Does CBD Oil Expire?

Know why your CBD oil turns into a messy lump when it approaches its expiry? The reason is that many CBD oils include waxes and fats in their list of ingredients. They affect the overall composition of the product and can alter the expiry date. Here are some other things that affect your oil’s expiration.  

Factors Affecting CBD Oil Shelf Life 

Heat, light, and air can drastically reduce the shelf life of your CBD oils. 

Your oil is full of compounds that readily react with the molecules in the air. Exposure to light, air, and particularly heat can cause CBD to lose its benefits. 

The CBD oil you use also determines how long you can use it before it goes bad. There are three types of CBD oil- broad-spectrum, full-spectrum, and isolate. They differ principally in the ingredients of each oil.  

• Full-spectrum CBD contains all the substances extracted from the cannabis plant.  
• Even THC, the psychoactive compound, is present here.  
• Broad-spectrum CBD oil, on the other hand, contains everything from the cannabis extract except for the THC, and CBD isolates only the isolated compound cannabidiol. 
• The former two contain several plant matters like lipids, terpenes, and waxes alongside the CBD. 

These substances can have a different range of usability compared to just the CBD and can thus affect the overall longevity of the product. 

So, read the bottle labels if you want to keep these oils in the fridge. While storing the oil under low temperatures seems like a good idea, these waxes can play spoilsport in practice.  

Under cold temperatures, they tend to thicken, disrupting the consistency of your oil. 

Though it does not much alter the product's potency, solidified wax will make CBD oil application difficult for you. It can also affect the consistency of the product by transforming it into a gelatinous mess. 

While some oils return to their liquid form, keeping your CBD oil away from the fridge is the best way to avoid disrupting its consistency. A dark drawer is the most suitable place for CBD oil because it limits its exposure to all air, light, and heat.  

How to Know If Your CBD Oil is Expired? 

If your CBD oil stops affecting your body, chances are, it is well past its expiry date. An important thing to know about CBD oil is that it contains many cannabinoids that are extremely sensitive to heat, air, and even light.  

These substances react when exposed to these factors. Proper storage, with protection from heat and direct light, is crucial because of this. However, this precaution does not prevent it; it only delays the degradation of your product's potency. CBD oil naturally loses its potency over time, so by the time your oil approaches its expiry date, chances are it is already ineffective.  

• If it has already expired, you may also see a change in the color and consistency of your oil.  
• The liquid may conge into a wax-like substance or change to a murky liquid. 
• These signs of expiration may also vary depending on the CBD oil you use.  
• Products with wax and fats will begin solidifying, while pure CBD concentrate will change color. 

However, if you have been storing your CBD oil in the fridge, the change in texture and consistency may result from its exposure to low temperatures. You should refer to a CBD oil extraction process if you want better products with longer expiry dates. 

Oil made using high-tech methods like Supercritical CO2 Extraction produces purer products. Lesser impurities mean that your CBD oil will last longer and be more effective.  

Is It Safe to Used Expired CBD Oil? 

Expired CBD oil may or may not make you sick. 

CBD oil is a cannabis plant extract containing many all-natural ingredients. So even though it can last for 1 to 2 years without going bad, it will eventually be unusable. 

The main component in these oils is the compound cannabidiol. The make-up of the structure is such that, even with proper storage, it will lose its potency over time.  

It will be useless once past the expiry date as it will have no effect.  

• A CBD oil recently that is past the expiry date will likely only be non-effective but not harmful.  
• You may use it without complications, but it will have no benefit whatsoever.  
• However, if you keep it for much longer beyond the date, it will go bad and eventually be harmful. 

But chances of such a thing happening are slim. Most CBD oils come in small sizes, with 100 mg being the most common. CBD oil's high per mg price means that larger products may not sell well. 

Even with infrequent use, the chances of a 100 mg bottle of CBD oil lasting beyond 18 months is low. Products expiring aren't much of a problem for you since CBD oils get used up well before expiry for most users. 

How to Make CBD Oil Last Longer? 

Storage plays a major role in making your CBD oil last longer. These are expensive products, with an average market price of $100  for a 100 mg bottle. If you do not want your money to go to waste, following a few simple precautions can help preserve the product's potency.  

• CBD oils last longer in a dark environment.  
• Exposure to harsh and direct light will react with the CBD compounds, ruining your product.  
• Though your oil may still be usable, it may lose its original color and strength. 

 Heat is another factor that can destroy the potency of your CBD product. Exposing your CBD to heat is what damages the product most. 

Studies show that when exposed to temperatures of 98 Degrees Fahrenheit, the oil's effectiveness dropped a drastic 30%. In contrast, light causes a 15% degradation in product quality. 

Heat is a major deterrent because the cannabinoids in CBD oil are extremely sensitive to heat. These compounds are from the cannabis plant extracted via a heating process called decarboxylation. 

A rise in temperatures can cause these substances to react, destroying your product's consistency and potency. 

Exposure can cause damage to your CBD oil. If left unopened for long, the CBD in the oil reacts with the oxygen particles in the air, turning your oil murky.  

This reaction with oxygen molecules destabilizes the cannabinoid compounds, making your oil less effective. Close the bottle stopper thoroughly after every use. 

Conclusion: Does CBD Oil Expire? 

CBD oil lasts for 18 to 24 months if not exposed to air and intense light. These products need a lot of care since they contain ingredients extremely sensitive to heat, light, and air.  

Once past the expiry date, the product loses its potency but may still cause no harm to your health. However, if you keep your product for longer, it may go bad and thus become harmful for application. 

See also: Articles, CBD, Oils

Enny Soyinka

PharmacologistExpertise : Research on cannabinoids, Brand Reviewer

Enny Soyinka stands at the forefront of hemp research, blending a deep-rooted passion for holistic health with a robust scientific background. As an accomplished pharmacologist, Enny's extensive research into hemp has made them a pivotal figure in demystifying its health benefits. Their expertise shines a light on the nuanced relationship between cannabinoids and wellness, offering well-informed insights in the dynamic world of cannabinoids.