The ability of CBD (cannabidiol) to support overall well-being with no intoxication and side effects associated with most botanicals is unmatched. Its versatility in consumption – sublingual, topical, added to food, inhaled, etc – is another aspect that makes it a part of most people’s daily health regimen. CBD oil’s wide range of benefits drives many folks to buy it in bulk for a constant supply.
But then, there are questions:
- How long does CBD last?
- Does CBD oil go bad?
- How can I tell if my stash is expired?
- How can I extend CBD oil’s lifespan?
Our Kats Botanicals article will focus on CBD oil expiration and how to keep your CBD fresh for maximum benefit.
Does CBD Oil Expire?
Yes, CBD oil expires. It has a limited shelf life and degrades with time, leading to loss of potency and effectiveness. CBD oil is made of organic compounds that break down naturally over time. The cannabinoids, terpenes, and other ingredients in the oil undergo chemical changes when exposed to unavoidable environmental conditions or contamination, reducing the life of your CBD oil tincture.
You should not use expired CBD oil because it may contain contaminants or be degraded and less potent. Further, when using your CBD oil or giving your dog their daily dose of doggie CBD, never touch the pipette to the lips or skin directly, as this can transfer contaminants or bacteria into your CBD oil bottle, which may ruin your bottle of CBD oil.
How Long Does CBD Oil Last?
Naturally, you want to protect the shelf life of your CBD tinctures. It helps to know that most CBD oil lasts 1-2 years before it begins to degrade. Its shelf life depends on the type of CBD, its ingredients, extraction method, packaging, storage conditions, and exposure to particular environmental factors such as air, heat, and light.
- Buying only high-quality CBD products ensures better ingredients, like pure, organic carrier oils (mainly MCT or medium-chain triglycerides), which may prolong the shelf life of your CBD products.
- Keep your CBD oil closed tightly to minimize oxygen exposure. This prevents oxidation, which may break down ingredients over time.
- Pure CBD that is CO2-extracted tends to have a longer shelf life than solvent-extracted ones.
- Storing products like CBD oil in dark, airtight containers protects them from sunlight and air exposure.
Learn more about CBD and other botanicals with our latest educational guides:
- Kratom vs CBD: What’s the Difference Between Kratom and CBD For Wellness?
- CBD vs Melatonin: Can You Take CBD and Melatonin Together For a Better Sleep Routine?
Does Unopened CBD Oil Expire?
Yes, unopened CBD oil can go bad. This includes hemp oil, MCT oil, full-spectrum CBD, broad-spectrum CBD, CBD isolate formulas, CBD capsules, and other CBD products. Unfortunately, organic compounds do not last forever. But it can remain fresh and last longer than a bottle opened – up to 2 years or more if stored correctly. Organic compounds in a high-quality CBD oil, such as plant-derived cannabinoids and carrier oil, will still degrade slowly with time, even when the bottle is sealed. The unopened bottle contains tiny amounts of oxygen that will slowly oxidize the ingredients, degrading the CBD oil. CBD oil should be stored in a dark cabinet to protect it from sunlight and away from moisture sources. It is best to preserve the cannabinoids and, therefore, the quality of the CBD.
Factors that Affect CBD Oil Shelf Life
- Time
- Sunlight
- Oxygen
- Excess moisture
- Bacteria, molds, skin cells, saliva, or other organic contaminants
- Dirt, dust, or debris
Does CBD Oil Expire After Opening?
Yes, CBD oil can go bad faster after opening the bottle. It lasts 5 months to a year, depending on how properly it is stored. Frequent opening can cause the oil to expire quicker, exposing it to faster oxidation or contamination. Proper storage and handling of your CBD oil bottle can extend its shelf life. Still, you want to refrain from using any botanical product past its expiration date to be on the safe side. While some products tend to last longer than their expiration dates, it’s best to err on the side of caution.
Signs That CBD Oil Has Gone Bad
Most natural botanicals, including CBD oil, contain active plant compounds, terpenes, nutrients, essential oils, and sometimes added ingredients that degrade when exposed to air and other environmental conditions. Expired CBD oil might not be harmful but will lose its therapeutic benefits.
Always buy fresh, high-grade CBD oil products from credible brands to avoid this disappointment. If there is no expiration date on your CBD oil bottle, contact the manufacturer, who can give you more information about that batch and how long it will last. It’s imperative to adhere to expiration dates when you buy CBD edibles, which have a much shorter shelf life than CBD tinctures or capsules. Sometimes, this is only a few weeks.
Love CBD Gummies? Try our 1500mg Blue Raspberry CBD Gummies or our 750mg Strawberry CBD Gummies with Melatonin!
What Happens When CBD Oil Expires?
- Change in taste – CBD oil has an earthy flavor, or the one listed on the label (mango, pineapple, citrus, berry, and others). With an expired product, the quality of CBD oil or flavoring may turn bitter or taste “off”.
- Unpleasant smell – Premium CBD oil has an herbal aroma. If you detect an unpleasant or rancid smell, your oil has gone bad.
- Color change – Fresh CBD oil should have a smooth, consistent texture. Your oil might be degrading if it is cloudy, clumpy, or has visible separation or thickening.
- Reduced potency – If your ideal dose does not achieve the desired effects, your CBD oil might have gone bad and lost its effectiveness.
Does CBD Oil Go Bad Over Time?
Yes, of course. Open or unopened CBD oil will go bad after some time. It will lose potency, effectiveness, and flavor due to the degradation of cannabinoids and other ingredients. If you do not plan on using CBD oil within the year, buy what you need for the near future to ensure your bottles stay potent and fresh until you crack the seal to use them.
Then, keep your CBD in a cool, moisture-free storage area and out of direct sunlight to protect the CBD oil and other ingredients.
Does CBD Oil Go Bad If Not Refrigerated?
Not really. Your CBD oil will not expire when not refrigerated. Most CBD oils do not need to be refrigerated – they require a cool, dark cabinet. But you might want to keep your products in a fridge if you live in a hot or humid environment.
Proper Storage for CBD Oil
By storing CBD oil correctly, you can extend its shelf life and maintain its freshness and potency. Here are the best tips and practices for proper storage:
- Keep in a cool, dark place – A pantry or kitchen cabinet away from heat sources or strong-smelling foods is the best place to store CBD oil. The ideal temperature for storage is about 60-70°F (15-21°C).
- Avoid direct sunlight – UV rays can degrade the cannabinoids in your CBD oil and lower its potency. Use dark glass bottles that can block any light.
- Avoid oxygen exposure – After measuring your dosage, tightly seal the bottle to prevent more air from getting inside. Too much oxidation will make your CBD oil lose its effectiveness.
- Controlled humidity – Too much moisture can encourage condensation or mold growth inside your CBD oil bottle. Make sure your storage area has well-managed humidity levels.
- Read the product label – Always follow the given storage directions on the product label. Some CBD oils might have unique storage recommendations depending on their format.
Should You Refrigerate CBD Oil?
Although refrigerating CBD oil is not necessary, refrigeration may extend its shelf life under particular circumstances. Many CBD oils remain stable at room temperature. But when is refrigeration needed?
- If you plan to use CBD oil for a long time.
- If you live in hot or humid climates with wide fluctuating temperatures.
- Some organic CBD oils do not contain preservatives, so refrigeration is necessary.
- Some CBD feature sensitive carrier oils that turn rancid faster. Refrigeration will extend their shelf life.
Refrigeration can make your CBD oil thicker or misty. Just remember to let it warm at room temperature for about 10 minutes to regain its normal consistency before using.
Note: If you’re also taking Kratom, learn about proper Kratom storage and shelf life.
Does CBD Oil for Dogs Go Bad?
Yes, dog CBD oil can go bad over time, just like the CBD oils we use for ourselves. The oil’s shelf life is 1-2 years, but it can expire sooner when not stored under ideal conditions. Expired CBD oil will lose potency, change color, develop an off smell, or be unsafe for your canine friend. Most CBD oils for dogs have additional ingredients to optimize their health. If the oil goes bad, it may be harmful to your pet. If your pet typically takes their CBD oils happily but suddenly turns up their nose, that’s a good indicator.
Does Dog CBD Oil Expire?
CBD oil for dogs also expires, just like for humans. It is critical to buy fresh CBD products and always confirm the expiration date. If you mistakenly give expired CBD oil to your dog, you may note some digestive issues, increased thirst, or lethargy, or it may seem the oils are no longer helping your dog with their tension, pain, or stress. Check the oils to be sure they are clean, fresh, and therefore still effective for your furry friends.
Does CBD Tincture Go Bad?
Yes, a CBD tincture can expire with time. CBD “tinctures” are a fancy name for CBD oils with other ingredients, like Ashwagandha, Melatonin, vitamins, or flavorings.
While CBD may be a stable compound, the other ingredients may be more prone to atrophy, therefore breaking down and going bad sooner. This may reduce the shelf life and your CBD tincture’s expiration date. To ensure the freshness and effectiveness of your CBD tinctures, store them as you would CBD oils, and only use them before their expiration.
CBD tinctures created with hemp seed oil or infused with flavorings may go bad sooner if there are no preservatives. MCT oil-based CBD tinctures can last for up to 2 years, while alcohol-based ones may last 3-5 years.
Do CBD Flower and Gummies Go Bad?
Both CBD flowers and gummies can expire since they are made with organic plant-based compounds. This includes homemade concoctions made with hemp flower (lotions, oils, butters, and edibles).
A shelf life is based on the shortest shelf life of any given ingredient. For example, if you make a hemp flower edible and include a homemade, fresh butter that lasts 2-3 weeks in the fridge, then that’s how long your edibles, on the whole, will last.
Their shelf life and expiration processes also differ due to varying manufacturing techniques, ingredients, storage needs, etc. Here is what this means:
Does CBD Flower Go Bad?
CBD flower may go bad faster since it is a natural, unprocessed product. This makes it highly prone to environmental factors such as oxygen and light. Most CBD flowers have a shelf life of 5-12 months if stored properly. Here are sure indicators of expired CBD flowers:
- Mold or white powdery spots
- Stale or harsh smell
- Dry, brittle, or crumbly texture
- Reduced potency
- Change in color to yellowish or brownish
Do CBD Gummies Go Bad?
Yes, CBD gummies can expire. They can last for up to 2 years before going bad. CBD gummies contain many ingredients, including flavorings, preservatives, and sugar. How can you tell if your gummies have expired?
- Moldy spots
- Dry or hard texture
- Sticky or melted consistency
- Foul smell
- Unpleasant taste
- Change in color – faded or darkened
How to Extend the Shelf Life of CBD Oil
The best way to extend the shelf life of CBD oil products is to store them correctly. Let’s recap proper storage to maximize the shelf-life, and therefore the efficacy and safety of your CBD products:
- Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.
- Always keep your bottle tightly sealed.
- Regulate temperature and humidity.
- Verify the expiration date and use your oil on time.
- Choose premium-grade CBD oil.
Final Thoughts on CBD Oil Expiration and Storage
Store your CBD oil properly if you want to get the most out of it. Start by implementing the storage tips and practices in this guide for optimal results, and do not ignore any signs of product degradation. And remember, choosing top-quality, third-party tested CBD oil products is the first step to ensuring the longest-lasting potency and effectiveness.
As with all Kats Botanicals products, we believe in this and want you to receive the freshest CBD products for maximum wellness benefits. We employ the highest manufacturing standards in certified facilities to ensure you get the best CBD oil and other botanicals, such as Kratom for sale and Kava Kava.
