CBD Oil is the hot product of the moment. 1 in 7 Americans has tried the supplement, which has been touted by millions of users and some scientific studies as being capable of making a positive difference in an array of areas. However, CBD is still a relatively new product: It was first legalized at the federal level in late 2018. As such, there are still many questions about what CBD is, what it does, and how people can safely use it.
Among those questions: Does CBD oil go bad? Does it lose its potency over time? Can it get you sick? Or is it one of those substances like honey that seems to never really get old?
Let’s take a look at this important topic for CBD users.
Does CBD Oil Expire?
Yes. CBD does go bad
However, there’s good news: CBD doesn’t have to be used right away, unlike many other types of food or drink. Depending on the quality of the brand you purchase and how you care for it, CBD can usually last between 1-2 years before you should probably throw it out. The better quality you buy, the longer your CBD will last you.
Furthermore, all CBD products should come with a variety of information, including a Certificate of Analysis that will tell you what types of products are in your CBD and confirm its ingredients. Your CBD should also come with an expiration date that lists when the product should be used by. If either of these pieces of information is not available, do not buy the product, as you are likely setting yourself up for the purchase of a product that has been poorly made and has something to hide.
As an engaged consumer, it is on you to make sure that you are checking for both a Certificate of Analysis and expiration date. This is particularly important because the U.S. Food and Drug Administration is still developing appropriate regulations, though they are at least monitoring some labeling issues and issuing recalls.
If there is any good news, it’s that you probably don’t have anything to worry about when it comes to taking CBD past its expiration date. Unlike items like meat or milk, CBD that is past its date probably won’t get you sick – it just won’t be as effective.
How Can You Tell If Your CBD Has Gone Bad?
Fortunately, there are some ways you can tell if a product has gone bad beyond its expiration date. These include:
Taste
CBD that has gone bad will naturally taste different, and it may smell different as well. This is understandable: As ingredients break down, the product changes.
Texture and color
CBD products are not identical. As such, it is impossible to make uniform statements about what CBD should look and feel slightly like. This changes depending on a variety of factors, including extraction method, added ingredients, and whether or not it is a full or broad spectrum. However, if the product has gone bad, it will look and feel different. Its color may change, becoming darker. If ingredients within the CBD begin to break down, it will appear chunky or cloudy.
How Can You Best Extend The Life of CBD?
Like any food, the way you take care of your CBD can make a difference for how long it ultimately lasts. As such, here are some tips for how to best take care of your CBD and ensure that it has the longest shelf-life possible.
Quality matters
Cheap CBD that you purchase in a gas station will have a different impact and shorter shelf life than high-quality CBD that you purchase from a reputable realtor or website. While price and quality are not always correlated, it is important that you read reviews and check out a product’s certificate of analysis before actually making a purchase. This will help you make sure that you enjoy the CBD you purchase and get your money’s worth.
Follow the instructions
Again, high-quality CBD will come with instructions on how to best care for it and ensure that you get your money’s worth. Most CBD products will likely come with the same instructions that you see in this article, but some may be different. As such, always follow the labeling on a package.
Storage matters
Don’t leave your CBD on a windowsill where it will attract plenty of light and heat. Indeed, at least one study has found that exposure to light is one of the quickest ways that cannabis products will break down. The best place you can store your CBD is in a cool, dark place. Do not place it in a refrigerator unless the label advises you to do so, and never freeze your CBD. Indeed, one of the reasons that most CBD tinctures come in a colored bottle is because this will help to regulate the product’s temperature and keep it relatively cool.
Keep it sealed
Like other food and drink products, CBD will lose it’s potency if it is exposed to the outside air. As such, make sure that your bottles are screwed tightly shut. If you have a CBD edible product, make sure to seal its bag properly.
Don’t over-purchase
However much you love your CBD, make sure to only purchase what you need, particularly if you are just starting out. Many people find that it only takes a little bit of CBD to give them the physical or emotional impact that they are looking for. Don’t purchase additional CBD ahead of time – this just increases the chances of the CBD you buy going bad, and remember, good CBD is not cheap!
Conclusion
Like any other food or drink product, the impact of your CBD ultimately comes down to your purchasing and care habits. There are plenty of things you can do to make sure that your CBD stays fresh and potent for as long as possible. Following these tips will ensure that you get the best CBD experience and get your money’s worth out of your CBD product.
FAQs About CBD oil expiration
Question: Does CBD oil Expire?
Answer: Yes. CBD does go bad. CBD usually lasts between 1-2 years before you should probably throw it out.
Question: How can you tell if CBD is has gone bad?
Answer: You can check its taste and color. CBD will taste different if its already past its expiration date. It can also look much darker than its original color.
Question: How to extend the life of CBD?
Answer: There are many factors that affect CBD shell life, and of the most important is temperature. Store your CBD in a cool and dark place.
Question: Is it good to purchase a large quantity of CBD at the same time?
Answer: It is not recommended to purchase a large quantity. You will just have a hard time storing it to maximize its shelf life. Furthermore, CBD is a steadily growing business so you don’t need to worry about it going out of stock.
