researchers suggest using CBD oil within 14 months of the manufacturing date. However, it also depends on how safely you store the product. Direct sunlight and heat are two factors that may degrade the compounds in cannabidiol, cutting short the expiration date quite a bit.
Higher quality products have better shelf lives and tend to last longer than usual. These include minimally processed Full-Spectrum CBD oils and Pure CBD oils. Full-Spectrum CBD oils have none of the cannabinoids found in the cannabis plant removed. They include terpenes, CBG, CBC, and THC, or tetrahydrocannabinol — the main psychoactive component of cannabis.
Pure CBD oils may last longer because they don’t contain any additives and flavors.
The extraction method is another criteria you need to look into. While there are many methods companies use to extract the compound, the best remains supercritical CO2 extraction. This method ensures that CBD oil retains its potency for a long time. Other subpar means, such as alcohol extraction, may destabilize the hemp and cannabis compounds and compromise longevity.
Whether you get it from an online store or your closest pharmacy, any CBD product should have a clear expiration date printed on the packaging. The FDA has made this labeling imperative to ensure food safety and protect consumer interests. So, if you come across a CBD product without an expiration date, look elsewhere.
Bottom line: Your best bet is to use your CBD oil product within two years of purchase.
Does CBD Oil Expire?
Yes. CBD oil is like any other natural product. It loses its potency after a certain time. Degraded CBD means that the compounds in the cannabidiol denature no longer provide the same potent effects and benefits. So, an outdated product is unlikely to have any potential medicinal benefits of CBD oil.
How Do I Know If CBD Oil Has Gone Bad?
CBD oil’s flavor and aroma may seem unbecoming after the expiration date, turning into a skunky odor. The texture and color of the CBD oil may also suffer, with the oil transforming from clear to cloudy. You might also observe the CBD oil to have more viscosity and thickness.
Can Old CBD Oil Make You Sick?
CBD oil has an excellent safety profile. Even at high doses, it is well-tolerated. CBD oil doesn’t turn rancid like milk or other products. So, even if you take a small amount of the product past its best day, you’re going to be fine. Your safety is especially uncompromised if you’re microdosing. But, this doesn’t mean you should not practice caution. Discard any bottles that you think haven’t been properly stored and feel, look, or taste weird.
How Do I Store CBD Oil?
Experts suggest storing CBD oil in cool, dark places like most medications. If possible, get a dark green bottle to store your CBD product. Dark green color shields against sunlight damage and prolongs the product’s lifespan. Refrigerating isn’t an absolute necessity. The optimal temperature for the oil is room temperature — somewhere around 60 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit.
How Can I Extend CBD Shelf Life?
If you’re looking for some ideas to prevent CBD oil spillage, here are some excellent recommendations for your assistance:
Don’t open the bottle unless you’re going to use it. Tighten the lid after each application to prevent CBD oxidation.
Don’t transfer CBD capsules and soft gels to another separate bottle. Please keep them in their original containers, and make sure they are kept airtight at all times.
Position bottles vertically rather than horizontally.
Storing CBD in a room with a humidifier is not a good idea. Moisture can wreak havoc on your product by promoting mold growth.
Don’t put CBD out in the open, especially not near windows. Keep them stored in dark and cool places. Some examples include attics, cabinets, drawers, and pantries.
If your storage room is close to a radiator or an oven, change places.
Don’t keep your CBD oil in your bag or your pocket. It may invite bacteria.
If you’re using a dropper to ingest your CBD sublingually, make sure the container is clean. And if you’re using a spoon instead of a dropper, make sure not to double-dip it. This can contaminate the oil with dangerous bacteria.
Final Thoughts
CBD is an excellent therapeutic compound. Although the jury on its medical applications is still not out, the anecdotal evidence is bright and positive.
The best way to keep the oil in optimal shape is to prevent sunlight and heat exposure. Like any other compound, CBD oil starts to lose its potency and therapeutic properties after a year.
At most, its lifespan can extend to two years. Beyond this point, it’s better to get a new bottle. Otherwise, you’re not going to get the results you’re looking for. Some people who live with arthritis and other serious conditions need a potent and effective product; otherwise, they are left disappointed and think that CBD is just another hoax perpetrated by the wellness media.
The trick is to stick with the product. For every person, the experience may vary. Some people get results within a week or so. While for others, it may take up to 3 months for anything to happen.
