Does CBD Expire? Tips for Storing CBD Oil and More

As with most natural products, CBD will eventually expire and lose its potency. Happily though, CBD extract has quite a long shelf life of around 1 to 2 years. Nevertheless, CBD products’ expiry date can hinge on a number of factors, not all related to CBD.

This means that while CBD itself may have a long shelf life, CBD products may have a shorter expiration date. To be sure your product is safe to consume, always check the packaging. You will often find an expiration date on the top or bottom of the box.

Below are some of the common factors that affect CBD products’ expiration date:

Other Ingredients

CBD oils, balms, gummies and cosmetics all contain other ingredients besides CBD, each with their own shelf lives. Often you will find that a CBD product has a shorter shelf life due to the presence of another ingredient. For example, if a CBD oil uses natural flavours, these may expire in a shorter time than the CBD oil it is flavouring.

Quality CBD

Quality CBD means more than just getting an efficacious product, it also means it will last longer. There are a few things that can affect the quality of CBD extract, including how the hemp was sourced and how it was processed. Poor quality CBD extract will likely expire far quicker than good CBD from a reputable brand.

Packaging and Storage

CBD oils are best kept in dark bottles, such as the deep green, brown or amber that you’ll commonly see. These don't just look nice, they also help protect their contents from direct sunlight, which can prematurely age CBD oil or cause discolouration. Airtight containers also prevent CBD oil being exposed to oxygen, which can also cause the CBD within to expire faster.

My CBD Oil Changed Colour, is That a Problem?

Sometimes you may notice that your CBD oil has changed colour or gone a little cloudy. This can be a cause for concern, but in most cases you need not worry. It is not uncommon for CBD oils to change colour to shades of pink or brown; if your CBD oil has shifted to these colours, it is still safe to consume.

CBD changing colour is caused by a simple reaction to heat and light. In fact, your CBD oil turning pink for example, is a sign that it contains good quality CBD. If your CBD extract is rich in a nutrient called polyphenol oxidase and is exposed to sunlight, the polyphenol oxidase could turn a shade of rosy pink.

CBD oils out-of-the-bottle can have quite a variety of colours; this is caused by different carrier oils or even different types of CBD extract. Most CBD oils will arrive in gold, clear or brown colours but as mentioned, don’t be alarmed if they shift colour over time.

How Do I Know My CBD Oil Has Gone Bad?

It’s quite easy to tell when your CBD oil has expired. One of the first things you will probably notice is a foul taste. Good CBD oils, unless artificially flavoured, will have a distinct earthy flavour making it quite easy to tell when it has expired.

The same goes for odour: both CBD drops and sprays will always have a distinctly earthy smell and should not be unpleasant in any way. If your CBD oil smells ‘off’ or rancid, then that’s a sign it is past its expiration date.

You may also be able to tell by sight if your CBD oil is past its expiration date. Expired CBD may take on a thick or dirty/murky appearance if it is too old. However, don’t get this confused with CBD that is simply hazy. Cloudy or hazy CBD is usually due to CBD being stored in the fridge or other cold place; simply let the CBD warm to room temperature and it will clear.

It may be difficult to see your CBD oil inside dark bottles, but using a pipette you will be able to see the CBD oil clearly. Avoid using any CBD oil that looks thick and dirty.

How to Store CBD Oils

On average people use their CBD oils in around 30 days with regular use, which means they have to be kept correctly in the meantime. Luckily, they require very little care; just make sure you keep your CBD oil out of direct sunlight and at room temperature (around 16-21°C).

If CBD oil has been stored for a while, remember to shake them well before use. This ensures that the consistency of the oil is correct and the natural CBD extract contained within is evenly distributed, meaning there are no issues getting your intended dosage.

How to Store CBD E-liquids

CBD e-liquids are one of the most efficient ways of hitting your recommended daily CBD intake, and thankfully there is no special storage required. In fact, you can store them in much the same way as our CBD oils.

Even with the vast range of flavours available across our CBD e-liquids, all variations simply need to be kept out of direct sunlight and kept at a reasonable temperature. There is no need to refrigerate, and if they are kept out of a cupboard, make sure they remain in their protective packaging.

Sometimes e-liquids may become slightly discoloured, but this is not usually anything to worry about. The colour change can come from oxygen reacting with ingredients in the e-liquid. Some e-liquids can keep for up to 2 years, but if you are concerned by the appearance of your e-liquid, it's always good to just check your packaging for the expiry date.

How to Store CBD Gummy Bears

CBD gummy bears are easy to store, and don’t require any more special storage considerations than ordinary gummy bears. Our CBD gummy bears can easily slip into a kitchen cupboard or bedside table, perfect for using in the morning before you get on with your day. However, be very careful not to leave them near any heat sources, such as a radiator, as they could melt!

How to Store CBD Cream and Topicals

The variety of CBD creams and topicals is broad, so it's hard to say if there is a storage trick that applies to all of them. It’s more important to note that CBD cosmetics do not require any more specialised storage than similar products that do not contain CBD.

When it comes to CBD topicals, once again it's best to stick to the golden rules: store in a cool dry place out of direct sunlight. However, with our Infused range and other cosmetics, make sure you check the label for any storage instructions. The CBD in each product does not require any special storage, but there may be other active ingredients that prefer certain conditions.

Storing Your CBD

Keeping CBD is not a challenge in the slightest; CBD products require no more specialist care than other products in the same category. This is the case across many of our product ranges, meaning no matter how you want to start taking CBD, there should be no unexpected storage issues!

Our full range makes it easier than ever to buy CBD online. Whether you require CBD oils, CBD edibles or more bespoke products such as CBD topicals and e-liquids, there is a premium and high quality product to fit your needs at Vitality CBD.