CBD gummies are a discreet, practical, and delicious option to reap the benefits of CBD. They’re bite-sized and popular among both beginners and experienced users. They come in various flavors and shapes, making the experience more memorable and enjoyable.

CBD gummies generally have a long shelf life, usually between six and 24 months. However, their freshness depends on numerous factors, including the ingredients and storage. So, how can you recognize a spoiled CBD gummy? And what exactly happens if you accidentally consume an expired CBD gummy?

Learn everything about CBD gummies in this comprehensive guide and reveal the best tips to keep them fresh for as long as possible!

CBD Gummies: Do They Expire or Not?

Yes, CBD gummies expire.

The ingredients inside the gummies will eventually break down and lose their edibility, while the CBD extract will gradually start to lose its potency as it ages. Considering this, it’s only natural to expect that CBD gummies will eventually expire if you don’t consume them within the recommended period.

The shelf life of CBD gummies generally ranges between six and 24 months. The exact shelf life depends on the ingredients and the storage. For example, they may expire faster if you keep them in a warm or humid environment, exposed to sunlight.

To check the expiration date of your CBD gummies, locate the best-before date on the package. It’s best to use the gummies before this date—this ensures you get the most out of them regarding freshness and potency. If you want fresh CBD gummies delivered to your door, order yours from Mr. Hemp Flower today!

What Happens When CBD Gummies Expire? The Chemistry Behind It

As time passes, CBD gummies undergo a long list of chemical and physical changes affecting their potency and quality. They may not spoil like perishable foods, but the breakdown of the ingredients will cause noticeable changes in their appearance, taste, and effects.

Here’s what you can expect once CBD gummies expire:

1. The CBD degrades and potency diminishes

CBD is a cannabinoid that naturally degrades once it’s exposed to light, air, and heat. As the gummies age and oxidate, the CBD inside will gradually dissolve into cannabinol (CBN), a compound with mildly sedative effects.

2. The consistency and texture will change

In addition to CBD, gummies often contain other ingredients like pectin or gelatin that will eventually start to lose their structure. As a result, the gummies will become tougher and chewy. The sugar crystallization and changes in moisture will make the gummies sticky. If exposed to air, they may look crumbly and dry.

3. The flavor and smell will become duller

Fresh CBD gummies have a sweet and fruity aroma; however, when they expire, they taste duller, staler, and unpleasant. Their smell may also decline due to the breakdown of the natural flavoring ingredients and oxidation.

4. The risk of bacteria and mold increases

When stored in humid and warm environments, the surplus moisture can build up inside the package and promote mold and bacteria. CBD gummies that contain natural fruit extracts or that are free of preservatives are especially vulnerable to bacteria and mold contamination. If the CBD gummies release a strong and unpleasant odor and if you notice fuzz or white spots, dispose of the product.

How to Recognize the Signs of Expired CBD Gummies?

Unsure if your CBD gummies are still any good? Follow these key signs of expiration:

The expiration date has passed: This is the best way to check if your CBD gummies are good. You will usually find the best-before date on the packaging, either embossed, inked, or stamped. Don’t mix the expiration date with the manufacturing date—the former is usually labeled as EXP, while the latter is labeled as MFG.
You can’t remember the purchase date: Generally, the average consumer has a basic idea of most things they purchased the year before. If you have no clue when you purchased the CBD gummies, the chances are that you bought them more than 12 months ago. If this is the case, don’t consume them.
Their texture is hard: Take one of the gummies in your fingers and check their texture. Fresh gummies are juicy and supple when you squeeze them; if it’s the opposite and they are hard and dry, they’re probably inedible and have expired.
They taste strange: Expired CBD gummies have a dull taste. The gummies may not taste rotten or extremely off-putting, but the hardened texture and the unusual taste usually signal that the best days of the gummies are long behind.
The effects are weak: CBD and other cannabinoids degrade gradually, leading to weaker and weaker potency. After a year, the gummies will have lost up to 50 percent of their potency, resulting in noticeably weaker effects.

What Will Happen If You Consume Expired CBD Gummies?

If you’ve accidentally consumed expired CBD gummies, you’re probably worried about what will happen. You don’t need to be because it’s not necessarily dangerous.

However, it increases the risk of poor experience and potential discomfort. Explore the things that could happen if you consume expired CBD gummies:

1. You won’t get the desired effects

The natural degradation process of CBD results in the loss of potency and lack of the expected effects. If you use CBD gummies for sleep support, relief from stress, or relaxation, expired CBD gummies won’t be able to provide the desired effects.

2. You won’t like the taste and texture

Old gummies tend to be bland, bitter, or stale—a direct result of the breakdown of their main ingredients. Some expired CBD gummies may also be sticky, hard, or crumbly, making them unpleasant for chewing.

3. You may have an upset stomach

If the CBD gummies contain natural ingredients and preservatives and they’ve expired, eating them could cause an upset stomach. If you consume expired gummies that have developed mold or bacteria, the risk of food poisoning increases and the most common side effects are diarrhea or nausea. To prevent this discomfort, avoid consuming expired gummies.

4. You won’t feel any serious health risks (unless there’s mold)

Expired CBD gummies aren’t toxic; however, if they’ve developed mold or bacteria, the risk of experiencing adverse side effects increases. This is why it’s vital to check the gummies for any discoloration, mold, or weird smells, and avoid consuming expired CBD gummies.

How to Store CBD Gummies to Preserve Freshness and Potency?

Preserving the quality of your CBD gummies is essential to ensure optimal effects and a comfortable experience and to reduce the risk of experiencing unpleasant side effects.

Follow these tips to prolong their shelf life:

Store the gummies in airtight containers: Air is not CBD’s best friend. So, make sure you keep your gummies in airtight containers. If the container has been damaged, transfer the gummies to another container to avoid air exposure and decline in quality and potency.
Choose a cool and dark area: Never store CBD gummies in areas directly exposed to sunlight. Once you’ve closed them well in an airtight container, place them in a cupboard, a drawer, or a pantry, where it’s cool, dry, and dark.
Choose the fridge: You can refrigerate CBD gummies because it’s cool and dark. Avoid leaving gummies on the kitchen counter or anywhere humid, warm, or moist.
Freeze for prolonged freshness: Freezing CBD gummies is a great way to prolong their freshness and slow expiration. Place the gummies in an airtight, freezer-safe container and remove as much air as possible. You can store them in the freezer for up to six months. Before use, leave them to thaw at room temperature.

What to Do If You Have Expired CBD Gummies?

If you have expired CBD gummies, here’s what you can do:

Check them for spoilage signs like discoloration, mold, or an odd smell—if these signs are present, dispose of the gummies.
If the gummies are slightly past the expiration date, but you don’t notice any changes in smell and texture, they may not be dangerous for consumption, but they’re most likely to be less effective. You can consume them at your own risk but note that you won’t be able to experience the full potency.
Expired but safe gummies can be repurposed—include them in arts and crafts projects!
Disposing correctly of expired CBD gummies is crucial for optimal safety—wrap them in paper or enclose them in a bag and throw them in the garbage, away from the reach of children and pets.
Improve your CBD gummy storage habits to avoid wasting products paid for and ensure maximum enjoyment!

Final Thoughts

CBD gummies are a tasty and convenient way to reap the benefits of CBD. They have a generally long and stable shelf life of up to 24 months. However, there are a lot of factors that can cause a quicker expiration, including storage conditions and the additional ingredients.

To get the most out of CBD gummies and to avoid side effects, store them in a cold and dark place, don’t use them after the best-before date, and freeze them if you have a bigger batch you don’t plan to use anytime soon.

FAQs

Can you eat 2-year-old gummy edibles?

Avoid consuming gummies older than 24 months that show signs of discoloration, mold, bacteria, and changes in texture or smell. You may experience stomach upset or more severe symptoms of food poisoning like diarrhea and vomiting.

Do unopened CBD gummies expire?

CBD gummies expire even when unopened. Their shelf life is generally within a range of 6 months to 24 months. Always check the package for the best-before date and consume them within the recommended period. Storing CBD gummies in the freezer for up to 6 months is a great way to pause the degradation process and preserve their potency.

Is it okay to use expired CBD?

Consuming expired CBD gummies isn’t generally dangerous, but it’s safest to avoid doing it. You won’t feel the same effects as you would with fresh gummies and you risk exposure to mold and bacteria, followed by unpleasant side effects ranging from upset stomach to diarrhea and vomiting.