While CBD is miraculous in many ways, like most other natural remedies, it does expire. Though CBD will not go rancid past it’s expiration date, it can lose its potency. Weak CBD oil means that the cannabinoids have broken down and don’t function at peak levels in the body. So, an older bottle is less likely to deliver any of the potential therapeutic effects, such as pain relief.

Below, we will explain more about CBD’s shelf life and share tips on how to make the most of your oils, topicals, and tinctures.

How long does CBD last?

CBD has a shelf life ranging from about 14 months to two years, as stated by its expiration date on the product’s label. However, there are a few factors to be aware of that impact how long your CBD will last, including:

Quality tends to affect CBD’s shelf life. Higher-quality products tend to last longer, especially those that have been minimally processed like full-spectrum CBD oil.

Flavors and flavored oils go bad faster than pure CBD because added ingredients tend to have a shelf life of their own that could be shorter than the shelf life of CBD.

The extraction process used to make the product can also impact CBD’s longevity. Many cannabis experts agree that the CO2 method is best for producing premium oil that stays potent longer because the hemp or cannabis compounds remain stable during this type of extraction. Other methods may destabilize the compounds, potentially creating a lower-quality bottle of CBD oil with a shorter shelf life.

How do I know if my CBD has gone bad?

One indicator that your CBD has gone bad is the aroma and flavor, which can become unpleasant over time, transforming from earthy to skunky. In CBD oil, you can also observe visual changes, which may turn cloudy when past its prime. Likewise, the texture of CBD oil will change and the oil may appear thicker and lose its smooth consistency.

As mentioned above, CBD does not spoil or turn rancid like milk or other oils, so you are unlikely to become ill if you consume the product when it has gone bad. But to be on the safe side, we recommend disposing of any products that have been improperly stored or are more than two years old.

How can I make CBD last longer?

While we recommend following the expiration date, there are a few tips that can help keep your CBD and CBD oil fresh and effective through the end of the shelf-life range:

Store the CBD oil in cool, dark places away from excessive sunlight or heat. However, do not refrigerate it. Experts note that the most favorable environment is room temperature.
Relatedly, store your CBD in the coolest, darkest place in your home, such as drawers, cabinets, a pantry, and the cellar all make ideal CBD storage centers.
Open the bottle only when in use, then reseal the cap tightly. Oxidation will shorten the shelf life.
Keep CBD gummies and capsules in their original bottle, ensuring that containers are consistently airtight.
Store bottles upright rather than horizontally.
If you’re using a spoon or a dropper to dose CBD, make sure the utensil is clean, as you can easily introduce harmful bacteria and contaminate the oil.

To conclude, though CBD can not “go bad”, like other natural products, it loses potency over time. If properly taken care of, CBD can remain effective for up to two years. Note the product’s expiration date, and follow the tips above to keep your CBD fresh and continue reaping it’s full benefits. If you have any comments, leave them below, and as always, please contact us with any questions or for more information.