Can CBD Expire?

Every product typically has a manufacturing date, expiration date or a “best used by” date. These dates are printed on labels for the safety of individuals. As CBD continues to gain popularity, many ask the question, “what is the shelf life of CBD?”

Does CBD Go Bad?

Like most products, CBD has a shelf life. Unfortunately, these amazing products are not immune to the fate of expiration. The expiration of a CBD product may not make the product bad, but the potency may be hindered, which could directly impact the effectiveness. Do not be discouraged though, CBD products stay good for longer than you may think! CBD actually has a pretty significant shelf life between 14 and 24 months, on average. Keep in mind, there are factors that can determine whether the CBD has the shorter or longer shelf life.

Similar to other products or ingredients, the longer CBD is stored, the less effective it could become. This is true of any product, regardless of how well you store them. To understand what effects CBD shelf-life length, it’s important to look at what these factors are that allow some CBD products to remain good and effective longer than others.

Why Some CBD Products Have Longer Expiration Dates

Some CBD products seem to have better shelf life than other products and there is an answer for that. It has to do with the quality of the CBD, how it is manufactured and how it is stored. These are three of many factors that play a huge part in keeping your CBD good for longer, or why it seems it becomes less effective too quickly.

Storage

How you store your CBD affects how long you can keep using it before it starts losing its potency. It is important to make sure that you are storing your CBD in a cool and dry environment with the package sealed. Heat and humidity can decrease the shelf life of your CBD products drastically. Another thing you must avoid is direct sunlight on your CBD products. Unlike plants, sunlight is not good for your CBD. The light exposure can reduce the shelf life of your CBD products due to the intense degradation of the compound when exposed to sun’s natural light. This can be one of the most harmful factors to CBD product’s shelf life.

If you want to store your CBD properly, keep it in a dry place at room temperature (70 degrees or less is optimal). A good spot for your CBD could be your pantry or cabinet, or in some cases your fridge. Lastly, try to avoid as much air exposure to the CBD as possible. The oxygen in the air puts the compounds through an oxidative process that reduces the effectiveness of the CBD by changing the compound over time. Always keep your CBD sealed as much as possible.

Quality

Another huge factor that plays into the shelf life of CBD is of course the quality of the product. Like any other product you may purchase, the better quality it is, the longer it will last. But it is not only the quality of the hemp or the richness of the soil, it is also the methods of extraction that are used. CBD can lose a lot of its effectiveness in the extraction process if the extraction is not done properly. That is why it is important to purchase your products from companies dedicated to perfection, efficiency, detail and quality.

How to Make Your CBD Last

There are many factors that can contribute to the degradation of your CBD products, so let’s recap what you can do to fight these negative factors and increase the shelf life of your CBD while preserving its potency:

Store in a cool, dry place at room temperature (70 degrees or less is optimal)
Avoid excessive light exposure and sunlight
Storing your CBD in a dark pantry or fridge can help your products remain potent
Limit the amount of exposure to air, keep product sealed as much as possible.

Buy CBD products only from reputable companies

Make sure the products are manufactured in a GMP-Certified, FDA-Registered and ISO-Certified facility.

If you listen to these suggestions, your CBD products will be sure to last much longer! Everyone’s consumption periods of CBD vary. The serving size and the amount needed for each individual is unique to their individual needs. Some people will use their CBD in a 1-2 months, while others may use it for more situational use. Regardless of what your consumption methods are, be sure to follow these steps to extend the shelf life of your CBD and preserve the potency of your products.

FDA Disclaimer: The statements made regarding these products have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. The efficacy of these products has not been confirmed by FDA-approved research. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. All information presented here is not meant as a substitute for or alternative to information from health care practitioners. Please consult your health care professional about potential interactions or other possible complications before using any product. The Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act requires this notice.