Most CBD oil users only take a few drops over long periods of time. That means there’s always a risk of your CBD oil going bad. Like everything consumable, you want to keep your CBD as fresh and potent as possible. After all, unlike most consumables, a vial of CBD can be very expensive. In this article we’ll discuss everything bout CBD oil and how to store and get quality stuff. We’ll also answer the big question: does CBD oil expire?
What is CBD Oil
CBD oil is an extract from the hemp plant, a relative of the renowned cannabis. This oil essentially contains CBD as its active ingredient. Other constituents include carrier oils, natural cannabinoids and a few terpenes. Unlike cannabis, CBD oil extract does not produce any psychotic effects due to the absence of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). However, studies indicate that CBD oil does produce certain calming effects by interacting with the cannabinoid receptors located throughout the body. In simpler terms, CBD oil combats anxiety, stress, chronic pain and even ADHD. While these studies show plenty of promise, more research in the field is needed to make even stronger claims about the effects.
CBD is available in various forms. These include the CBD tincture (the most popular form), CBD gummies, creams, as well as, CBD capsules and pills.
Dosing
The dose of CBD oil to be taken depends largely on its intended use. Other factors to be considered include age and the severity of the condition. However, precautions must be taken in order to prevent side effects which may result from prolonged use. Therefore, it is a good idea to consult a doctor before using CBD regularly.
Does CBD Oil Expire?
Generally, CBD oil has a twelve-month shelf life when stored under the right conditions. This can be longer, depending on which brand or product you purchase.
Tips to Get Fresh CBD Oil
1. Pick Your Brands
As a result of the non-regulation of CBD oil production and distribution, many CBD oil products are substandard and have a very short shelf-life. Many websites sell adulterated CBD oil which may be overpriced, despite being ineffective. It’s smarter to go for established brands with a lot of good customer reviews. You can find lists of the best CBD oil online and double check the brands yourself.
2. Buy Directly from Brands
Poor quality CBD oil sold on certain websites (including Amazon) may contain toxins that have detrimental health effects. Be careful where you purchase your CBD oil! Try to buy directly from a well-established brand.
3. Transparency of the Brand
You can usually tell the difference between high-quality or poor-quality CBD oil. For instance, CBD oil labeled as “full spectrum CBD oil” is high-grade. Another important thing to consider is how transparent the brand is. Brands that communicate where and how their hemp is grown, along with the extraction procedure, are usually more trustworthy. If you can’t find this information on the brand’s website, we suggest avoiding them entirely. There are plenty of other reputable CBD companies to choose from.
4. Long Shelf-life Doesn’t Equal Better Quality
Although long shelf-life is an attribute of high-quality CBD oil, it is not a guarantee. Some products may contain solvents such as propane or butane which are harmful to your health, even though they increase the shelf life of CBD oil.
5. Look at Ethanol Content
One of the important solvents to look out for on the label of your CBD oil container is ethanol. Ethanol extraction is one of the safest methods of extracting CBD oil from the hemp plant. In addition, ethanol clears toxins and ensures that natural cannabinoids (which improve shelf-life) remain present in your oil.
6. Method of Extraction
Another factor which may influence the longevity of CBD oil is purity. Some CBD brands extract their CBD oil in cold environment using a process called supercritical CO2 extraction. Although this process maintains the purity of CBD oil, it requires expensive equipment which may not be afforded by most CBD producing companies.
7. Type of Soil
Hemp is a hyperaccumulator of certain soil components. This means it easily absorbs heavy metals and toxins in the soil. Resultantly, a hemp plant cultivated on high quality soil will produce CBD oil of better quality than one cultivated in poor soil. This could ultimately affect the shelf-life of the product.
8. Always Get Lab Checked Products
Every distinguished company will provide third-party lab testing for their product. The CBD oil product will possess Certificate of Analysis (COA), which ascertains that the product is exactly what it claims to be.
9. Most CBD Oil Will Last Enough Time to Use It
CBD oil almost always lasts long enough for use. You might even need to buy another bottle long before the expiry date of the one being used at the time.
10. Every Bottle of CBD Oil has an Expiry Date
It is very vital to note the expiry date on the CBD oil bottle. Every bottle has one. And, of course, it is recommended that you use up all the oil before the expiry date in order to fully enjoy the oil’s benefits.
How to Tell if Your CBD Oil Went Bad
· Color & Texture
One way to test if your oil has gone bad is the texture and color. CBD oil is basically clear. So, once you notice that your oil is becoming cloudy, it might be time to get a new product. This is an indication that the oil ingredients are starting to break down. You might also observe some sort of separation between the oil and the ingredients.
However, it’s important to mention that refrigeration might also cause your CBD oil to appear murky. If it changes to its original texture after being returned to room temperature, then your oil is still good.
· Smell & Taste
This is the final way to test if your oil has gone bad. This is really hard to miss because bad CBD oil has a noticeably different taste from good CBD oil. More so, once your oil has gone bad, it gives a strong, unpleasant rancid odor which cannot be ignored. The truth is, if you’re still unsure whether the oil is good or bad based on its smell and taste, chances are, your oil is still good.
Is Expired CBD Safe to Consume?
Don’t panic if you’ve recently had expired CBD oil. Basically, you would just be taking inactive oil, seeing as the main components must have evaporated or degraded during the course of time.
Although there’s no cause for alarm, it’s really pointless to keep consuming an oil of lower potency. Ensure that you purchase high quality CBD oil, so you can get the most out of it.
How to Store Your CBD Oil
It is important to keep CBD oil away from direct contact with light and heat as these may cause oxidation of important oil components as well as evaporation, thereby rendering your oil ineffective and of no use.
Here are two things you can do on a regular basis to preserve your CBD oil:
- Always use a clean spoon each time you use the oil to prevent contamination.
- Store the product container in a cool and dry place, away from heat and sunlight.
