Even the highest quality CBD oil can go bad.
It’s a natural product, so the quality and potency may reduce over time. Though it’s not necessarily dangerous to consume it past its prime, it exposes you to reduced effectiveness and a less enjoyable experience.
To prevent this, it’s essential to recognize the signs of CBD oil spoilage, get familiar with the factors that may cause it to spoil sooner, and the best ways of storage.
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What Is CBD Oil Made Of?
CBD oil consists of two elements, i.e., CBD extract and a carrier oil. The extract is from hemp, and it’s broad-spectrum, full-spectrum, or isolate. Every type has its range of compounds and cannabinoids, which may influence the oil’s stability over time.
The carrier oil is usually MCT oil, hemp seed oil, or olive oil, and it helps deliver the CBD and contributes to the freshness of the product. Some oils are more stable than others. For example, MCT oil is longer-lasting than hemp seed oil because of its oxidation resistance.
The type of extract used is also important.
The full spectrum ones contain several cannabinoids and natural plant compounds, resulting in different degradation over time. The broad spectrum one is similar to the full spectrum, but it doesn’t contain THC. The isolate is more refined, and its shelf life is slightly longer under the same conditions.
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Does CBD Oil Expire?
CBD oil has an expiration date.
Over time, the cannabinoids and the carrier oils start to degrade, a natural process that influences the product’s potency and quality. Generally speaking, CBD oil has a shelf life of 12 to 24 months, although the exact shelf life depends on the ingredients and storage.
Considering many CBD oils are made using natural ingredients and without preservatives, their shelf life is limited. When you use expired CBD oil, the full benefits and the taste or smell may not be there.
This is why you should buy CBD oil with adequate formulation and follow proper storage practices when trying to maintain the effectiveness and safety of your CBD oil.
How to Tell If Your CBD Oil Has Gone Bad?
The expiration date on the bottle is the best indicator to check if the oil is past its prime. That said, the expiration date isn’t an exact science. The labels can fall off, and sometimes you may not be able to read the print.
If this is the case, here are the tell-tale signs of a CBD oil that went bad:
1. The smell is odd
Rancid CBD oil smells funky and almost skunky. Fresh CBD has an earthy smell, and it’s not unpleasant for the nose in any way.
2. The taste is rancid
Unless there’s artificial flavor, CBD oil usually tastes earthy, grassy, and nutty. The taste is palatable, whereas expired CBD oil doesn’t taste pleasant at all.
3. It’s murky and thick
Thick and dark CBD oil is a sign of degradation.
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What Happens If You Use Expired CBD Oil?
Using CBD oil that has expired isn’t likely to be harmful, but it may not be worth it because this is what could happen:
- Rancid carrier oil: If the carrier oil has gone rancid, it may taste or smell odd and could irritate the stomach.
- Reduced potency: Cannabinoids degrade over time, so the effects will be weaker or non-existent.
- Fewer benefits: Even if the oil smells and looks good, the therapeutic properties may be reduced if it’s past its prime.
How to Store CBD Oil Properly?
CBD oil is sensitive to changes in light, temperature, and oxygen, making proper storage a priority to maintain its potency and freshness. A good rule of thumb is to store it like you store other cooking oils and protect it from excess light, heat, and air.
This is why CBD oil is packaged in medical-grade, air-tight, dark glass bottles— it lowers light exposure and promotes temperature control. In addition to using proper containers, you can maintain your CBD oil’s freshness with the following tips:
- Store it at a room temperature of around 60 to 70 degrees F.
- Keep it in its original packaging.
- Store it in a dark and cool place like a cupboard or pantry.
- Don’t keep it near sources of excess heat or cold like radiators, ACs, windows, and stoves.
- Always use a clean dropper or spoon to prevent bacteria and other contaminants.
- Close the bottle after each use to keep the air out.
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Does Refrigerating CBD Oil Help?
Storing CBD oil in the fridge isn’t always necessary, although it may help prolong its shelf life in specific situations:
- You live in a warm climate: If your home gets hot, store the oil in the fridge to reduce the risk of heat-caused degradation.
- Natural formula: Cooler temperatures may help slow down the decline of the cannabinoids and carrier oil, especially if the oil is free of preservatives.
- You won’t be using it soon: The fridge is a great place to store the oil and prolong its shelf life if you don’t plan to use it soon.
Factors That Affect Shelf Life
The shelf life of CBD oil depends on several factors. By understanding them better, you can choose optimal products and potentially prolong their duration, providing more for your money.
Let’s take a look at the main ones:
1. Quality
Premium CBD oil usually lasts longer. From optimal growing conditions and quality plants and other ingredients, it’s the best choice if you want the oil to last as long as possible.
2. Ingredients
CBD oil ingredients matter because each has its own shelf life, affecting the overall product’s longevity. With CBD oil, less is usually more, so make sure you carefully read the label and the COA.
3. Extraction Process
The carbon dioxide extraction is the gold standard in CBD oil production. It maximizes the CBD level and other cannabinoids, if full-spectrum or broad-spectrum, obtained from the plant during the extraction. It also maintains the stability of the compounds.
4. Packaging
Amber bottles aren’t just for looks because CBD oil lasts longer in airtight, glass, and dark-colored containers. This keeps the oil safe from exposure to air and sunlight.
5. Storage
Heat and light encourage the degradation of CBD oil, making proper storage essential in preserving its potency and freshness.
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How to Make CBD Oil Last Longer?
To prevent wasting product, adopt several habits that will prolong its shelf life:
- Opt for smaller bottles, especially if you don’t use CBD oil daily. This lowers the risk of spoilage before you finish it.
- Store it in a dry drawer or cabinet, away from heat, cold, and windows.
- Secure the lid well after each use to lower air exposure.
- Always check the label for the “best by” or batch date if you’re unsure whether the oil is fresh.
- Buy CBD oil from trusted sellers only. They follow better production practices and offer a COA for their products.
Final Thoughts
Although CBD oil can go bad, its usual shelf life is long, even if it’s not used regularly. You can ensure optimal shelf life by buying from trusted brands and following good storage practices. This ensures the oil stays fresh and potent for as long as possible.
If you’ve found a forgotten bottle, a quick scan of the label or a look at the color and smell can tell you if it’s past its prime.
FAQs
How can you tell if CBD oil is bad?
Scan the oil for changes in taste, appearance, and smell. If it’s cloudy or darker than usual and smells sour or rancid, or tastes bitter or odd, it’s probably bad.
Is CBD oil good after 2 years?
Most CBD oils have a shelf life of 12 to 24 months. If two years have passed, the oil has probably started to lose its potency and may not taste optimal. Check for signs of spoilage.
Does CBD oil lose effectiveness over time?
Yes, it does because cannabinoids break down gradually when exposed to light, heat, and air. Over time, this results in a less potent and less effective CBD oil.