How to Store CBD Properly

green cannabis leaves and black glass drops bottle

Just as with most consumables, cannabidiol has a shelf life. For many users, it’s quite rare to even think about checking the expiration date when buying cannabidiol. Many buyers usually focus on the strengths and qualities of the oil instead of the expiration dates.

However, it’s always important to know how long your cannabidiol will last from the date of purchase. Of course, you don’t want to have your dosage limited by an expiration date that also forces you to waste the remainder of a valuable product like cannabidiol

Generally speaking, high quality cannabidiol has a stable and long shelf life. It can stay in a consumable condition for about 12 to 24 months from the date of manufacture without losing its potency and freshness. However, the overall lifespan of a CBD product will depend on a number of factors, including the ingredients, the manufacturing process, and how well the user stores it.

How to Tell Whether cannabidiol has Gone Bad

In most cases, cannabidiol will be consumed far before it reaches it end of shelf life. However, it’s still good to know the signs of an expired CBD product. cannabidiol generally has a distinctive herbal and aromatic smell. It could also smell like mint leaves, olive oil, or any other essential oil. The smell mainly depends on the product and the essential oils used in its manufacture. When cannabidiol goes bad, the aroma that used to be pleasant starts turning unmistakably rancid.

It’s a good practice to throw away any cannabis oil once two years have elapsed since you bought and/or opened it. It might have already started losing its flavor and potency. It also becomes less effective, as the oil starts turning darker and cloudy. The darker the color, the less useful it is. However, don’t forget that keeping it refrigerated could also make the cannabidiol seem thicker and cloudy. In such a case, all you have to do is place the bottle under lukewarm water and it will liquefy.

Another major warning sign is a change in its effects. cannabidiol that has gone past its prime will no longer have the same impact as before, and it will require higher dosages than before.

What Really Affects the Shelf Life or cannabidiol?

While some extracts and infusions might have some quality degradation in a short amount of time, others are able to stay fresh and potent for long periods of time. As mentioned before, the shelf life of your cannabidiol will be affected by several factors. If you want your cannabidiol to last a really long time, you want to have every information available on how to keep it pristine.

Method of Extraction

Different manufacturers use different extraction methods to isolate the CBD from the hemp plant and separate it from other cannabinoids as needed. Each method used will have a different impact on the quality and the purity of the final product. In addition, how CBD is extracted plays an important role in the shelf life of the final product.

The standard extraction methods, such as ethanol extraction, CO2 extraction and oil extraction are the most popular. Most CBD is generally obtained through CO2 extraction, which produces a more stable compound that is free of contaminants like chlorophyll. The result is that the final product has a much better purity, quality, and longevity.

Carrier Oil

Although CBD is extracted from hemp, cannabidiol generally doesn’t just contain hemp extracts. It often comes with a carrier oil, which helps improve the bioavailability of the CBD. This is mainly because hemp oil is generally not the most effective way to get CBD in the human body to interact with receptors in the endocannabinoid system. When CBD is combined with another fat, it becomes more easier to absorb in the body, which increases its effects and potency.

When CBD is mixed with a carrier oil, it improves its overall shelf life for up to another 24 months, based on the carrier oil used. Nonetheless, it’s important to note that these dates usually refer to the amount of time the oil will be shelf-stable. When you start using the oil, it will go bad faster.

Packaging

A high quality packaging of cannabidiol will not only make a product marketable, but also protect it from UV rays, heat, and humidity in the environment, all of which contribute to CBD going bad faster. This is why most CBD tincture, for instance, are usually sold in blue or amber dropper bottles.

When purchasing cannabidiol, be sure to look out for products that are sold in clear containers or bottles. Although they might be made from the same ingredients, the cannabinoid content will tend to degrade much faster in a clear bottle because of the extra exposure to light. Ensure that you also stay away from products sold in plastic bottles as they easily let in air, light, and even humidity.

Storage

Although the quality of the packaging material is important, how CBD is stored is perhaps a more significant determining factor in making sure your CBD stays potent and fresh for a long time. No matter the quality of the oil, it can still go bad before the expiration date, especially if it’s not stored properly.

Keep in mind that CBD is sensitive to air, light, and heat, all of which affect its shelf life. These elements usually degrade the cannabidiol and the carrier base in the CBD products. And by observing proper storage practices, you will keep these elements from your cannabidiol, thereby extending its shelf life and preserving its potency.

Since storage is the most important factor, you want to make sure that you store your CBD products properly, to ensure they don’t get compromised. The good news is that storing cannabidiol properly isn’t necessary a difficult task, so long as you keep these storage tips in mind.

Store your CBD in a Cool, Dry Place

One of the best places to store your CBD would be a cool pantry away from all the appliances that produce heat. This includes ovens, dryers, stoves, heaters, and even refrigerators. Electrical appliances usually emit heat that can ruin your CBD products faster, especially when exposed for a long time.

Some people do like to keep their CBD refrigerated, especially if they prefer the colder taste or using their CBD when it’s at lower temperatures. However, it’s generally unnecessary to store CBD in a refrigerator unless you live in a very hot, humid area.

While travelling with your cannabidiol, avoid the mistake of storing your CBD products inside your vehicle. Cars can build up heat rather quickly, and this can facilitate the degradation of the cannabinoids contained in your cannabidiol products.

Store Your CBD Away from direct sunlight

On a similar note, CBD products should not be exposed to direct light, whether sunlight or artificial light. Light exposure is one of the most significant contributors to cannabinoid deterioration.

Ensure that you keep your cannabidiol in its original bottle or packaging, and avoid transferring it to a clear container. Otherwise, you risk making it vulnerable to light damage. Also avoid storing it by your windows, and return it to its storage location immediately after use. Although the packaging of your CBD might be tinted, it might not be enough to protect it from the light.

All CBD products Should be Stored in Sealed, Air-tight Containers

Exposure to air might shorten the shelf life of a CBD product rapidly. Oxygen facilitates the breakdown of cannabinoids, which eventually leads to loss of effectiveness. This is why CBD products are sold in air tight containers.

When purchasing a CBD product, ensure it comes with a completely sealed container. Don’t buy a product if the seal is broken. Double check if the lid is properly closed after each use to avoid air seeping into the bottle.