Does CBD Oil Go Bad?

With the increasing demand for CBD, it’s essential to understand the shelf life of CBD oil to ensure its potency and effectiveness.

On average, the shelf life of CBD oil ranges between one to two years. However, it can be affected by various factors such as storage conditions, composition, and exposure to light, heat, and air. This article provides an overview of the shelf life of CBD oil and tips on how to extend its longevity.

Whether you’re a first-time user or a seasoned consumer, this article provides valuable information to help you make the most of your CBD oil.

Factors That Affect the Shelf Life of CBD Oil

As you already know, CBD oil can last up to two years if stored properly. However, several common factors can drastically decrease the shelf life of the substance:

Storage Conditions

The way you store your CBD oil can affect its shelf life. For example, keeping it in a cool, dark place will help preserve its quality and potency for longer, while storing it in a warm or humid environment can cause it to degrade faster.

Composition

The quality and composition of CBD oil also play a significant role in its expiration process. For instance, full-spectrum CBD oil, which contains all the compounds found in the cannabis plant, is more susceptible to degradation than CBD isolate, which contains only cannabidiol.

As such, high-quality oils with pure CBD extract tend to have a longer shelf life compared to lower-quality oils with added ingredients. 

Exposure to Light, Heat, and Air

Exposing CBD oil to light, heat, or air can cause it to degrade and lose its potency.

• CBD oil is sensitive to light and can break down over time when exposed to direct sunlight or bright lights.
• Heat can cause CBD oil to degrade and lose its potency over time.
• Oxygen can cause CBD oil to oxidize, which can cause it to break down over time and lose its potency.

For these reasons, it’s essential to store it in an opaque, airtight container – the very reason CBD oils come in dark glass bottles – in a cool, dark place.

Contaminants

Contaminants such as bacteria, mold, or other impurities can affect the shelf life of CBD oil. It’s crucial to store CBD oil in a clean, sterile container and check for signs of contamination before using.

How to Extend the Shelf Life of CBD Oil?

Here are some additional tips to help you extend the shelf life of your CBD oil:

• Storing your CBD oil in a cool, dark place will help prolong its shelf life. The ideal storage temperature is between 50 and 60 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Storing your CBD oil in an opaque, airtight container will help protect it from light, heat, and air – dark glass jars or bottles with screw-top lids are ideal for storing CBD oil.
• You should also keep your CBD oil away from heat sources such as stoves, radiators, and direct sunlight.
• Avoid heating up CBD oil when cooking with it. Instead, you can use it as a base for salad dressings and homemade pesto or sneak it into your smoothies.
• While freezing CBD oil won’t necessarily make it go bad, it can cause the cannabinoids to separate from the carrier oil, affecting its potency.
• Once you open your CBD oil, it’s best to use it within six months. This is because the long exposure to air can cause it to degrade faster.

FAQ

So, Can It Actually Go Bad?

Yes, CBD oil can go bad.

Although it has a shelf life of approximately 1-2 years, over time, it can degrade and lose its potency, flavor, and color.

How to Prolong CBD Oil’s Shelf Life?

To prolong its shelf life, it’s recommended to store CBD oil in an airtight container in a cool, dark place away from direct sunlight and heat. Also, make sure to check the expiration date before using it.

Can I Use CBD Oil After Its Expiration Date?

It is not recommended to use CBD oil after its expiration date as it may have lost potency and effectiveness. Always check the label or use-by date before using.

If the oil has changed in color or has a different odor, it is best to discard it.

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