CBD (cannabidiol) oil has become increasingly popular due to its benefits and federal acceptance. Unlike THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), CBD isn’t psychoactive, meaning you won’t get high. However, CBD oil has a shelf life and will expire like most products. The shelf life is typically between 1 and 2 years, depending on various factors. Quality, ingredients, extraction method, and storage are among the key factors that influence how long CBD oil will stay on the shelves. Each container has an expiry date, so you should check the manufacturer’s label before using CBD oil. Here’s everything you need to know about CBD oil expiry:
How Long Does CBD Oil Take To Expire?
Like most health-related products, CBD oil comes with a predetermined expiry date. Many CBD oil bottles at Moon Mother Hemp feature a shelf life included in the label information. You should pay attention to the expiration date to make sure your product is safe and effective. While many variables determine how long your CBD oil will last, most products are good for 1-2 years from when they’re manufactured. You must store the oil properly to ensure the product lasts as long as indicated. This includes not touching the dropper when administering it. Touching the dropper with your mouth can expose the oil inside the bottle to bacteria, which can compromise the oil’s safety and shorten its shelf life.
What Affects CBD Oil Shelf Life?
Many things affect how long CBD oil lasts. Popular factors include the oil’s quality, packaging, and how to use and store it. Understanding how each element impacts the quality of CBD oil can help you identify products that last longer. You can also stretch the shelf life to the indicated expiry date. Below are all the factors to consider when pondering CBD oil shelf life:
1. Quality and Ingredients
High-quality CBD oil will last longer than low-quality products. Various aspects, including the growing conditions and hemp/cannabis plant quality, determine CBD oil quality. The quality of other ingredients in the formula (herbal additives, flavorings, melatonin, and vitamins) will also impact overall CBD oil quality and shelf life. Choose products from reputable manufacturers, preferably those with natural flavorings and ingredients instead of artificial chemicals. Make sure you read the certificate of analysis to determine all compounds and their shelf lives.
2. Extraction Method
Carbon dioxide and ethanol extraction are the two popular processes used to produce CBD oil. CO2-extracted CBD oil is considered the gold standard. The process maximizes CBD levels and keeps other cannabinoids (CBG, CBDV, CBN, CBC, etc.) stable in full-spectrum and broad-spectrum CBD oil. Products made from the CO2 extraction method offer longer shelf life than ethanol-extracted oils. However, CO2 extraction involves more expensive equipment, so some manufacturers opt for ethanol. Unfortunately, ethanol extraction retains many plant compounds found in cannabis and hemp, resulting in shorter life spans.
3. Packaging and Storage
CBD oil is often packed in amber or dark-colored airtight glass containers. The goal is to keep the oil from breaking down due to air and light exposure. CBD oil should also be protected from heat, which can accelerate degradation. In addition to finding the proper packaging, you should store your oil in dark places at room temperature. Storing CBD oil in ideal conditions can help preserve its potency and freshness throughout its shelf life. Avoid sunlight and extreme temperatures, and keep the container closed to prevent oxidation.
4. Type of CBD Oil
CBD oil is available in various types, including isolates, whole-plant, broad-spectrum, and full-spectrum. Isolate is the purest form of the oil as it only features cannabidiol and nothing more. Broad-spectrum, full-spectrum, and whole-plant CBD oil retain more hemp plant compounds with different shelf lives. As such, they have shorter expiration dates than CBD isolate. Considering all the above factors, CBD isolate from CO2 extraction and plants grown in perfect conditions last the longest, especially when packaged and stored correctly.
What Happens When CBD Oil Expires?
CBD oil naturally degrades over time. When the oil is past its indicated expiration date, it loses its potency, so it won’t be as effective in providing the sought-after therapeutic effects. Most vitamins and natural flavorings will also lose effectiveness without becoming toxic or dangerous. Consuming expired CBD isn’t associated with any adverse effects if it features natural compounds. However, expired CBD oil may present issues if it contains artificial ingredients. Here’s what may happen when CBD oil expires:
a) Produces A Funky Odor
Changes in smell are among the popular indications of CBD oils that have gone bad. Oil from a raw extract may produce an earthy odor, while distilled oils have a more refined smell. Fresh CBD has an earthy scent, but expired oils will smell different from when you first opened the bottle. The odor will be distinct depending on the oil you purchase.
b) Tastes “Off” Or Sour
Fresh CBD oil usually has a nutty, earthy, or grassy taste, but one that’s palatable. You’ll notice changes in taste once the oil expires. Sometimes, the ingredients separate while the CBD sits on the shelf, so you should shake the bottle well before using it. If the CBD oil tastes rancid or “off” even after shaking, it could mean the bottle has expired.
c) Develops A Thick Consistency
CBD oil can become cloudy after sitting in a cold room or refrigerator. Sometimes, the oil crystallizes, but such changes are reversible when the bottle returns to room temperature. If the CBD oil doesn’t return to its original viscosity after a few minutes, it could indicate expiry. Thick and altered consistency is a clear sign the oil has gone bad.
d) Becomes Dark and Murky
The fatty acids in CBD oil can remain stable for a long time but gradually oxidize with repeated use. Oxidized fatty acids become inactive and can result in color changes over time. The CBD oil will become darker than it was when you first opened it. If it becomes cloudy or murky, check the label to determine how close it is to the expiration date.
Conclusion
CBD oil products can last up to 2 years if you take the proper steps to preserve their potency. Starting with quality products from leading manufacturers is the best way to stretch your CBD oil’s shelf life. CBD oil is also vulnerable to sunlight, air (oxygen), sunlight, and extreme temperatures. These elements can accelerate its degradation or cause it to go bad. Keep an eye out for the signs above of expired CBD to avoid consuming products that have gone bad. You should also check the expiry date when purchasing your batch and make reminders.
