Following the federal legalization of industrial hemp and hemp-derived CBD oil with less than 0.3% THC, CBD oil has attracted much attention. In fact, it is no longer the edgy product, but has now become part of the mainstream. One can find CBD oil and its products online and in nearby stores and shops. In fact, some Walmart and other big stores now stock CBD oil, especially in states where CBD oil is partially or wholly legal. What’s more, even cooking oils and fats now feature CBD oil, and you might be one of the many CBD oil enthusiasts. The user may want to know whether CBD oil and its products expire. Peer into this write-up to know more about CBD oil expiration.

Does CBD Oil Expire?

For the most part, the answer is yes; CBD oil expires just like any other oil in the pantry. This does not mean the oil becomes poisonous, but it suggests a decrease in its quality and potency. However, knowing the shelf life of CBD oil and important storage tips help to know how best to store the oil, maximizing its stay before it goes bad. Besides, learning the factors that affect or determine the duration before it expires helps to capitalize on the pros, possibly helping with a long lasting fresh oil.

The Shelf Life of CBD Oil

The shelf life of any substance describes the period during which it is potent, effective, and in its best quality. Most of the manufactured products, including CBD oil, have a shelf life, meaning that a time comes when it is no longer potent and in its best quality. The shelf life of CBD oil is about 1 to 2 years. However, how long your CBD oil remains fresh and potent depends on many things, most of which are within the user’s control bracket. Consequently, knowing these factors helps to capitalize on them before, during, and after buying the oil, improving the shelf life.

What Determines the Shelf Life of CBD Oil?

Like any other manufactured product, specific factors determine the shelf life of CBD oil. Here are some factors;

Quality

The quality of a product remains a critical factor in determining how long it stays in its best form. Likewise, high-quality CBD oil from reputable brands typically boasts longer shelf lives than their counterparts from not so reputable companies.

Ingredients

What makes up CBD oil besides the cannabinoid influences its quality, ultimately determining its shelf life. For instance, most CBD oils have flavorings, and additives specifically added to mask the bitter and earthy taste of hemp plants. Yet, surprisingly, less is more in CBD oil. The more the ingredients, especially low-quality, the faster your oil will degrade.

Storage

How you store the CBD oil determines how long it remains potent and fresh. CBD oil is sensitive to air, light, and heat, and exposing it to any of these conditions increases its degradation rate.

Packaging

CBD oils come in amber bottles for every good reason. The dark bottles are not only eye-appealing but also preserve the quality and potency of the oil by preventing light and air exposure. CBD oil that does not come in the dark-colored bottle will degrade faster if not stored properly.

Extraction process

The extraction method the CBD oil went through also influences how long it remains potent. While there are many extraction processes, CO₂ extraction remains the gold standard since it maximizes the quality of the oil, does not unnecessarily attach solvents to it, and keeps it potent for the longest time.

How to Know If the CBD Oil is Nearing Expiration

CBD oils have expiration dates indicated on the glass bottles. That is one of the things to focus on while buying CBD oil. Inspect the bottle once you have bought the oil and know its expiry date. In the meantime, keep the oil in the original package to protect it from unnecessary exposure to heat, light, and air that will fasten degradation.

Signs That CBD Oil Has Expired

What if the labels on the bottle have worn out, and now you cannot tell the exact expiry date of the CBD oil? Does it mean the end of the road? What if you don’t believe in the dates (they are not science per se) and prefer to examine CBD oil to know if it has expired? There are signs to always look up for, and they will not fail you in gauging the freshness or expiry of CBD oil. Here are some signs;

Smell

Expired CBD oil will smell somewhat funky, so the moment you notice a change in smell, know that the oil is no longer in its best quality.

Taste

Fresh and potent CBD oil tastes ‘glassy,’ ‘nutty,’ or ‘earthy’ because of the hemp plants it is made from. If yours has stayed and tastes otherwise, say rancid or somewhat off, be sure to stop taking it.

Texture

Expired CBD oil is unusually thick and murky, and the texture does not change with time. This should not be confused with the normal thickness CBD oil may adopt when removed from the refrigerator but typically ends with time.

Does Expired CBD Oil Cause Illness, and How Best Should You Store the Oil?

Expired CBD oil will not get the user sick, only that potential benefits of CBD will not be acquired. Besides, the smell and tastes of expired CBD oil are not so pleasant. Here are storage tips that will optimize CBD oil freshness and potency;

Keep the oil in the original package to avoid exposure to heat, light, and air
Keep the CBD oil bottle close to avoid potential oxidation
Put away stoves, air conditioners, radiators, and other equipment that might affect the quality of the oil
Store your oil within room temperature
Avoid putting the oil near open windows that will unnecessarily subject it to air
Use a clean spoon or dropper every time you scoop the oil to avoid contaminating it

Conclusion

CBD oil expires like any other oil in your pantry. However, the user can have it fresh and potent up until the expiration date by packaging and storing it well. Besides, focusing on ingredients, extraction methods, quality, and packaging while buying the oil creates room for it to stay fresh and potent for long.