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How to Store CBD Oil for Long-Lasting Use

Jeff Yauck | December 9, 2021
how-to-store-cbd-for-longlasting-use

All CBD products, including oils, edibles, and vapes, have a shelf life. Depending on the product, you may get sick if you consume them after their expiration date, but even if you don’t, it won’t be as effective. The CBD oil shelf life varies, but it generally ranges between 1-2 years.

Fortunately, it’s possible to extend the shelf life of your favorite products through proper storage. This article explains everything you need to know about CBD oil storage so you can get the most out of your items.

What Is the Normal Shelf Life of CBD Oil?

On average, CBD oil lasts between one and two years, but numerous factors can affect this. For example, CBD oil made of just CBD and carrier oil is likely to last longer than an edible, which contains other perishable ingredients.

The CBD oil shelf life can also be impacted by the following:

  • Packaging: There’s a reason most CBD oils come in darkened glass bottles. CBD tinctures can be degraded by light, so amber-colored bottles help the product to last longer. Glass and airtight lids can also protect the product from air exposure, once again prolonging life.
  • Quality: Perhaps unsurprisingly, higher-quality products tend to have a longer shelf life. The quality of an item can be impacted by everything from the hemp plants used to make it to the extraction process and manufacturing facilities. The quality of ingredients other than CBD is important, too.
  • Extraction Process: There are a few different methods for extracting CBD and cannabinoids from hemp. However, supercritical CO2 extraction is considered the gold standard. Partly, this is because CO2 extraction keeps the compounds stable, which can lead to longer shelf life.
  • Storage: Proper storage of CBD can help keep the shelf life as long as possible. In part, this is because exposure to heat and light can damage the compounds within.

Does CBD Oil Expire?

Yes, like most consumable products, CBD oil has an expiration date. CBD oil expiration is typically within a couple of years, but as stated above, this can vary depending on the product type.

Edibles are likely to expire quickly, but a good CBD tincture can last quite a while if you are storing it properly.

For CBD, expiry doesn’t necessarily mean that the product has gone moldy or will cause great harm if ingested. In some cases, it just means that the cannabinoids have degraded, and therefore the product will not work as well as it used to.

Since CBD products can be expensive, nobody wants their favorite products to stop working. Typically, users finish their products before they expire, so it isn’t a problem. But on the off chance that you possess a bottle of CBD that has been sitting around for two years, it might still work as long as you have stored it correctly.

How to Store CBD Oil (Tips)

Storing cannabis oil is pretty straightforward. CBD can degrade with changes in light, temperature, and with exposure to air. Therefore, avoiding these elements can extend the shelf life of your favorite products.

Most of the time, brands do what they can to protect the item. For example, packaging oils in amber-colored, airtight bottles. Glass is preferable, too, because it allows for some temperature control. However, a lot of it comes down to what the user does after purchase.

So, here are some tips for CBD oil storage:

  • Keep the CBD product in its original packaging.
  • Put it somewhere at room temperature, away from heaters. Some people want to avoid heat, storing CBD oil in the refrigerator; however, cold can also be damaging. It’s unnecessary to keep CBD oil in the fridge, so opt for a cupboard or closet.
  • Keep the bottle in a cool, dark place, such as a pantry or cupboard.
  • Ensure the bottle is always tightly closed after use to keep air out.

And it’s not just about storing CBD, but how you use it. Ensure to wash your hands before using topicals, and use a clean dropper or spoon when taking CBD oil to avoid getting contaminants such as bacteria into the product.

CBD Oil Shelf Life: How to Tell if CBD Has Gone Bad

In some cases, CBD oil has not just expired, but it may also go bad. In these instances, there may be some tell-tale signs.

Most bottles come with an expiration date on the label, so this should be your first port of call. However, these dates may be wrong, or sometimes they become damaged or unreadable. If you have been storing CBD oil properly, it should last a long time.

However, even with proper CBD oil storage, there comes a time when the product goes off. You can use your senses of smell, sight, and taste to figure out if the oil has gone bad.

First of all, if the product smells funky, then it’s off. CBD oil typically has an earthy smell, but if it smells rank and unpleasant, then something is not right.

Furthermore, the appearance of the oil can be a telltale sign. If the tincture has turned very thick and murky, then it may well have passed its expiration date. Notably, some oils can go cloudy when cold, so leave them sitting at room temperature for a few minutes. If the cloudiness disperses, then it’s okay. If not, then it may have gone off.

Finally, if the oil tastes rancid, then it has gone bad. Unflavored CBD oil is known for having an acquired taste, which may be earthy and grassy. However, if the product is completely unpalatable and tastes “off,” then it’s time to throw it away.

How to Store CBD Oil: Final Thoughts

CBD oil storage is not an exact science, but there are lots of ways to prolong the shelf life of your products. Great options include keeping the item in a cool, dark place away from direct heat and light.

It’s possible to somewhat extend CBD oil shelf life through these techniques, but you should still adhere to the recommendations on the label. If a product is past its expiry date, you should avoid using it. If the label has been removed for some reason, try using your senses to detect whether the oil is okay or not.

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