Does CBD Oil Expire? 10 Things You Should Know

For many people, CBD oil is a godsend treatment that alleviates uncomfortable health problems such as depression, anxiety, inflammation, and chronic pain. Recent studies have already proven many such benefits and even encourage the use of CBD oil.

But you’re here to know if CBD oil expires, right?

Let’s cut to the chase. CBD oil will eventually go bad but you can usually extend the shelf life by choosing a decent brand or product. CBD oil is also very shelf-stable which simply means that it stays fresh for a long time and often more than twelve months in the right conditions.

Unfortunately, it’s not always straightforward to know which brands can be trusted. With the growth of the industry, many merchants offer questionable brands and they all claim to be as reliable or high-quality as the next. And until the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) lays down some solid regulations, there will always be this risk in terms of low-quality product.

But before we talk more about the expiry of CBD oil, let’s better understand the product:

Quick Overview of CBD Oil

CBD oil is a chemical compound and hemp plant extract. It’s closely related to the cannabis plant and the main ingredient is CBD itself. However, there are also traces of carrier oils, terpenes and other natural cannabinoids. Although some people still confuse this extract for cannabis, CBD oil does not have any tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) which means there are no psychotic effects or high when using this product.

CBD comes in different forms. The most common of them all is the CBD tincture, an oily cannabidiol usually administered orally. Other forms include CBD gummies and sweets, vaping products or even creams. A new trend emerging on the market today is the CBD isolate, that comes in a powder format (for an in-depth guide on CBD isolates, check out this resource from Meds News).

For the most part, studies show that CBD oil can have a calming effect on humans as it uses the endocannabinoid system to impact cannabinoid receptors. While this might sound complicated, it just means that CBD oil can help reduce important health issues such as chronic pain, adhd, anxiety and stress.

As for how much one might take in a dose, it really depends on the reason for which CBD is taken. Severity of issue is relevant and age is also a factor but side effects are possible when the oil is used too much. It’s also important to consult a doctor to talk about the regular use of CBD oil and pay close attention to the underlying reasons for which you might be using or even relying on the product.

But let’s get back to the main topic of discussion: Does CBD Oil expire?

We’ve already established that CBD oil does technically expire and has a shelf life of one or two years. However, what else should you know related to the expiration of CBD oil?

Let’s take a look at some things you should know relating to the expiration of CBD oil:

Does CBD Oil Expire? 10 Things You Should Know

  1. Brand is Often a Good Indication of Longevity

CBD oil is currently unregulated which means there are many nefarious people and websites selling the product. While some try to overcharge customers, just as many sell lackluster products which are ineffective and have very little shelf life. For this reason, it’s best to stick with products that come recommended or that have excellent reviews.

  2. Be Careful Where You Purchase CBD Oil

Low-grade CBD oil can contain harmful toxins and who knows what else! Just so you know, many fake or unreliable products can be found on nefarious websites and even Amazon.

  3. You Can Identify CBD Oil that Will Last Longer

Believe it or not, you can identify how long will CBD last compared to other products. For example, CBD oil with a “full spectrum” extract is higher quality. What’s more, where and how hemp is grown is crucial and brand transparency is usually a sign of legitimacy. That is to say, brands that offer transparent communication are usually those which take pride in a genuine product that customers can trust to last a long time to come.

  4. Longevity is Not a Sign of Legitimacy for CBD Oil

At the same time, even if a product seems to last a long time, that does not confirm the safety of a particular CBD oil. Due to the young age of the industry, many manufacturers use a rather questionable process. For instance, some CBD oil products use cheap solvents such as propane or butane which are incredibly bad for your health. Yes, these oils might last a long time but do you really want to risk your health?

  5. Ethanol is Sometimes a Sign of Sustainability

Many of the best companies use ethanol to produce CBD oil. Ethanol removes harmful toxins and makes for a more efficient manufacturing process. At the same time, this technique also allows for more natural cannabinoids to remain which inevitably allows any such CBD oil to last longer. It’s also one of the safer ways to extract CBD for consumption and something you should definitely look out for when making a purchase.

  6. Supercritical C02 Extractions Offers the Highest Purity

Purity is another important factor when it comes to the length of time a bottle of CBD oil might last. Some brands use a process called supercritical C02 extraction which uses carbon dioxide to extract CBD in a cold environment. Simply put, this helps to maintain the purity of CBD oil but this complex process also requires expensive equipment which is not always attainable for CBD companies. While purity does not necessarily mean a product will last longer, it does mean the potency will last longer in general.

  7. Hemp is a Hyperaccumulator Which May Dictate Expiry

Hemp easily absorbs any heavy metals or toxins in the soil. For this reason, a hemp plant in low quality soil will result in low quality CBD oil. Similarly, a hemp plant grown in high quality soil will produce a better quality product. It’s called hyperaccumulator and so the quality of soil will sometimes determine how long it might be until CBD oil expires. Once again, it’s not a guarantee but it certainly makes sense that a high quality product should be expected to last longer than a low quality product.

  8. It’s Worth Checking for a Certificate of Analysis

If you want to ensure that your CBD oil will last long enough, it’s important to pay attention to whether or not a brand provides third-party lab results. You see, the most reputable companies will have a Certificate of Analysis (COA) and these labs are tasked with ensuring the CBD oil is everything that it claims to be – right down to the impurities. If you cannot find confirmation in this respect, don’t be afraid to contact customer service and you should find all the answers or proof you need in terms of the COA.

  9. Most CBD Oil Will Last Enough Time to Use It

CBD oil is something that most people use until the product is gone. In other words, if you use CBD oil regularly, you will likely need to replace the bottle before it has time to expire. On the other hand, if you find an old bottle lying around from two years ago, it might not have the same potency as a fresh bottle. Either way, know that a bottle of CBD oil will usually last long enough for you to finish in one treatment.

  10. Every Bottle of CBD Oil has an Expiry Date

Every bottle of CBD oil will have an expiration date. You should always check this date before consuming the product and try to finish the bottle prior to this date. It should go without saying that using out-of-date CBD oil is not recommended and it’s always best to buy a fresh bottle if you really want to experience the benefits of this potent oil.

Final thoughts

When you ask “Does CBD oil expire?”, it’s often for the fact that you’ve had a particular bottle for a long time. Also, a low quality product is not only unsafe but also unreliable in terms of how long you can expect a bottle to last. The truth is, CBD oil can last for one and even two years but picking up a fresh bottle is always the best option. That being said, the affordable prices and easy access to CBD oil mean that shouldn’t be a problem!

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