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CBD is helping to alleviate a range of conditions, and people are scrambling to get a hold of this magic potion. Many are buying it in bulk. However, they’re concerned about one thing - Does CBD expire?

Since CBD oil is derived from a natural product, unfortunately, it has an expiration date. Even though it can last a couple of years without going bad, several factors can influence its shelf life, such as the quality of CBD, its extraction method, and how it’s stored.

Let’s look at these factors in more detail and discuss ways to extend the shelf life of your bottle(s) of CBD products.

But first, let’s address the elephant in the room.

Does CBD Expire?

Yes, CBD products do expire. That’s why manufacturers print the expiration date somewhere on the packaging. Most items usually expire within three years from the date of production.

But there’s another question that’s buzzing in the minds of consumers.

Does CBD lose potency over time?

After the expiration date, the cannabinoids break down and lose their potency. This means your CBD product will not perform as well as it should or produce the desired effects.

If you recently bought a bottle of CBD oil and are wondering if it can go bad after opening, you’re not alone.

Once opened, a bottle of CBD oil can degenerate and lose its potency - even before the expiration date has been reached. That's the next topic we’ll discuss.

Factors That Influence the Shelf Life of CBD

Several factors can affect the shelf life of your CBD products. Here are a few of them.

The Quality of CBD

One of the major factors that influence the shelf life of CBD products is the quality of CBD used. High-quality CBD will typically last longer than inferior-quality products. This is because manufacturers vigilantly monitor every aspect, from the type to growing conditions to results from third-party lab tests. These companies usually have a certificate of analysis (COA) on the label.

On the other hand, low-quality CBD may be contaminated with pesticides and other chemicals. These can negatively impact the shelf life of CBD products and make them degenerate quicker.

Brands

It’s always best to buy CBD products from a reputable brand, such as a recommended vendor with excellent reviews. That’s because a reliable brand will strive to maintain the quality of its products and test procedures to ensure products have optimal shelf lives. 

Ingredients

Different ingredients are used in different CBD products. Since each component has a unique expiration date, it can influence the shelf life of your item. For instance, certain additives in a CBD product may degrade before the CBD, causing the entire product to go bad.

Method of Extraction

The way CBD is extracted can also influence the longevity of CBD. For instance, CO2 extraction maximizes CBD yields, helping to produce a purer product with a longer shelf life.

On the other hand, ethanol extraction utilizes hydrocarbon solvents to extract CBD. If not removed properly, these contaminants can significantly reduce the shelf life of CBD-infused items.

Type of CBD Extract

CBD extracts are available in different types, such as full-spectrum, broad-spectrum, and isolates. Oils derived from full-spectrum CBD often contain additional ingredients like other essential oils and botanical waxes. These components can cause CBD oil to degrade faster.

On the contrary, isolates are a purer, better form of CBD extract. This means oils containing isolates won’t degrade as quickly as the other types.

Packaging

Protecting CBD from environmental factors is a great way to make the products last longer. A darker-colored, opaque, airtight packaging can protect the contents from exposure to light, heat, and oxygen in the air.

Storage

Up until now, manufacturers were influencing the lifespan of CBD products. But there is one thing in your control - the way you store CBD products. Believe it or not, this can also play a huge role in the longevity of your bottle.

Exposing the oil or cream to extreme temperatures and bright light can speed up degeneration, causing them to expire sooner than if they were stored at room temperature in a dark place. So proper storage is a simple way to enhance the shelf life of your CBD products.

How to Check if CBD products are Expired

Now that we’ve addressed your initial question: Does CBD expire and pointed out factors that influence the shelf life of CBD products, let’s take a few moments to highlight how you can tell if it's past its prime.

Look at the following to ensure your bottle of CBD product is safe to use:

Color

If the color of the products has changed, gotten darker, or has become murky, it’s a clear indication that the contents are beginning to break down.

Texture

CBD oil will naturally thicken when refrigerated. However, once the bottle reaches room temperature, the contents should return to a normal texture.

If you think the texture of the oil or product has changed, it may be expired. For example, if the oil seems thicker or the contents in the bottle have separated, it’s time to say goodbye and buy another one.

Smell

CBD-infused items smell pleasant and earthy. If they are gone bad, the product will smell funky or rotten.

Can CBD Oil Make You Sick?

If you’re worried about getting sick after consuming expired CBD, relax. You won’t need to rush to the emergency room. Much like eating expired edible products, bad CBD oil might make you feel unwell for a while. But it’s unlikely you’ll suffer from any long-lasting health issues.

More importantly, consuming expired CBD means you won’t feel the full therapeutic effects of the drug. That’s because the cannabinoids in the oil begin to degrade and lose potency. And this is what people are more concerned about than anything else.

Smart CBD Storage Tips

Several environmental factors can influence the lifespan of CBD. If you control these aspects, you can significantly extend the lifespan of your CBD products. In order to do that, keep these points in mind.

  • Place the CBD bottle in a dark area, e.g., the pantry or cupboard.
  • Keep the bottle at room temperature (below 23°C) and away from heat sources, e.g., stove, widow, heater,
  • Store in an airtight container to prevent contact with oxygen.
  • Always seal the bottle tightly after every use.
  • Always clean your hands before handling the bottle to avoid contaminating the contents.

Final Thoughts

It's true that CBD does expire. However, with the right storage techniques, you’ll be able to prolong the shelf life of your CBD products and get the most out of every bottle you buy.

Now that you have the answer to ‘Does CBD expire’, it’s time to focus on buying quality CBD products from reliable brands like Oasis Cosmetics. We guarantee to provide premium CBD creams that are likely to last longer than those from other brands.