Does CBD Oil Expire?

CBD oil is one of the most talked-about natural supplements available now. But at the time of buying a brand new bottle of CBD, buyers, especially the new ones, often have one question: does CBD oil expire? The answer is, “Yes.” If you think about it, you’ll realize why.

You see, CBD oil has natural ingredients – and like any other pure and non-artificial, the CBD oil is bound to have an expiry date without exception. However, the shelf life of the product depends on various factors, and proper care can extend the life, as well.

Today, we are going to tell you how long you can expect CBD oil to last, about factors affecting its shelf life, and how to keep it fresh for a long time! So, without further ado, read on and find out more.

Does CBD Oil Expire? How Long Does CBD Oil Last?

It is evident that a natural therapeutic product like CBD oil has an expiration date like any other non-artificial item. But the question is, how long is CBD oil good for before it becomes unusable? The average shelf life of CBD oil can be anything between 12 and 24 months.

That being said, there are a couple of things you must remember. One thing to note is that the shelf life of CBD oil can be optimized with proper storage and careful usage. After the “expiry date” is crossed, the product will become ineffective but not harmful.

The shelf life of CBD oil depends on the quality of the product and the ingredients in it. You can expect minimally processed full-spectrum CBD oil to last longer than broad-spectrum CBD oil or CBD isolate. Factors like extraction, processing, etc., also affect CBD oil’s life.

Factors that Affect Shelf Life

As mentioned earlier, the average shelf life of CBD oil, i.e., 12-24 months, will be affected by a number of factors. Let’s look at each of these ones by one to understand what you can check while buying a CBD tincture or what you can do to make it last longer.

Quality

It is obvious that a high-quality CBD product will last longer. This includes the growing conditions of the hemp plants, plant parts used, conditions maintained in the facilities, other ingredients, etc. A good brand is a sign of high quality, and so are third-party lab reports.

Ingredients Used

If an ingredient present in the tincture has a lower shelf life than CBD oil, it will lead to an early expiration of the tincture. From flavoring agents to the plant extracts – all ingredients are analyzed in the Certificate of Analysis. Also, check the ingredients list.

Extraction Process

Hemp extracts are derived from plants using the Carbon Dioxide (CO2) method, Ethanol (alcohol) method, or Butane method. The CO2 process keeps the compounds stable and intact and boosts the shelf life of the tincture. Butane or alcohol extraction can degrade the compounds.

Packaging

CBD oil lasts longer inside glass containers that are dark in color, which is why you will see them in tinted bottles. These bottles prevent sunlight from affecting the tincture’s components. Brands also ensure that the oil is packaged in air-tight bottles to keep out air.

Storage

Exposure to air, heat, and light can degrade the quality of CBD through chemical oxidation, according to studies. That is why proper storage in a tinted, sealed bottle is crucial. Refrigeration is not required. It can be stored in a cool dark place at room temperature.

The processing of CBD oil, from the point of extraction to the final packaging, can have a crucial impact on the shelf life of CBD oil. Since full-spectrum CBD oil undergoes the least processing during extraction and has stable plant compounds, it lasts the longest.

How Do I Know if CBD Oil has Gone Bad?

Every CBD tincture comes with an expiry date. Manufacturers set this date according to the ingredients in the product. You must refer to that to detect if the CBD oil is in its prime. Apart from that, you need to check a few other things to understand the tincture’s present condition.

The smell of the CBD Oil

The smell of fresh CBD oil is earthy and nutty, much like the fresh grass. There should be no sharpness or unpleasantness in it. When CBD oil goes way past the expiry date, you will get a funky, skunky odor. If the smell repels you, trust your instinct and consider it spoilt.

Change in the Texture

CBD oil is a viscous but smooth liquid. But if it starts to become murky and dark, with an uneven texture, the oil has likely gone bad. However, don’t throw away a cloudy tincture that’s been in the cold without letting it sit at room temperature to see if it returns to its natural texture.

Change from Thick Stock to Thin One

Fresh CBD oil feels light but should be on the thicker side, like oil. If you see that the product has become runny and thin, it means that the product is not in its best condition. However, you should also remember that fresh CBD oil is not extremely thick or lumpy either.

Rancid Taste

We don’t recommend a taste test to check the condition of CBD oil. But it may happen that the look and smell taste will not indicate if the tincture has gone bad. If you find that everything else is fine, but it tastes off instead of grassy and nutty, it’s best not to use it.

Will Expired CBD Oil Make You Sick?

If you find that CBD oil has expired, it is best not to use it, just to be on the safer side. However, the good news is that if you consume it by accident, you do not have to worry about health problems or toxicity. Expired CBD oil does not become harmful or poisonous.

The only thing that happens is the degradation of the tincture. That means it loses its potency and becomes ineffective. It also starts to taste and smell quite unpleasant once it goes past its expiry date. However, it will not be able to make you sick, especially if it’s a premium oil.

So, does CBD oil expire and go bad? The answer may be more complex than you think. CBD oil of premium quality, without cheap additives, is simply an ineffective health supplement. But it is essential to consider the toxicity of the additives after those expire.

Best Way to Store CBD Oil to Make it Last Longer

To extend the shelf life of CBD oil and ensure that it remains in its perfect condition for the longest time, proper storage is mandatory. You should take the following steps to provide the best storage conditions to a tincture and follow the best usage practices –

• Open the bottle only at the time of using the tincture – and put the lid back on after use to prevent oxidation. Seal the cap tightly every time.
• Keep the tincture’s bottle upright. Make sure that it is not in a horizontal state.
• Keep it in a cool and dark place – like a deeper corner of a cabinet, drawer, etc.
• Avoid a room with high humidity, like one with a humidifier, to prevent mold formation for CBD oil storage.
• Do not keep the bottle in a hot room like a kitchen, with ovens, radiators, etc., to keep away bacteria.
• Avoid keeping the bottle in your pocket or purse to avoid warmth and humidity.
• Don’t keep the bottle near the window where it can be exposed to direct sunlight.
• Do not allow the dropper to touch your mouth or tongue, and then put it back inside the bottle. This kind of double-dipping may contaminate the oil.

Conclusion: Does CBD Oil Expire?

The quality of CBD oil is crucial. A well-processed tincture with no harmful additives will last longer, especially if you store it properly to maintain its freshness and potency level. Does CBD oil expire? Technically, it does, but the “expiry date” is more of a “best before” date.

But you may not know how additives may harm you after expiring. If you find an old bottle of good CBD oil, test its smell and texture. But it’s best not to use it, especially if it’s too old. But using CBD oil regularly will ensure the bottle is finished before the expiry date.