Does CBD Oil Go Bad? How to Extend Its Shelf Life?

Does CBD Oil Go Bad? How to Extend Its Shelf Life?

Introduction

A question that is often asked is, does CBD oil go bad? The answer is yes. Like all-natural products, CBD oil expires and has a limited shelf life. But do you know how much?

 Well, you know its immense benefits, from pain relief to anxiety reduction, insomnia management, and general well-being promotion. But knowing its shelf life and quality is crucial for your safety and for deriving impactful health effects from the oil. 

How can you preserve it for a more extended period? How will you get to know if it is rotten or not? Does it go bad once opened? Well, you will find answers to all your questions and much more information in this article. So, stay tuned.

Understanding CBD Oil

Before proceeding, let’s understand what CBD oil is and how it is extracted. Let’s begin. 

What is CBD Oil?

CBD oil is an all-natural product obtained from hemp varieties that are high in cannabidiol (CBD) and low in tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). It has become very popular in recent years due to the increasing body of scientific evidence supporting its health benefits. It can aid in treating several health problems, including inflammation, digestive problems, stress, depression, and more.

There are multiple ways to add CBD oil to your daily routine. It can be consumed sublingually, added to food or drinks, or applied topically. 

CBD oil contains a mixture of CBD extract and carrier oil, such as coconut, hemp seed, or olive oil. This combination helps human bodies absorb the oil effectively. Different oils contain different concentrations of CBD, thus enabling users to choose one that best suits their needs. 

CBD oil’s legality differs from country to country and is illegal in some regions. However, this is not the case for Canada as it’s legal and available, and hence, it has become a convenient option for those who may want the benefits of CBD.

How is CBD Oil Made?

Making CBD oil involves many stages to ensure the resulting product is pure and potent. First, hemp plants have to be harvested and dried.

Then, solvents like ethanol or CO2 are usually used to extract CBD oil. The preferred one is CO2 extraction. Wondering why? This process is more efficient and produces high-quality CBD without leaving harmful residues. Besides this, it is not a harsh solvent, so it keeps the purity and strength of oil intact. Moreover, CO2 extraction is a paramount technique for producing high-quality CBD oil due to its ability to control temperature and pressure accurately.

Let’s understand the CO2 extraction process in detail. The process begins with pressurising CO2 to change it into a liquid form. Then, this liquid CO2 is used to extract terpenes and cannabinoids from the hemp plant. Once the extraction process is completed, the CO2 is evaporated, leaving behind the concentrated form of CBD oil. 

After extraction, the next step is refinement. The concentrated CBD oil is refined further to remove other impurities. This step is crucial to producing CBD oil that is safe for consumption and meets quality standards. After refinement, the last step is to dilute the extract with a carrier oil such as hemp seed or coconut oil. This enhances the oil’s absorption when consumed orally. 

At last comes the process of testing. After refinement, CBD oil is usually tested for potency and purity. A few reputed companies, like CBDNorth, get their products tested by third-party labs. These tests ensure the products are per the standards and free from impurities such as heavy metals, pesticides, or residual solvents. Such lab reports are often called Certificates of Analysis (COAs) and can be found on a company’s website or requested. Customers who buy from reputable brands like CBDNorth can be sure they have purchased something good.

Does CBD Oil Go Bad?

A. Shelf Life of CBD Oil

Here comes the most important part – how long CBD oil will remain effective depends on several factors, including the production quality, the extraction method used, and storage conditions. 

The best-quality CBD oils Canada retain their long-term efficacy because they are made of organic ingredients free from pesticides, insecticides, and other harmful substances. Let’s examine these factors in-depth and understand them. 

• Extraction Method: Compared to other procedures, CO2 extraction is more advantageous because it yields unpolluted and consistent products. The carbon dioxide used as the solvent ensures that the extract does not have residual solvents, which may affect its quality and shelf-life. This process leads to a purer end product free of impurities like chlorophyll and waxes, among other unwanted substances. CBD oil produced with this method is highly pure and efficient; hence, it can be utilised in different sectors, from manufacturing drugs and foods to cosmetics. 
• Quality of the raw material: A good-quality product is obtained from organically grown hemp free of pesticides and other chemicals. Using organic ingredients while manufacturing CBD oil increases its shelf life. 
• Storage Conditions: Another factor significantly influencing the shelf life of CBD oil is its storage. It gets bad very quickly if exposed to sunlight, air, or moisture. Hence, storing it in a cool, dark place is very important. 

Signs That CBD Oil Has Gone Bad

Knowing when CBD oil has expired is important for its effectiveness and safety. Ways of knowing whether your CBD oil is still good or not are as follows:

Colour change: Normally, fresh CBD oil is light golden or amber in colour, and if it appears darker than this, it implies that the oil is no longer fresh and less potent.

Texture and Consistency: Good CBD oils should be smooth and liquid. Once they turn thick, muddy, and/or grainy, this indicates degraded oils.

Smell: Usually, CBD oil has an earthy smell but if it starts to give off any bad scent or even become foul, then you should know that it has gone bad.

Taste: Fresh CBD oil has a mild, nutty taste. If it goes bad, the taste will change to something unpleasant or even repulsive.

What happens if you consume CBD oil that has gone bad?

Potential Effects

Once ingested, bad CBD oils could harm your body. As time goes by, the power of cannabinoids in spoiled products will diminish, and the therapeutic benefits you need will be gone slowly. There are also times when consuming damaged CBD oil can lead to minor side effects such as stomach pain or indigestion. Such effects are not generally severe; however, they take away from the goodness of pure CBD oil.

Reduced Potency: With time, the cannabinoids found in CBD oil break down leading to its diminished potency and efficacy. Therefore, one must use it before it expires or gets spoilt.

Few Adverse Side Effects: Bad oil can cause mild side effects such as digestion problems or headaches. These symptoms may result from carrier oil degradation or other contents contained in cannabidiol.

Bad Taste and Odour: Spoiled CBD oil smells bad and tastes rotten or sour, ruining CBD oil’s experience altogether.

Safety Concerns

Safety is another concern when it comes to using substandard CBD oil. While it might not cause serious harm, its ingredients can result in allergies and skin irritations. Additionally, the decomposition of carrier oils in CBD products may produce harmful byproducts. As such, you must ensure that your cannabidiol (CBD) oil is not beyond its best-by date for safety reasons as well as its effectiveness.

Allergies: Disintegrated CBD oil composition changes cause allergies in people. Consequently, one may experience itchiness, redness on the parts affected, swelling, and many other symptoms, such as rashes. If you see any of these symptoms after using this oil, stop and seek help from a qualified doctor immediately.

Skin Irritation: The low-quality CBD oils may lead to inflammation or skin irritation. Those with delicate skins or prior issues with their skins should be extra careful.

Formation of Harmful Byproducts: Carriers tend to decompose into harmful compounds such as peroxides causing skin irritation. Thus, always purchase properly stored CBD oil only.

Microbial Growth: CBD oil can develop bacteria and moulds if not properly kept in a waterproof or airtight container. Infected CBD oil can cause real health issues, such as skin irritation or stomach ache. 

How to Store CBD Oil to Extend Its Shelf Life

Storing your CBD oil well can make a huge difference in how long it stays fresh and effective. Below are simple but important tips to ensure that your CBD oil remains fresh.

Keep It Cool, Not Cold

CBD oil, however, prefers cool but not freezing conditions. The optimum temperature for storage is between 20-25°C (68-77°F). Extreme temperatures, whether too hot or too cold, can damage the oil’s quality. While high heat could break down the cannabinoids, freezing can thicken the oil. Always place your CBD oil in storage the way you would with a good wine bottle – keep the temperature consistent and cool!

Protect It from Light

When it comes to CBD oil, light, especially UV light, is its real enemy, which may lead to the degradation of cannabinoids, making the oil less effective as time passes. Store your CBD oil in a dark place like a pantry or drawer to protect yours. Most CBD oils come packaged in dark glass bottles meant to block out any light, so keep them as they were delivered on purchase.

Keep Away from Moisture

You don’t want any moisture to get into your CBD oil because humidity and moisture can facilitate microbial growth in it. Keep your oil dry, away from where it can come in contact with water. A cool, dark cupboard or an exclusive drawer will work well.

Watch Air Exposure

CBD oil is also prone to faster degradation due to exposure to air. Ensure that its bottle is tightly sealed when not in use. If you have a large bottle, transfer some oil into a smaller one for daily consumption. This will lessen the frequency of opening your main bottle, thus minimising its exposure to air.

Stable Temperature

Temperature fluctuations can impair the quality of your CBD oil. It should be stored somewhere that maintains a relatively stable temperature. Do not put it near windows, doors or other areas where temperatures change often.

Buy Smarter

As tempting as it might seem, avoid buying bulk quantities of CBD oil even during sales; instead, go for smaller amounts that will be used up quickly. Storing excesses can lead to long periods of stagnation before use. 

Practical Tips

Using Dark Glass Bottles: If you use your CBD oil more often, utilise dark glass bottles. They are excellent at keeping the light off and preventing the oil from going bad.

Avoid Heat Sources: Do not put your oil near radiators, heaters or under direct sun rays. 

If you live in a hot region, identify the coolest part of your house, perhaps a cellar or a relatively cooler place.

Keep it Sealed: Always make sure that the bottle is tightly closed. Where there is contact between air and the liquid substance, it speeds up decomposition.

By following these basic tips above, you can keep your CBD oil fresh and potent for longer. Handle your CBD oil carefully; it will give you its full benefits every time you use it.

Product Recommendations

CBD Oil for Dogs from CBDNorth

CBDNorth’s CBD Oil for Dogs is an excellent way to incorporate CBD into your pet’s daily routine. It is specifically made for your furry friend to reduce anxiety, manage pain, and improve overall well-being. It does not contain THC.  

Dogs are different from humans. They are smaller and have different metabolisms. CBDNorth considers this and manufactures products that suit dogs’ biological systems well. 

Besides this, every product of CBDNorth is thoroughly lab-tested by independent third parties to ensure quality and effectiveness, giving pet owners peace of mind.

This CBD oil helps to reduce anxiety, alleviate pain, and promote joint health, which is especially important for older dogs or dogs with arthritis. It also deals with inflammation and enhances mobility, which results in a better life for your animal companion. Furthermore, it has a dropper to facilitate easy administration.

Other CBD Products from CBDNorth

Besides CBD oil for dogs, CBDNorth offers several other all-natural CBD products. These include human CBD oils, creams and lotions, and CBD gummies. They are carefully crafted and manufactured using the best ingredients to ensure purity and strength. Whatever you need, whether you want to alleviate pain, manage stress, or support general wellness, there is always a product for you at CBDNorth.

CBD Oils for Humans: The company offers different cannabidiol-infused oils for human usage. They are produced from organically grown hemp with no additives or artificial components. Full-spectrum CBD oils contain a broad range of valuable cannabinoids and terpenes, while THC-free oils are known as broad-spectrum oils. 

CBD Topicals: For localised relief, CBDNorth provides an assortment of CBD Topicals containing cannabidiol, such as creams, balms, and lotions. These items have been designed to be directly applied to the skin and absorbed into it, providing targeted relief against pain, inflammation, skin conditions, etc.

CBD Gummies: CBDNorth offers CBD Gummies as a tasty and convenient way to consume CBD. These gummies are infused with high-quality CBD and come in different flavours. They are the best bet for those who don’t like consuming CBD oil.

Each product is tested rigorously to ensure that it meets the highest levels of quality and safety. By choosing CBDNorth, customers can trust that the products they are buying are safe and efficient.

Conclusion

Understanding CBD oil’s shelf life and proper storage is essential to ensuring you benefit most from your purchase. You can maintain its effectiveness and safety by recognising the signs of spoilage and knowing how to store it correctly. 

The correct way to store CBD oil is in a cool, dark, and dry place without exposing it to light, heat, or air. Observing CBD oil’s colour, smell, taste, texture, and consistency differences will help you avoid using a spoiled product.

Sourcing high-quality CBD oil Canada from reputable brands like CBDNorth means buying safe and effective products. So, always choose wisely.

FAQs

Does CBD Balm Expire?

Yes, CBD calm expires. Typically, it has a shelf life of 12 to 24 days, depending on the storage condition and ingredients. To increase its shelf life, one should store it in a cool, dry, dark place. It is strongly advised to buy CBD balm from a reputable buyer to ensure that it is made of high-quality ingredients. Discard the product if its colour, smell, or texture changes.

How long does CBD oil typically last?

Typically, the shelf life of CBD oil is between one and two years, depending on factors such as oil quality, extraction method and storage conditions. If properly stored away from light, heat and air, Cannabidiol oils tend to remain potent for extended periods. High-quality oils manufactured using organic ingredients and good manufacturing practices often have a longer shelf life. 

Can expired CBD oil make you sick?

Expired CBD oil will not make you badly sick, but it may cause mild side effects such as upset stomach, digestive discomfort and headache. The primary concern with expired CBD oil is that it loses potency as the cannabinoids break down over time. The carrier oils can also break down, producing unpleasant tastes and smells and making the product less enjoyable. Therefore, CBD oil must be used within its suggested shelf life.

What are the signs that CBD oil has expired?

CBD oil has gone bad if there are changes in colour, smell, taste or texture. Typically, fresh CBD oil has a light golden or amber tinge compared to the darkened colour of expired ones. The smell can become sour or rancid, while the taste can become harsh or off-putting. Texture may also change by becoming thicker or cloudier. If you notice these signs, your CBD oil has probably degraded; hence, you should not use it. 

How should I store CBD oil to keep it fresh?

Keep your CBD oil in a cool, dark and dry place. The ideal storage temperature for CBD oil is 20-25°C (68-77°F). Dark glass bottles help protect against light exposure, whereas tightly sealed bottles minimize air contact.

Can I use CBD oil past its expiration date?

Using outdated CBD oil may not be advisable since its strength and efficacy would likely reduce over time. Though it might not cause any severe damage, outdated CBD oil may cause minor side effects, including stomach upset or headache. Moreover, taste and smell turn irritating over time.

Does the type of CBD oil affect its shelf life?

To begin with, the type of CBD oil can indeed affect its shelf life. Because of the complexity of their components, full-spectrum and broad-spectrum CBD oils, which contain additional cannabinoids and terpenes, may degrade faster than CBD isolate. Additionally, pronounced shelf lives are observed in those with high-quality carrier oils, such as MCT oil. Also worth noting is the extraction method, whereby CO2-extracted oils are generally more stable and last longer than those extracted using solvents.

What happens if CBD oil is exposed to heat?

Heat exposure could reduce CBD oil’s potency and effectiveness, leading to its spoilage. Consequently, high temperatures lead to a shorter shelf life since they cause the cannabinoids and terpenes to break down more quickly. The carrier oil may also be affected by heat, leading to rancidity. To maintain the quality of CBD oil, keep it in a cool, dark and dry place, away from direct sunlight and heat sources.

Can I refrigerate CBD oil to extend its shelf life?

Keeping CBD oil refrigerated will indeed make it last longer. Refrigerating helps to slow down the deterioration process so the oil stays fresh and effective for an extended time.

Are there preservatives in CBD oil?

Some CBD oils contain natural preservatives like vitamin E, or rosemary extract to enhance shelf life and preserve freshness. However, many high-quality CBD oils shun artificial preservatives and use organic ingredients. Before buying any product, always read its label or access information about its ingredients from the manufacturer’s website. It will ensure you are purchasing a safe, effective and preservative-free product.

How can I ensure I’m buying fresh CBD oil?

Make sure you’re purchasing CBD oil kept in dark, sealed containers. Check the production and expiry dates. Ensure you buy from trusted manufacturers. You can also verify the efficiency and quality of the CBD product by reading reviews and independent lab test reports.