Does CBD Oil Expire? How to Keep CBD Oil From Going Bad

CBD oils are becoming increasingly popular due to their potential health benefits, added to the fact that they do not induce the psychoactive effects commonly associated with the use of cannabis. However, several factors can degrade CBD, potentially decreasing CBD oil effectiveness. Because of this, it is not uncommon for people to wonder: does CBD oil go bad? Does CBD oil expire or have a limited shelf-life?

So, to clear this and other doubts you may have regarding how to store CBD oil, we will review the factors that can make CBD oil go bad, how to detect when your CBD oil has expired, whether it is safe for consumption when showing signs of spoilage, and also provide you with some CBD oil storage tips.

What is CBD oil?

CBD (cannabidiol) oil is a product extracted from the hemp plant (Cannabis sativa). During the manufacturing process of CBD oil, the hemp flowers are processed to obtain several beneficial compounds, namely cannabinoids, terpenes, flavonoids, and others. All these compounds have different characteristics and may work synergistically to provide the potential health benefits associated with hemp-derived products.

The main characteristic of the hemp plant is that it is high in CBD and low in THC (delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol), which are the two most known and widely studied cannabinoids. This is important because CBD is non-psychoactive, meaning it will not get you 'high,' while THC is the compound that can induce the effects commonly associated with marijuana.

So, CBD oil is a non-intoxicating product that can be found in three presentations:

• CBD isolate. Composed of pure CBD with no other cannabinoid compounds.
• Broad-spectrum CBD. It has CBD along with several other cannabinoids and no THC.
• Full-spectrum CBD. It contains no more than 0.3% dry-weight THC, with a full range of all other cannabinoid compounds.

Choosing one type of CBD oil over another depends solely on individual preferences and needs.

Does CBD oil go bad?

Yes. CBD oil has a limited shelf life. Under adequate storage conditions, CBD oil typically lasts between 12 and 24 months at room temperature. However, this can slightly vary based on the type of carrier oil and whether it has any added ingredients, so it is important to check the date issued by the manufacturer.

Signs of bad CBD oil include changes in smell, color, taste, or consistency. If you notice the CBD oil starts smelling rancid, tastes foul, or becomes cloudy or murky, it is better to discard it and replace it with a new one.

Expired CBD oil does not provide the same effectiveness as CBD oil that is within its use-by date because CBD can slowly degrade over time. So, even though throwing out expired CBD oil may seem wasteful, and it might be tempting to use it regardless, the safest choice is not to do it.

Factors affecting CBD oil shelf life

Several factors can affect the shelf life of CBD oil. For instance, added ingredients like vitamins or artificial flavors may affect the overall shelf life of the product. Likewise, since CBD is mixed with a carrier oil, such as MCT oil, coconut oil, olive oil, sunflower oil, or hemp seed oil, the product will typically have the same shelf life as the carrier oil used to make it. Some oils may expire faster than others.

Another important factor that can affect how long CBD oil lasts is the quality of ingredients used during the manufacturing process, including the source and cultivation method of the hemp plant, the extraction method used to obtain the CBD, and the quality of the carrier oil used. In this regard, CBD obtained from organically grown hemp plants through an extraction method known as supercritical CO₂ extraction typically yields a purer product with a low risk of containing residual solvents or contaminants and a longer shelf life.

Low-quality CBD oil that contains impurities may degrade faster. High-quality CBD oils are typically tested for purity, ensuring that the oil remains stable longer. On the other hand, the storage conditions in which the CBD oil is kept can also affect its shelf life. Exposure to light, air, humidity, and heat can degrade CBD. So, it is imperative for CBD oil to be stored in a dark-colored airtight bottle and be kept in a cool, dry, dark place.

Signs of expired or bad CBD oil

There are some distinctive tell-tale signs of bad CBD oil. Be on the lookout for changes in any of the following characteristics:

Smell

The smell of CBD oil can widely vary, depending on factors such as the strain used and additional ingredients. CBD oil smells can be more floral, sweet, or fruity; others can be more earthy and herbal. In any case, CBD oil should never smell rancid or suddenly change its normal odor.

Taste

The taste of CBD oil depends on the cannabis strain used and whether any flavorings were added to the product. The taste of natural CBD oil is often described as earthy, but depending on the extraction method used, it can sometimes taste bitter. Nevertheless, it shouldn't have an unpleasant or 'off' taste under any circumstances. If the taste of your CBD oil suddenly changes, it may be a sign that it has gone bad, and it is time to discard it.

Color

While the color of CBD oil can vary depending on brands, the carrier oil, and any added ingredients, there should not be any sudden and extreme variations in the color your CBD oil first had when you opened the bottle for the first time.

Consistency

CBD oil should be liquid enough for you to be able to use a dropper to place some drops under your tongue without difficulty. If your CBD oil changes in consistency and becomes too thick, it might mean it expired. Keep in mind that it may be normal for CBD oil that has been stored in the fridge to get cloudy or even become solid, but it should get back to normal after leaving it at room temperature.

If you notice any signs that your CBD oil has gone bad, do not ingest it, and please discard it.

Can CBD oil go bad before the expiration date?

Yes. CBD oil can go bad before its expiration date when kept in inadequate storage conditions or when it gets exposed to conditions that are known to degrade the CBD oil quality, including exposure to light, air, heat, or fluctuating temperatures.

How to store CBD oil correctly

In case you need a quick reminder about proper storage conditions, here are a few CBD oil storage tips you can quickly refer to when necessary:

Bottom line

CBD oil is a non-intoxicating natural product obtained from the hemp plant, and while it may offer many potential health benefits, users should be aware that several factors can impair the efficacy and potency of CBD oil over time. Since CBD oil has a limited shelf life, proper storage is essential to prevent it from expiring prematurely.

In addition to storing the product correctly, it is also important to recognize the signs of bad CBD oil. This awareness can help users avoid potential health problems both in the short and long term.

So, to ensure your CBD oil remains effective, follow the recommended storage tips and regularly check for any signs that it may have expired.