Does CBD oil expire? This is a question that many people ask themselves, especially those who are new to using CBD.
There does not seem to be an expiration date on the product label, but does this mean it does not go bad as most food does?
The answer is: no. Like all other consumables, certain factors can cause your CBD oil to expire.
So, how long does CBD oil last? In this article, we will discuss CBD oil, its expiration, and what causes it to expire in the first place.
What is CBD Oil?
CBD oil is made from hemp plants that don’t produce mind-altering substances when consumed; instead, they help maintain balance within your body’s endocannabinoid system.
CBD does not contain mind-altering properties like THC, so it’s safe to use and won’t get you high.
It also does not cause side effects like anxiety or a dry mouth like some prescription medications can.
You can use CBD oil to help manage your chronic pain, or symptoms from anxiety, arthritis, ADHD, and epilepsy.
You may have been wondering: can CBD oil expire? How long does CBD last?Â
With proper care, CBD oil can go for years without going bad, but it can expire within a short time when carelessly handled.
The Shelf Life of CBD Oil: What causes it to Expire?
Knowing when your CBD oil goes bad and what causes it to go bad is vital information you need to have at the onset.
CBD does not go bad in the same way that food does.
As long as it is appropriately stored and kept out of sunlight or heat, CBD oil will last for at least several months (12-18) without going rancid.
Properly storing your CBD oil in the refrigerator will help to ensure that it does not go bad any sooner than 18 months.
However, if you keep your bottle of CBD oil in the sunlight or at a high temperature for more than two weeks, it is likely to change its chemical makeup and cease being effective.
If this is the case, you have lost your investment and will need to purchase a new bottle of CBD oil.
If the oil does become less potent after being exposed to too much heat for two weeks or more, it is still possible that it does not expire immediately - even if this change has occurred.
Signs that your CBD has gone bad
If you don’t know how to tell when your CBD has gone bad, chances are you’ll use an expired CBD product without even knowing.
Luckily, there are a few things you can look out for when it comes to checking if your CBD has gone bad:
Does the product smell differently than usual?
Does the color of the oil appear different than before? If so — this may indicate that chemicals have altered.
Since humans cannot smell or taste rancid oils, it is difficult to tell if the product has gone bad via smell or taste.
However, you can check for CBD oil expiry by putting a small amount of the substance on your skin and seeing how long it takes to absorb into your body.
If it doesn’t take any time or does so too quickly, then the chances are excellent that you have a rancid oil.
Why do You Need to Know if it Expires?
Unlike other products we consume, CBD is less likely to have adverse health effects when consumed or used after expiry.
However, there are still some potential health risks to be aware of.
If you do not store CBD properly and it does expire, then the oil may become less potent over time and include harmful contaminants like mold and other toxins that can cause illness or allergic reactions when consumed.
Ways to Store Your CBD Oil for a Longer Time
Even though CBD does not have an expiry date, there are some ways to extend the shelf life of your CBD oil.
The way you store your CBD oil goes a long way into determining how long it will remain with its potent effects.
Ensure that you store it in a cool, dry place for most of the time you’re using it.
A dark cupboard or drawer is preferable — this will help keep out light and moisture.
Keep the CBD oil in its original packaging to keep out air and other contaminants.
Most CBD products come with a child-proof lock, ensuring that they’re safe from kids who might unknowingly ingest it.
This is especially crucial for parents or pet owners — you don’t want them to get into your stash of CBD oil, so it pays off to be discreet.
If you’re leaving town and won’t be using the oil for a while, you can consider storing it in a freezer for temporary storage.
However, storing CBD oil in the freezer does not prolong its shelf life significantly.
If you decide to pick this route, you should leave out only what your immediate use requires so as not to waste any of the product — do not overfill containers and freeze them because doing so can lead to crystallization of the oil.
If you don’t have any container to put your CBD oil in, try using a plastic bag instead. It does not need to be airtight so long as moisture does not seep through it.
The best way to store CBD is by keeping it at room temperature and away from direct sunlight or heat sources for prolonged periods.
Final Thought
If you are interested in purchasing CBD oil, it is essential to know when the product expires. The shelf life of a bottle of CBD oil will depend on how often you use or apply it and how you store it. Remember to keep your CBD products in an airtight container away from light for maximal freshness.
It would be best to be wary of any changes in coloration, viscosity, or odor over time because these could indicate spoilage due to oxidation.
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