How Long Does CBD Stay Good?
If you’re reading this article, then you are probably wondering how long CBD stays good before it expires.
CBD, or cannabidiol, is a non-psychoactive component of the cannabis plant known for its medical properties. It’s been shown to help with various conditions including anxiety, depression, chronic pain, arthritis, epilepsy and many more.
The possibilities with CBD oil are almost endless, but there are some basic things you need to know about this product as you use it. Here, you’ll find answers to your questions about CBD’s longevity, so you’re better informed when making your next purchase.
HOW LONG DOES CBD OIL STAY BEFORE IT EXPIRES?
CBD is a potent natural remedy. But like most other health remedies, it doesn’t stay good forever. CBD eventually goes bad if stored for too long.
Thankfully, CBD is very shelf-stable, meaning it stays good for a long time. A bottle of CBD oil will typically stay good for 14 to 24 months, provided that it is kept in ideal conditions.
FACTORS THAT DETERMINE HOW LONG CBD OIL STAYS GOOD
The shelf life of CBD depends on several factors, including storage conditions, quality, and packaging. Being aware of these factors helps you know the best way to keep your CBD good for longer.
Let’s get right in.
STORAGE CONDITIONS
Like we mentioned earlier, CBD is very shelf-stable. However, its shelf life can be reduced when it’s not stored properly. Exposing your CBD product to direct sunlight, heat, moisture, and excessive air hastens its degradation.
The ideal condition for storing CBD oil is in a cool, dark place, such as a drawer or cabinet. The shelf life of CBD oil will vary, but storing it in this condition prolongs it.
QUALITY
Another factor that affects the longevity of CBD oil is quality. The better the quality, the longer it can be stored. The quality of CBD is determined by its growing conditions, as well as the quality of other ingredients in the product.
Other ingredients added to CBD oils like flavors and color have their individual shelf life, which in turn affects the shelf life of the product as a whole.
To be sure you’re getting good quality CBD oil, look out for brands that grow CBD in government-prescribed conditions. Preferably, one that doesn’t add too many additives and has a certificate of analysis for all its products.
PACKAGING
You may have noticed that CBD products come in dark containers. Dark green, amber, or completely black. This preference for dark containers is not just for looks, it’s to protect the CBD from excessive light.
Also, simple habits like closing the bottle of your CBD tincture when not in use and minimizing air contact when using other CBD products can extend its shelf life.
These three are the major factors that affect how long your CBD stays good. But how do you know if a product is already bad from the store?
HOW TO TELL CBD THAT’S GONE BAD
Most CBD products come with an expiry date that can be used to tell if the product is still good, making it easy to tell if the product is still fit for use. You can find the product’s expiry date by reading its label.
If you’re buying from an online store, it’s usually best to buy from the manufacturer’s shop. This ensures that you’re getting the freshest stock; products that will take longer before they expire.
Other ways you can use to tell if a CBD product has gone bad are through smell, taste, and look. If it smells, tastes, or looks different from when you’d bought it, chances are, it’s gone bad.
WILL TAKING OLD CBD MAKE YOU SICK?
Taking old CBD may not make you sick because, unlike other oils, CBD doesn’t turn rancid when exposed to unfavorable conditions or when it’s past its expiry date.
What usually happens when a CBD product expires is that its cannabinoids begin to degrade, causing it to lose potency.
HOW TO MAKE CBD OIL LAST LONGER
We touched on some simple things you can do to extend the life of your CBD oil while discussing the factors that affect how long CBD stays good. Here’s a summary of all of them to keep in mind so that you’re able to keep your CBD fresh for longer.
Keep tincture bottles upright and closed tight. Store other CBD products in their original packaging and only open them when needed to avoid undue exposure to air. Keep your CBD away from direct sunlight, heat, and moisture. The best places to store it are in cabinets, pantries, and closets.
If you live in an area that experiences extreme temperatures or intense sunlight, avoid leaving your CBD in your car.
And finally, use a clean dropper when doling out the CBD to keep away bacteria and other contaminants.
SHOPPING GOOD QUALITY CBD THAT LASTS
While CBD oil does expire, getting one that’s of good quality and storing it well ensures that your CBD products stay good until the upper end of the shelf-life range (24 months).
At Just Live, our products are made with all-natural ingredients here in the US. They’re non-GMO and have all undergone third-party testing, earning their respective certificate of analysis.
If you’d like to get CBD that’s natural and stays potent for longer, check out our shop to see the various CBD products we have for you.
