Just like any other processed commodity, CBD has an expiration date, and it’s essential to know when it is. Although you can not extend the life of CBD oil, how you store it may play a role in maintaining the quality of the oil.

This simple guide will walk you through CBD oil’s shelf life, storage conditions, how to tell if your CBD has gone wrong, and more.

Can CBD Oil Expire?

Everything with a beginning has an ending. These famous words from Jack Kornfield in Buddha’s Little Instruction World also apply to CBD oil. CBD Oil’s shelf life ranges between one to two years. However, this depends on proper storage and other factors. For instance, exposing your CBD oil to heat and light causes it to lose potency. Furthermore, the quality of CBD oil matters. Good quality CBD oil, such as full-spectrum CBD oil, may last longer.

Here’s an in-depth look at factors that can accelerate CBD oil’s expiration.

What is the Shelf Life of CBD?

Generally, CBD has a shelf life of 12 months to two years. However, this period is affected by myriad factors that could shorten its shelf life. For instance, exposure to direct sunlight or excessive heat will affect its potency.

Furthermore, the quality of the product may also extend the shelf life of the product. This is especially true for minimally processed CBD products. Also, additional ingredients other than hemp extract or carrier oils can significantly affect the CBD oil shelf life.

Reputable CBD companies will include a legible label on the CBD product; The label will contain the expiration date as the Food and Drug Administration terms.

What Factors Affect the Shelf Life of CBD Oil?

CBD Oil is expensive, and it can be a bummer to lose your product before its expiration. Understanding these factors that affect shelf life can help your CBD oil stay good for a while. Also, it will guide you in choosing the right product for you.

CBD Quality

The quality of the CBD you purchase has a direct effect on how long the CBD oil will last. High-quality CBD oil products will last longer compared to the low-quality range. Quality relates to the growing process, such as the hemp seed used and the growing conditions. Furthermore, products with flavors tend to have a shorter expiration term.

In addition, the right blend of CBD and other cannabinoid products can also influence the shelf life of CBD. That being said, CBD exists in three varieties:

• Full Spectrum CBD: Contains cannabinoids and small amounts of THC and terpenes.
• Broad-Spectrum CBD – Does not contain CBD but has other cannabinoids and trace amounts of THC.
• CBD Isolate – Only contains CBD with no additional terpenes or cannabinoids

Notably, full-spectrum CBD oils last longer than their counterparts.

Hemp Quality

Hemp can absorb substances from its environment thanks to its hyperaccumulator properties. Therefore, hemp grown using pesticides will most likely have traces of the chemical in the final product. Furthermore, if the soil has heavy metals, the hemp plant will absorb them and pass them to the final product.  Also, soil quality can affect how long it might take until CBD oil expires.

The extraction process can single out these contaminants; however, the plant will require excess heat exposure, affecting the quality of CBD .

CBD Oil Extraction Method

The CBD oil extraction method can extend the shelf life of the product. Full-spectrum CBD oils are high-quality CBD owing to the extraction process. Most manufacturers use the CO2 extraction method, which produces CBD products high in cannabinoids. Full-spectrum oils contain stable compounds making them safe for consumption and lasting longer.

In contrast, companies that use solvents such as alcohol or butane in extraction produce CBD products with traces of unstable compounds. These compounds can affect your CBD oils shelf life and, over time, harm your health.

Ingredients

Ingredients have their own shelf life too. Hence every ingredient added to CBD oil can potentially affect the shelf life. Pure CBD oil tends to last longer compared to flavored CBD products. Therefore, less is more.

Additionally, improper testing of ingredients can also affect how long CBD oil lasts. Suppose the ingredients contain contaminants such as microbes, heavy metals, or a mold infestation. This can affect the quality of the oil, lowering its potency and shelf life.

Packaging Conditions

How your CBD product is packaged is instrumental in maintaining its quality. Most CBD tinctures products are sold in dark green bottles, which protects the product from UV light. This is because exposure to CBD oil to light can accelerate its degradation.

Furthermore, the CBD product should be packaged in an airtight container to prevent exposure to air which may deteriorate its quality.

Storage Conditions

As mentioned earlier, direct sunlight will affect the quality of your product over time. Therefore, storing your CBD product away from light or heat conditions during and after use is paramount. CBD oil lasts longer in a dark place. Your medicine cabinet is an ideal storage location.

Temperature

In addition to storage conditions, keeping CBD oil at room temperature is advisable. CBD lasts longer in temperatures between 16- 21°C or 60-70°F. Avoid placing your product close to heat or cold sources such as air conditioners, humidifiers, radiators, or windows with direct sunlight.

Handling Conditions

How you handle CBD oil is also among the factors affecting its shelf life. It is advisable to use a clean dropper or spoon each time. Using dirty tools may contaminate your product.

Furthermore, it is essential to close the lid tightly after use to prevent exposure to air. The same applies to soft gels and capsules. Always ensure you place the products in their original packaging. Also, always store your bottle upright and not in a lie-down position to avoid spills.

How to Store CBD Properly

Based on the few factors mentioned above, storing your CBD oil away from areas with air, humidity, temperature, or light exposure is essential. The ideal storage is a cool and dark place. This can be a closet or your medicine cabinet.

You can use your fridge to store your oil bottle if you reside in a hot climate region. However, storing your CBD oil at extremely low temperatures can cause your CBD oil to thicken, and it will turn into a solid state. Therefore, it is advisable to store it in optimal conditions.

Furthermore, it is advisable to buy as much as you need. If you’re not a heavy consumer, buying a single bottle and purchasing another once your oil runs low is advisable.

How to Find High-Quality CBD Products That Last Long

Aside from storage conditions, the quality of CBD oil also matters in making the oil last longer. Higher quality products tend to last longer compared to their counterparts. This simple guide will help you choose CBD oils with a longer shelf life.

Quality of Carrier Oil

CBD oil contains carrier oils that promote the bio-availability of the product. Since CBD oil is fat-soluble, the carrier oil helps the body absorb it quickly. Carrier oil quality in your CBD is essential for extended shelf life.

Look out for products with coconut oil which lasts longer compared to hemp extract oil. Furthermore, CBD products that use cold-pressed oil are an ideal option. You can opt for cold-pressed carrier oil such as olive oil to keep CBD oil fresh longer.

Cannabinoid Ingredients

When opting for full-spectrum CBD oils, always ensure they contain cannabidiolic acid (CBDA), cannabinol(CBN), cannabigerol (CBG), and cannabichromene (CBC). Furthermore CBD products containing essential oils may last longer due to their anti-fungal and antibacterial properties.

Product Labeling

Labeling shortfalls should be a red flag when shopping for CBD products. Every bottle of CBD oil should contain a certificate of analysis (COA). The COA details the CBD oil ingredients and their concentrations. Additionally, ensure a third-party testing lab does the COA to rule out chances of biasness.

Choose the Right Variety

Full Spectrum or Broad-spectrum CBD oils are of better quality than other CBD varieties. The former contains cannabinoids that produce the entourage effect. Therefore, they tend to work better.

Consider Glass Packaging

Avoid products packaged in plastic bottles. Such bottles cause the CBD oil to stick to the wall; therefore, you consume less of the product. The same applies to aluminum cans with a BPA- free lining. Glass is a better alternative to store your CBD oil.

Avoid Additives

Additives can affect your product’s shelf life and your health too. If you’re vaping the product, it is advisable to use CBD with no additives. It should only contain hemp and cannabis.

Be wary that some additives, such as coconut oil may cause allergic effects. You should check the product label for any additive that could trigger an allergy.

Shop From Reputable Stores

Following the legalization of hemp farming, an influx of cannabinoid products is reaching the market. While some are legitimate, other oils may be counterfeit. To avoid buying such products, it is best to shop at licensed dispensaries or companies with a transparent growing and manufacturing process.

In addition, it is advisable to buy locally grown products that meet USDA standards. Furthermore, most local products employ organic practices in their farming. This means they don’t use pesticides or harmful chemicals that may be passed to you.

Identify the Dosage

Calculating your CBD dosage should be an easy task. Most CBD oil companies detail the amount of ‘total hemp oil’ in their products. If you cannot estimate your dosage when buying the product, you should consider this a red flag.

Although some manufacturers may advertise as ‘total hemp oil’ when it contains none. To avoid this type of confusion, purchasing from accredited hemp stores is advisable.

Check the Consistency

Generally, CBD oil has a similar consistency as vegetable oils. If CBD oil has a thick consistency, it is a sign that it contains additives that will affect your oil’s shelf life.

Read Consumer Reviews

Consumer reviews are an effective way of finding high-quality CBD oil. Most reviews may feature the effects and storage tips to store CBD oils. However, you should note that what works for others may not work for you. You can also consider reviews from academic research institutions and medical associations on different products.

Work Out Price Per Milligram

CBD oil can be expensive. Therefore you should ensure that you are getting value for your money. Calculating CBD oil’s price per milligram will inform you how much you spend on CBD.

Dividing the cost of the CBD product by the number of CBD milligrams will highlight the exact cost of each milligram. The standard price for each CBD milligram is $0.05 to $0.10. If the CBD product’s price is above this range, it is best to consider another CBD oil product.

Does CBD Oil Expire?

Yes, CBD oil expires.

Before buying CBD oil, it is best to check its expiration date. The date should be clearly labeled on the bottle by the manufacturer. If the label falls off, you can use the following as signs of expired CBD oil.

Smell

Fresh CBD oil has a pleasant and earthy smell. If you notice your CBD has a foul smell, it is a probable sign that it’s past the shelf life. You should store CBD oil properly to ensure its longevity.

Consistency

Old CBD oil may have thick or murky consistency. However, if you prefer storing CBD oil in cold conditions, this would be the state of your product. If you place it out of the fridge for a few minutes, it will return to its original state. If the oil retains a thick state and is dark in color, it is an expiration sign.

Taste

Old CBD oil tastes rancid compared to fresh CBD oil, which has an earth or grass taste. Even with added flavors, the expired oil will have an off-taste.

Can Poor Quality CBD Oil Make You Sick?

Consuming expired or low quality CBD oil may not have harmful health effects on you. In most cases, the oil would have lost its potency and may not have an entourage effect. However, the effects may vary among individuals.

Some individuals have reported adverse reactions such as nausea, vomiting, dizziness, and gastrointestinal problems. A small drop of expired CBD oil may not be harmful, but the foul odor may throw you back.