Does CBD Oil Go Bad? [4 Tips On Extending Shelf Life]

It seems like CBD (Cannabidiol) is gaining widespread popularity due to its impressive wellness benefits. However, before you begin stocking up, there are a few important considerations. One key question is the shelf life of CBD oil and whether it can go bad. Like other supplements or medications, CBD products have a specific shelf life during which they maintain their effectiveness. Read on to learn how long you can keep your CBD products fresh and potent.

How Does CBD Work in Humans?

Cannabidiol (CBD) is an extract of the cannabis plant. It belongs to the group of chemical compounds known as cannabinoids. These cannabinoids play various important roles in the human body due to their activation of and interaction with the endocannabinoid system (ECS).

The ECS is like a control and regulation network that is spread throughout the body. It oversees the healthy function of a person’s moods, sleep cycles, immune system, digestion, pain response, and more.

CBD can be crucial in regulating the ECS, this is because it ends up having multiple applications towards wellness in the human body. In other words, CBD helps your body to regulate, adapt, and modulate. This trifecta of functions will help you in creating an optimal state of homeostasis.

What Is the Average Shelf Life of CBD Oil?

Consensus generally agrees the average shelf life of CBD oil falls in the range of 14 months to 2 years. But, What makes the difference in how long it lasts? Eventually, the potency will decrease, thereby rendering the product ineffective. You can also shorten the shelf life by not following the proper storage procedures.

There are, although, a variety of ways to ensure that you maximize this shelf life and have your CBD products remain effective and safe for as long as possible. Let’s explore what CBD oil is and what breaks it down.

In general, the notion of “shelf life” when it comes to CBD products has more to do with the supplement’s potency rather than actual spoilage of the product. If you notice cloudy discoloration and/or a foul smell coming from your CBD oil product, then avoid using it and just replace it.

As with other CBD products, the potency will eventually deteriorate if a sufficient amount of time has passed. In other words, you will not necessarily get sick from eating an old CBD product, but it will not be as effective as a more recent product.

That being said, the shelf life of a product made with CBD oil is usually at least on average 14 to 24 months if it is kept under ideal conditions. These conditions are:

Keep CBD oil away from direct sunlight

Store your CBD oil in atmospheric conditions that are stable (no sudden spikes or drops in air humidity levels)

Cool temperatures are ideal for CBD storage (usually below 77 degrees Fahrenheit)

Avoiding excessive exposure to air will keep CBD oil potent.

Get The Right Size For Your Personal Dosage

Furthermore, there are a variety of reasons why it may take one user longer to go through the bottle of CBD oil versus another consumer. This is because the dosage amounts will vary from person to person, and the precise milligrams that a consumer will use can depend on any of the following factors:

For instance, here’s just a small list of some of the things that might affect how many mg of CBD it will take for you personally to start noticing effects:

How old are you?
How much do you weigh?
What is your normal diet?
What symptoms are you trying to treat?
How are you consuming the CBD?
Is this your first time taking CBD?
Are you a previous cannabis user?
Do you already have a tolerance built up?

Under optimal conditions, some users have reported that their CBD products had a shelf life of over two years. Some manufacturers may print an expiration date somewhere on the product, or you can also contact the company that manufacturers your CBD product and ask them what the shelf life is for their particular brand.

What Can Make CBD Oil Go Bad?

The primary factors that affect shelf life in CBD oil are:

Temperature
Light
Humidity
Air

By keeping all four of these factors within optimal ranges (not too high and not too low), you can ensure that your CBD oil will stay fresh and effective for much longer. If you keep the CBD products in a place where these factors are constantly shifting or are unstable, then the likelihood of the product either spoiling or losing its potency becomes very high.

Ways to Extend the Shelf Life of CBD Oil (So It Doesn’t Go Bad)

Light

Avoiding the storage of the products in an area where they will be exposed to excessive light or heat (or even varying levels of light or heat) as these conditions can cause the product to degrade more quickly. Look for packaging which uses UV protection. This helps with reducing any light exposure.

Refrigeration

It is not usually necessary to refrigerate CBD products (unless specified by the company), but if you do decide to keep it in the fridge then remember that some light crystallization is perfectly normal. If this occurs, simply run the bottle of CBD oil under warm (but not hot) water.

Exposure To Air

To get the longest life out of your CBD product you should keep the cap on securely, or packaging sealed airtight. Exposure to air speeds up the oxidization process (known as “oxidative stress”) which in turn leads to premature spoilage.

Humidity

It is not a good idea to store your CBD in an area with fluctuating or high humidity levels. High humidity and drastic humidity changes have will have a degrading result on your CBD products. You should store your CBD products in conditions where relative humidity (RH) levels do not exceed 65%.

CBD oil products should be kept under similar conditions as any other medicine. The light, temperature, and humidity levels should be stable and neither too high nor too low.

Is CBD Oil Safe for Humans?

CBD is safe. This is especially true if you use CBD products under the supervision of your treating clinician. Doing so will ensure that there will not be any adverse interactions with other medications you may be taking.

Furthermore, it is nearly impossible to overdose on CBD products; if you take a sufficiently high dose, then you will likely simply have to sleep it off.

Only shop with companies like Cheef Botanicals, which provide products that undergo extensive testing to control such as:

Dosage Amounts

By controlling the potency of each product sold, you can take precise dosage amounts that can help treat various symptoms. Going with an established company will ensure that the correct amount of CBD is in your dose. This guarantees that it is legal everywhere in the United States and that it will not make you intoxicated.

For more on dosage information check out our convenient CBD oil dosage chart. Try this easy-to-use chart to calculate your personal dose for any CBD product.

Certified Organic

The CBD oil that is used in our products comes from hemp plants that are cultivated in a controlled environment. Cheef Botanicals sources CBD Flower plants that are 100% organic. Consequently, no pesticides are ever used at any point in the harvesting process.

Clean Manufacturing Process

CO2 (carbon dioxide) extraction is the method used by Cheef Botanicals to create their CBD products. This process is green and environmentally friendly, thereby ensuring that no residual solvents or toxins are present in the final product that you consume.

These various tests are overseen by a third party so that all Cheef Botanicals products receive certificates of analysis (COA’s). This guarantees that your final product is safe, natural, and effective.

What CBD Products Are There?

There are a variety of CBD products that are available. Because sublingual and oral ingestion are the most common methods of administering CBD to a consumer, most CBD products come in the following forms:

Tinctures

This is administered sublingually (under the tongue). This is essentially pure CBD oil that is available in bottles of various sizes (usually 300 milligram, 600 milligrams, 1200 milligrams, and 3000 milligrams). You administer the CBD oil by using a dropper to squirt the oil directly into your mouth and under your tongue.

Capsules

Premium vegan CBD capsules are administered via oral ingestion. They are also available in bottles of various sizes (usually ranging from 300 milligrams to 3000 milligrams). These are taken just like any other medicinal pill on an empty or full stomach.

Edibles

These come in a variety of flavors and various dosage sizes (usually ranging from 300 milligrams to 3000 milligrams). Cheef Botanicals offers edible gummies that are delicious and vegan (in order to accommodate various dietary philosophies). Edibles can be taken, much like capsules, on an empty or full stomach.

CBD is safe, effective, and totally natural. Try a product today and start living your best life right away!