Wondering where to store CBD oil, or how you can make sure that the product will last as long as possible? These are questions that many people have when they first start using CBD. You might be surprised to know, but many things can cause CBD oil to expire sooner than it is supposed to.
CBD is extracted from hemp, which means it’s a plant-based substance. The quality of CBD products can deteriorate and break down with age when not properly stored – that includes the cannabinoids, terpenes and flavonoids.
The following article discusses where to store your CBD oil and how best to care for it so that it lasts as long as possible before going bad.
Store CBD oil in a cool, dark place
Many hemp-derived CBD products come in packaging that is designed to protect from light damage. When choosing where to store CBD oil, remember not to expose these cannabinoid oils, edibles, salves, and other products to direct sunlight as it can degrade your product’s content.
You should always store your CBD oil in a cool, dark place. The proper temperature to store CBD oil is around 60 to 70°F (16-21°C). If your CBD oil is not kept at this temperature, it can expire sooner.
Extreme temperature fluctuations and excess heat can destroy your CBD oil. When exposed to high temperatures, oils may react differently and lose their purity and have an unpleasant taste or texture change.
Do not store your CBD product in cupboards near appliances that give off heat, such as the stove, oven, or range. The direct and radiant heat can cause damage to the packaging of products containing CBD oil, which may weaken its efficacy.
Additionally, do not leave any packages with CBD oils inside cars during the summer months due to the extreme heat produced in an enclosed vehicle.
Always keep all hemp-based items away from windows where they could be exposed to a great deal of the sun’s ultraviolet radiation (UV).
The most optimal place for storing these items would be a dark space such as the pantry where they are dry and cool; CBD lasts the longest in these conditions.
Store your CBD oil away from moisture
It’s important to keep your CBD oil away from moisture, for example, in an area that tends to be damp, like over a kitchen sink or in the bathroom.
Constant humidity levels affect all of the contents inside and outside of bottles and cause the CBD oil to break down faster. If your cap isn’t sealed tightly enough, moisture can make its way into your product, introducing bacteria and causing it to degrade faster.
Store your CBD oil away from exposure to air
One of the biggest factors that determine how long CBD will last is exposure to oxygen. Air has a way of changing chemicals and altering their effectiveness, called oxidative stress; this can be detrimental for your CBD products if you’re not careful about storing them properly.
The most important thing is not just how you store your CBD but also what type of container it is in. Most CBD manufacturers consider and choose containers to combat this, so the product keeps its potency over time, but it is still important to protect them from air exposure.
Do not shake up your CBD oil before you open it; this will increase the oxygen exposed to the product, eventually making it less effective.
CBD Oil: The Impact of a Tightly Sealed Lid
If you are a regular CBD user, you know that air exposure is your products’ worst enemy. It will cause oxidation and reduce shelf life dramatically.
Every time you use your CBD oil, make sure it’s securely sealed after with its appropriate cap right away!
Failing to do this will increase the likelihood of exposing your CBD oil to air, and oxygen will cause a degradation in the product.
You should always keep your CBD oil in its original packaging; switching containers not only exposes your CBD oil to the elements, but it may degrade faster in a different container.
Most hemp CBD products come in airtight bottles or oral applicators to prevent any exposure. These containers are specifically designed for quality assurance and should be kept sealed after opening, especially when transferring your product.
If you need a new container for storage, make sure it is adequate enough to last long-term!
Do I need to store CBD oil in the refrigerator?
Storing your CBD oil in the refrigerator is an option, but keep in mind that some carrier oils for CBD are thickened by refrigeration, which can make them difficult to pour. If you take your CBD oil out of the fridge and it is too thick, let it sit out at room temperature or run it under some warm water before using it.
Storing your CBD oil in the refrigerator can cause changes to your product’s consistency and cause changes in its appearance and clarity.
CBD oil can turn murky and cloudy in the fridge, but this by itself won’t necessarily be a bad thing. However, these could also be a sign that the oil has turned rancid or sour.
Can I store CBD oil in the freezer?
If you need to store your CBD oil for a lengthier amount of time, the freezer is a viable place; that being said, there’s no guarantee of how well it will hold up in that setting.
Namely, not all CBD oils have the same ingredients, and they won’t react to being frozen similarly. Some might thaw out just fine, while others may be unusable.
Freezing the oil can cause changes to its texture, appearance, or cause it to become thin and watery.
The shelf life of CBD oil
It might not seem like it, but CBD oil’s shelf life is different for every product. Factors affecting its longevity include quality and ingredients, as well as how you store it once opened.
The key to getting more value out of your purchase? Understanding these factors so that you can choose your products wisely.
Things that will affect the shelf life of your CBD oil are:
Quality
It’s no surprise that the higher quality CBD products last longer when put to the test. This is based on things like growing conditions, plant quality, and other ingredients in each product. Choosing high-quality CBD oils will greatly extend the shelf life if stored properly.
Ingredients
CBD oil is a natural product that can come with its own unique set of challenges. Every ingredient has a shelf life, which could affect the potency or lasting power of your CBD. Less usually means more when it comes to CBD, and you should always be reading labels and checking for COA’s (certificate of analysis).
Different carrier oils, in particular, will affect the shelf life. Hemp seed oil is a common carrier for CBD, but it will degrade faster than MCT oil.
Extraction process
The CO2 method of extraction is considered one of the best in the industry because it maximizes the CBD and other cannabinoids obtained from the plant during extraction. It also keeps compounds stable, which makes this process one of the most reliable.
Packaging
If you’re looking for the best way to store your CBD oil, darker bottles are better. Sunlight can degrade a product over time, so you must keep it away from light to maintain quality and potency.
Dark-coloured amber glass works well because light doesn’t get through very well – which is perfect when considering how sensitive CBD oils can be!
Storage
To preserve the potency and freshness of CBD oil, heat must be minimized. Exposure to light can also cause a decrease in effectiveness, requiring more frequent application and an increase in cost.
Proper storage should help maintain quality for longer periods of time by keeping out excess air, moisture or other environmental contaminants such as dust particles from entering your product’s container.
How long does CBD oil last once opened?
The general rule of thumb is that CBD oil has a shelf life ranging from one to two years, depending on how you store it. Direct sunlight and intense heat are two factors that can cause your bottle’s contents to go bad before its expiration date.
Higher-quality and pure CBD products tend to last longer than those with added ingredients like flavourings due simply because any additional additives have their own shorter shelf lives; these expire at some point independently of the CBD oil itself.
How to tell if your CBD oil has gone bad
The “best by” date is the last date that your CBD oil will be effective. This doesn’t mean it has gone bad, but it just means that you may notice a drop in its effectiveness after this date.
If your CBD oil has gone bad, you may notice some changes to the product: discoloration, cloudy or opaque-looking liquid, and rancid smell. If this is the case, discard it.
Can expired CBD oil make you sick?
Expired CBD oil is unlikely to make you sick, but it won’t do much of anything either. The effects of cannabinoids degrade over time, so if your expired product isn’t providing the same results anymore – it’s time to get another bottle.
Summary on where to store CBD oil
- Keep all products in a cool, dry place away from sunlight or heat
- Always keep CBD bottles tightly capped and never shake them up while opening to avoid introducing oxygen
- As long as you minimize exposure to air, light, humidity levels, or heat, then your CBD product will last much longer than its expiration date
- To avoid contamination, don’t touch the end of the dropper to your mouth when you use your CBD oil; alternatively, you can use a clean spoon to distribute it.
- Always keep your CBD oil in its original packaging.
- Always store fresh CBD oil at room temperature. If refrigerated, it may become thick and difficult to squeeze out of dropper bottles.
- Choose high-quality CBD oils from trusted companies
- The expiry date on your CBD oil is a guide, not a hard and fast rule. Always check your CBD oils before using them for signs of spoilage
It’s important to note that CBD oils will not last forever. Over time, the oil may darken in colour, and you might need a larger dose for it to affect your symptoms. If your CBD oil is past its expiry date, it may not be as effective as the cannabinoids inside have started to degrade.
Generally speaking, most oils should last up to one year, and in some cases, longer; however, as detailed above, this can vary depending on many factors.
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