If you’re new to the wonderful world of CBD, chances are that you need a little guidance on how to use it properly. And one of the first things you need to know is how long your CBD oil will last, right? Most food and beverages have a “use by” or “best before” date on them. But what about CBD? The answer is a little complex. CBD oil doesn’t technically have an official expiration in the same way that other oils do.
In this article, we’ll help answer some common questions about CBD oil and it’s unofficial shelf life. By the end of the article, you should feel confident about how to store your CBD oil properly to maintain both quality and potency. You’ll also know the different ways CBD oil’s shelf life is affected so you can keep it as fresh as possible.
What is CBD oil?
CBD, or cannabidiol, is one of many cannabinoids found in the cannabis plant. CBD oil is a CBD-rich solution that’s typically extracted from hemp plants. CBD oil is made from that CBD extract that’s then infused into a carrier oil, like coconut oil or hemp seed oil.
Are there different types of CBD oils?
Yes! There are, indeed, different types of CBD oils. They vary based on things like compounds or extraction methods. There are some listed below:
Full spectrum CBD oil
This oil is made from CBD extract that contains other beneficial compounds found in the cannabis plant, such as terpenes and flavonoids. This type of oil has been extracted from the plant using solvent extraction methods, such as CO2 extraction. The regulations for this oil do not allow the trace amounts of THC to exceed 0.3%, but it’s important to note for anyone that may be required to take a drug test.
Isolate CBD oil
This oil is CBD extract that is odorless, tasteless, and has been isolated down to only contain CBD. This type of CBD oil usually doesn’t contain other plant compounds. This type of CBD oil contains a minute amount THC. If you’re a new user, you may want to begin with isolate CBD oil so that you don’t deal with any other compounds to start out.
Broad spectrum CBD oil
Broad spectrum CBD oil is oil that’s had most of the THC removed, so that it’s considered undetectable. It’s very similar to full spectrum CBD oil, outside of the THC content. This CBD oil does still contains other cannabinoids and plant compounds though, unlike the CBD isolate, hence it’s name.
Pure CBD oil
This is minimally processed CBD oil that’s been extracted from the plant using only physical methods, such as steam extraction or dry-ice extraction. It hasn’t been exposed to any solvents and has been processed as little as possible to preserve the plant’s compounds. So it doesn’t contain any other plant compounds.
High Quality CBD Oil vs. Low Quality CBD Oil?
The difference between a higher quality and poor quality CBD oil can be based on different factors. The source of the CBD can also affect the quality of the CBD oil. A harvester can use different extraction methods that result in a CBD oil with varying degrees of purity.
For example, CBD that’s been extracted using harsh chemicals such as butane or propane, is likely to be low quality. Hemp plants that have been heavily sprayed with pesticides are going to produce CBD oil that’s lower in quality.
On the other hand, CBD oil sourced from organic, well-tended hemp plants will produce higher quality oil. CBD oils that have been extracted using food-grade ethanol are generally high quality.
And finally, the carrier oil can also affect CBD oil quality. Higher quality products tend to be suspended in carrier oils that don’t adversely affect the CBD oil itself. The better carrier oils are coconut oil and hemp seed oil, versus vegetable oils that can go rancid. All of our certified organic CBD oils use MCT coconut oil as the carrier oil.
How to Store CBD Properly?
If you want to avoid expired CBD oil, storage is the key. Storing CBD oil in air-tight containers is a must if you want to have optimal shelf life of CBD. Using glass specifically is ideal because it’s non-porous, and doesn’t allow much air movement from the container.
You can get a longer shelf life out of your CBD if you store it in a dark glass container. If you don’t have a dark glass container, and don’t want to store your CBD in a dark place where you may forget about it, consider wrapping your glass bottle in black paper.
You also want to make sure that you store your CBD oil at the right temperature. Try to avoid excess sunlight and heat as it can cause oxidation of CBD. One of the best places to store CBD oil is inside your pantry because it often has a perfect temperature and doesn’t have constant direct sunlight. Just be careful not to store them within reach of children or near any items that could be mistaken for something else and taken by accident!
What’s the shelf life of CBD oil?
There are a few key factors that determine CBD oil’s shelf life. These include CBD content, the CBD oil’s extraction method, carrier oils used, and the storage conditions of CBD oil. High-quality products last longer, especially those with minimal processing and without any extra ingredients other than hemp extract and carrier oils.
However, CBD oil typically lasts between 12-24 months, depending heavily on storage practice. As we’ve gone over, excessive heat and light exposure (especially direct sunlight), can be two major reasons that CBD oil has become less potent and has gotten worse before it can expire. So always be mindful of where you keep your oil.
Does CBD oil need refrigeration?
Cooling methods such as refrigeration help guarantee a longer shelf life. However, CBD doesn’t require refrigeration. That being said, refrigerating your CBD can improve the overall shelf life. Storing hemp products in an environment such as the fridge, can help avoid excessive heat and prevent the product from becoming spoiled. You can still store CBD outside of the refrigerator with proper practice. Just be sure to keep CBD oils away from heat for optimal CBD oil shelf life.
How can CBD oil last longer?
If you store CBD oil properly, you can extend the shelf life. Exposed air speeds up degradation processes and keeping the bottle upright allows more contact with air. Keep lids closed tightly when not in use. If using droppers, be sure to wash it after every use. Otherwise, it can allow bacteria to enter the oil and deteriorate the product.
If you’d rather turn to the dark side, a medicine cabinet is a perfect storage place to help extend the shelf life of you CBD oil products. You can also store CBD oils in amber colored or dark green bottles. Thankfully many suppliers, including South Central Hemp, provide their products in dark glass bottles already.
How do I find a good quality CBD product that lasts long?
Be sure to research the brand and their harvesting methods. CBD oil quality can vary greatly from brand to brand, and even from product to product. For example, CBD that’s been extracted using supercritical CO2 methods is often of a higher quality than CBD that’s been extracted using ethanol. Once you’re familiar with best practice, you will be able to find higher quality CBD products.
Since higher quality usually means a longer shelf life, next you need to find a vendor. CBD products can be purchased online or in-store at a local shop. This depends on your preferences. Do you want to wait for shipping? Do you want to research each brand or would you like the option of an in-store associate that can assist with questions?
If you are looking for a reliable USDA organic CBD supplier, then look no further than South Central Hemp Co-op’s online store. Our farms are all USDA organic and we supply high quality CBD oil through local shops and our online store.
After you’ve made your purchase, you are left with maintaining the shelf life. Avoiding excessive heat, direct sunlight and having a good quality CBD bottle for storage, can all help extend shelf life.
Where can I buy lab tested products?
Do your research to help you choose the best product! CBD products are not well regulated by the FDA and they don’t regulate CBD oil quality, so it’s important to buy from a reputable company. Most CBD oils sold at health food stores are lab tested and verified to be high quality CBD products. You can also find CBD online at reputable vendors who ensure that their products are tested by independent third-party labs. So you can rest assured knowing that the CBD that goes into your body is of high quality and free from harmful contaminants.
At South Central Hemp Co-op, we lab test all of our CBD products through Telic Labs. 
How do I know if CBD Oil has gone bad?
Check the expiration date for starters. If it’s not past the expiration date, but still seems questionable, you can taste it or give it a whiff. The scent of CBD oil is surprisingly noticeable when it has gone bad. A bad taste is often paired with the unpleasant scent of expired CBD oil. When CBD oils expire, they taste rancid, similar to rotten potatoes. So if yours tastes like this, then it’s time to toss it.
The Final Verdict
To come full circle, does CBD oil expire? It can, which is why proper storage can increase shelf life to make your CBD oil last longer. Most CBD oils have a shelf life between 12-24 months, but you can extend it even further if you store it properly. Fresh CBD oil can quickly turn into expired CBD oil, if it’s not properly stored.
Storage is essential to maintaining quality and potency, so be sure to store your CBD oil with care. Nevertheless, remember that even the best quality CBD oil (even properly stored), will eventually expire. Always check the expiration date on unused old CBD oil. If the date is good, but it smells or tastes rancid, throw it out!