When we’re purchasing CBD oil, the expiration date is rarely the first thing that comes to mind.
Naturally, we are much more focused on the type of product, on the qualities and strengths of the oil, especially if we’re buying a CBD product for the first time.
It’s no wonder that a large percentage of consumers isn’t really sure whether cannabidiol-infused oils have an expiration date or not.
But just like any other product, CBD oil has a shelf life and once it’s opened it can’t be used forever.
After the shelf life expires, the oil can become a home to bacteria and mold, and will likely become less potent.
Even if you plan to consume CBD oil on a daily basis, it’s always advisable to check the expiration date before buying the product, just to be certain that it’s fresh and safe for use.
How Long Does CBD Last Once Opened?
This question often arises when users decide to buy several different CBD products at the same time, usually to try and figure out what type of product suits them best.
In situations like these, a product which isn’t used regularly tends to get forgotten in some drawer or a cabinet.
When someone wants to try it again after a period of time, they’re typically unsure whether the product is good or not.
Most CBD oils have a shelf life up to 24 months, within which they are safe and fresh to use if stored properly.
There are two main factors that affect the length of CBD oil’s shelf life:
- The quality of the product
- The storing conditions of the product
Quality of the Product
One of the main ingredients of any CBD oil (besides the cannabidiol extract) is the carrier oil.
If a product is made from both high quality CBD extract and high quality carrier oil it will have a longer shelf life.
On the other hand, poor quality oils have a tendency to become rancid and lose potency much faster than high quality ones.
The method of cannabidiol extraction also determines the quality of the oil, directly affecting the average shelf life of a given CBD product.
Products created via CO2 extraction have a larger amount of CBD, which means they can be used for a longer period of time, compared to the ones created with other methods of extraction.
Other extraction methods (e.g. extractions with various solvents) involve the use of potentially harmful substances that can also affect the quality and shelf life of CBD oil.
Storing Conditions of the Oil
Storing conditions also play a capital role in preserving the freshness of CBD oil.
No matter how good your product is, if it’s not stored properly it will go bad before the expiration date and lose its therapeutic properties.
There are several tips on how to properly store CBD and prevent the oil from turning spoiled and useless.
- Tip 1: Keep the Product in the Original Packaging
Manufacturers often pack CBD oil in bottles made from tinted materials. Darkened packages protect CBD from light exposure and help to preserve freshness.
Also, these bottles have safety seals which prevent any air or humidity from affecting the product, which subsequently degrades the potency.
- Tip 2: Store the Oil in a Dark and Cool Place
Even though CBD oils can be stored at room temperatures, if you’re not planning to consume your oil on a daily basis, it’s best to make sure and keep it in the fridge.
Refrigerating the oil can make it appear cloudy and thicker, but the cold will definitely preserve the freshness.
In case your oil turns thick from the cold, hold the bottle under lukewarm water in order to liquify it.
- Tip 3: Don’t Expose the Oil to Extreme Heat (in a car or near a heat source)
Perhaps you heard that mixing CBD oil with hot food or beverages is not the best of ideas.
This is because scorching temperatures alter both the potency and beneficial properties of the oil.
- Tip 4: Make Sure to Properly Close the Package, and Keep It in a Dry Place
As previously mentioned, air and humidity are sworn enemies of any CBD oil.
Oxygen makes the CBD molecules to degrade much faster, which affects the potency of the oil.
On the other hand, the carrier oil which is one of the main ingredients can easily become spoiled when exposed to humidity and bacteria from the air.
All in all, keep the oil in a cool, dark and dry place, and make sure that the seal is secure after each use.
How to Tell If Your CBD Oil Is Bad
Maybe you’ve stumbled upon some CBD oil that you totally forgot about.
The expiration date says it’s still good, but it looks somewhat suspicious and you don’t know if you should use it or not.
Or perhaps the label on the bottle is faded, and the expiration date is no longer visible.
If you’re not sure whether your oil is still safe, you should check how it looks and how it smells. It’s as simple as that.
If your oil appears foggy, or if you noticed a change in color, the smart thing to do is to throw it away and replace it with a new bottle.
Also, if you try the oil and it has a rancid smell or tastes kind of funny, dispose of it immediately.
