Does CBD Oil Expire? Answering Common CBD Questions Pt. 2

Whether you include CBD oil or other CBD products such as gummies, capsules, or tinctures in your wellness routine, you may be curious about their shelf life. Does CBD oil expire? And how will you know when it has?

In this guide, we answer those questions and more to help you understand when CBD oil expires and what influences how long it lasts. We'll also give you some pointers on storing CBD oil and finding the best CBD products so you can get the most from your experience from start to finish.

Does CBD Oil Expire? What Influences CBD’s Shelf Life

Yes, CBD oil will eventually expire but there are several factors that determine when that happens (more on that in a moment).

Generally, you can plan on your CBD oil lasting anywhere from 1-2 years. Different brands will have different guidelines on expiration dates. For instance, some will guarantee freshness from the delivery time while others may emphasize sticking with the expiration date on the package. Shelf life also depends on the product. For example, CBD gummies may last a year while a topical rub could last anywhere from 6 months to a year or more.

Several factors make a difference in the shelf life of your CBD oil and other products. Here are some things to keep an eye out for:

• Packaging: The kind of packaging your CBD oil comes in could impact how long it’ll last. Light and air cause oxidation and can shorten the life of your CBD products. Seek out CBD that comes in packaging designed to minimize light exposure (i.e., dark amber glass rather than a transparent glass). Having a secure seal will keep air from seeping inside and degrading your oil.

• Other Ingredients: Take a close look at the rest of the ingredients in your CBD oil. Carrier oils, additives and flavorings can all impact how long you’ll be able to use your CBD. Look for quality oils such as coconut or MCT oil, olive or hemp oil, and minimal additives, if any.

• Extraction Methods: Co2 extraction, steam, alcohol, and solvent distillations each have their advantages but may come at a cost. Some methods yield higher amounts of cannabinoids and terpenes than others, which is worth considering if you'd like to enjoy all the benefits your CBD oil has to offer. Others result in a longer shelf. Be sure and research the extraction method used for your CBD so you can make the best choice for your needs.

• Quality Matters: Higher-quality CBD oils stay fresh longer. At Populum, we pride ourselves on transparency and formulations that use only the best ingredients, which means better carrier oils, flavoring, packaging, and, most importantly, better CBD. You get to enjoy CBD oil that will stay fresh until its expiration date.

How To Know If Your CBD Is Expired

Like most things in your kitchen or medicine cabinet, there are certain tell-tale signs that your CBD oil has expired. Here’s what to look for:

• Expiration Date: Even though proper storage will preserve the shelf life of your CBD products, they will eventually expire. If you're not sure your CBD is still usable, it's a good idea to get started in the most obvious place — checking the expiration date.

• Appearance: The temperature and the manner in which you store your oil could impact how it looks. For instance, being in a refrigerator can give it a cloudy look. Don't let the appearance make you alarmed. Reach out to the brand to inquire more.

• Taste: Trust your taste buds. CBD oil can have an earthy or grassy taste, especially if it’s unflavored. If something doesn’t taste quite right when you use it, there’s a good chance it has expired. This goes for flavored blends too. Remember, the oils and other ingredients in your CBD blend can impact its shelf life. A rancid taste is a sure sign it’s too old. The good news is that expired CBD oil won’t necessarily hurt you, so a quick sample won’t cause any harm.

• Reach Out to the Brand: If you have any doubt, reach out to the brand you bought it from. They should be able to match your product's lot (or batch) number with their manufacturing date to give you a more accurate expiration window.

Tips for Storing Your CBD

How you store your CBD oil will make the difference between having a CBD product that spoils prematurely or stays fresh until its expiration date.

Start by keeping your glass bottles in a dark place, like in your cabinet or shelf. Because direct sunlight can increase oxidation and lead to a shorter shelf life, you may see your CBD oil packaged in amber or darker-colored bottles. Don't worry if some of your CBD products come in plastic packaging. As long as they're protected from light exposure, you'll be good to go.

While your bottle of CBD oil will stay fresh at room temperature, you can also try keeping it in the refrigerator to increase its shelf life (but don’t forget to give it a good shake before using it). Whenever you do use your CBD oil, be sure to keep the dropper clean and try to keep it from touching your tongue to avoid introducing bacteria or other matter that could spoil it. Don’t forget to keep the package upright too. You don’t want your oil to leak if you accidentally forget to secure a top correctly.

Lastly, always check for a storage disclaimer with your CBD oil. The company you buy from may have special instructions for storage you’ll want to pay attention to.

Remember, the best way to get the most from your CBD oil is to pick up a quality CBD product right from the start. Populum’s CBD tinctures are made with hemp grown and processed in Colorado. What’s more, Populum’s extraction process results in high concentrations of cannabinoids — such as cannabinol (CBN), cannabigerol (CBG), and cannabichromene (CBC) — and terpenes. You can count on your Populum CBD oil being fresh for two years from the date of delivery.

Getting the Most From Your CBD

Does CBD oil expire? Yes, it does, but you now have some useful information on what to do to keep your CBD oil fresh from the moment it arrives at your door.

Like other vitamins, supplements, and foods you use in your daily routine, CBD oil won’t last forever. But as long as you keep a few things in mind while you shop and store it properly, you’ll know it’s safe and ready to use when you need it.

When you're shopping for CBD, look for high-quality products from companies that value transparency and offer in depth information on what you’re buying. Better quality usually means a longer shelf life.

Third-party lab results will guarantee the amount of CBD on the label is what's in your bottle. They'll also tell you what isn't in your CBD. Because the hemp industry is still new and isn't regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), lab reports are even more necessary.

For other helpful tips on using CBD oil, check out more on the Populum blog.