This question has a simple answer: yes. CBD oil does expire, but if you do not properly care for it or purchase products from unreliable brands, your CBD oil will expire before you have had a chance to use all of it.
So, we have compiled a list of all the ways you can ensure you have purchased high-quality CBD oil that will last the longest. We also have some tips on how to check whether your CBD oil has already gone bad and how to prevent this from happening prematurely.
Reakiro – Broad Spectrum CBD Oil
R349.00 – R499.00
Reakiro – Hemp CBD Capsules
R349.00 – R499.00
Reakiro – Broad Spectrum CBD Oil Mouth Spray – Peppermint
R499.00 – R799.00
Reakiro – Broad Spectrum CBD Oil Mouth Spray – Blood Orange
R499.00 – R799.00
How Long Does A Bottle Of CBD Oil Usually Last?
On average, a bottle of CBD oil will last between 14 and 24 months. But if you leave the container open or leave it on the windowsill in the sun, it will definitely not last that long.
The shelf life of your particular brand of CBD oil will be printed on the label, and if you use it every day, you should finish it well before the expiration date. But, let’s say, you make your own CBD oil? There is no accurate way to check when the exact expiration date will be.
Or have you bought a large quantity of CBD oils on sale that have never been opened and properly stored, but have passed their expiration date? Are they really expired, or can you still use them? Well, let’s find out.
How Can I Tell If My CBD Oil Is Expired?
We have compiled some indications on how to check whether your CBD oil has expired or is on the verge of expiration:
| Indication | Description |
| Smell | CBD oil has an earthy, grassy aroma that is quite pleasant. However, when it goes off, it begins to smell pungent and can even develop a rotten odour. |
| Appearance | If your CBD is not kept in the fridge but has a foggy coating on the inside, it is either about to expire or has already expired. |
| Consistency | CBD oil has a natural thickness, but if the consistency becomes thicker than usual, it is an indication that it is approaching its expiration date. It should be noted that if you store your CBD oil in the refrigerator, it will typically become thicker, but will return to its natural state if left out for a while. If it doesn’t, it is going off. |
| Colour | If the colour of your CBD oil becomes murkier and darker than it should be, it is starting to go bad. This occurs because the compounds in your CBD are starting to degrade. It can be difficult to check the colour of your CBD oil for its expiration date, and you should not rely solely on this to determine its freshness. |
| Taste | If no flavour is added, the taste of CBD oil is quite nutty and earthy. When it starts to taste funky and bitter, it is time to throw it out. |
| Effectivity | If you notice that your CBD oil is not working as well as it used to or that you need to use more of it to be effective, this is a sign that your CBD oil is going bad. |
What Are Factors That Affect CBD Oil Shelf Life?
The simplest way to determine the shelf life of your CBD oil is to look at the label for “best before” or “use before” dates. However, your CBD oil may expire much sooner than expected due to a variety of factors.
Here are the various factors that can influence the shelf life of your CBD oil and what you should look out for:
- Manufacturer
- Type Of CBD
- Extraction Method
- Storage
- Packaging
- Carrier Oil Quality
- Additional Ingredients
Manufacturer
When buying CBD oil, you expect it to be of the highest grade, and that can be ensured by purchasing from a reputable and trustworthy brand. Quality brands put their CBD oils through vigorous testing before sending them to the market.
Choosing a reputable manufacturer will also ensure that you receive high-quality packaging, ingredients, and CBD extracts that closely match the expiration date on the label.
Type Of CBD
There are different types of CBD that can be used to make CBD oil. They are the following:
- Full-spectrum CBD: Contains less than 3% THC and contains all components of the cannabis plant
- Broad-spectrum CBD: Contains all components of the cannabis plant, but no THC
- Isolates CBD: The purest form of CBD with no components of the cannabis plant
Full-spectrum and broad-spectrum CBD contains plant matter, such as terpenes, that can interfere with the shelf-life of CBD oil. CBD isolates tend to have a longer shelf-life, so when purchasing CBD oil, look for CBD isolates.
Extraction Method
There is more than one type of way to extract CBD from the cannabis plant, and the way it is extracted will determine the CBD concentration. It will also influence how stable the compounds will be. Most companies use carbon dioxide extraction because it maximises CBD extraction. This results in a purer, cleaner CBD oil with a longer shelf life. Cheaper CBD oils are typically extracted with alcohol or butane, and their shelf lives are limited.
Storage
It is critical that you do not store your CBD oil in a location that receives direct sunlight. This is due to the fact that high temperatures can actually shorten the shelf life of your CBD oil. If you store your CBD oil in a humid environment, such as near a humidifier, its shelf life will be reduced. When not in use, keep your CBD oil in a dark, dry place as much as possible.
Packaging
Quality CBD oil is packaged in dark-coloured glass bottles that are not only aesthetically pleasing, but also help prevent the oil from expiring prematurely. It aids in the refraction of UV light and heat from the sun. The packaging must also be airtight in order to prevent oxygen from causing the cannabinoids to degrade.
Carrier Oil Quality
There are several carrier oils that can be used for CBD oil, each with its own shelf life. Here are some examples of common carrier oils and how long they usually last:
- Coconut oil: 2 – 4 years
- Castor oil: 1 year
- Argan oil: 2 years
- Sunflower seed oil: 1 year
- Avocado oil: 1 – 1.5 years
So, when selecting a CBD oil, look for carrier oils with a long shelf life.
Additional Ingredients
CBD oil is made up of more than just CBD. Other ingredients, such as flavouring and colouring, are included. Each of these additional ingredients has its own shelf life that can affect the entire product. Make sure to carefully read the label to look out for these additional ingredients.
What Happens If I Consume Expired CBD Oil?
Nothing. Expired CBD will not make you sick. The only thing that will happen is that you will have a bad taste in your mouth, and your CBD oil will not work as it should for its therapeutic purposes. The cannabinoids will degrade, and the potency of CBD in your oil will diminish.
So there will be no use in keeping an expired bottle of CBD oil. Rather, dispose of it and purchase a new one. Also, make sure you use it within its expiration date, or between 14 and 24 months.
Tips On How To Maintain The Shelf Life Of CBD Oil
So, now that you have learned how to check if your CBD oil has expired and what to look for when purchasing a product, you are probably wondering: How can I maintain the shelf life of my CBD oil at home?
Here are some tips and tricks for maintaining an ideal environment for your CBD oil:
- After using the CBD oil, make sure the cap is tightly sealed to prevent air from entering
- To prevent bacteria from entering the CBD oil, make sure the spoon or dipper you use is wiped clean before you dip it in
- Keep your CBD oil in its original container at all times, especially when travelling. It was manufactured in that container for a reason
- Do not leave your CBD oil out in direct sunlight. Place it in a dark place, such as a cupboard, preferably below 23 °C
- Do not store your CBD oil in a warm place, such as your car or near the stove
- Wash your hands before handling CBD oil, and wipe the bottle clean after use if any leakage occurred
