How Long Does CBD Oil Last? Much Longer Than You Might Think.

Did you forget about that cannabidiol tincture you bought last year? Maybe you just found it in a drawer and now you are wondering “how long does CBD oil last?” There are a few things that factor into how long CBD oil stays fresh. We will go over everything you need to know to be sure what you are using is safe. But first, let’s dig into what exactly is in that bottle of oil you’re wondering about.

What Are Cannabinoids?

Cannabinoids are chemical compounds that are present in the human body, cannabis plants, as well as some other plants. They interact with the endocannabinoid system in the body in order to regulate a number of different functions. Currently, scientists have identified 113 cannabinoids that affect the endocannabinoid system differently. The effect may either inhibit or excite the release of chemicals or hormones in the body to either stimulate or prevent a specific action.

What Is CBD?

CBD or cannabidiol is a cannabinoid that is present in the cannabis plant. CBD mainly interacts with the CB-2 receptors in the endocannabinoid system. CB-2 receptors are primarily in the gastrointestinal tract (gut) and throughout the immune system. CBD therefore generally regulates functions of the immune system. However, there are multiple additional health benefits that people associate with CBD.

What Are The Effects Of CBD?

The endocannabinoid system is a relatively new discovery, scientifically speaking. This means that scientists are still trying to fully understand the role of this system in the body and how different cannabinoids interact with it. While research is still ongoing, some of the health benefits that CBD has displayed potential for include:

– Anti-seizure

– Pain-relieving (chronic and acute conditions)

– Alleviates nausea and vomiting

– Has a calming and relaxing (sedative) effect

– Treats anxiety, depression and other related mental health disorders

– Antipsychotic

– Treats sleep disorders

– Eases respiratory disorders such as asthma and lung disease

– Relieves the symptoms of allergies

– Slows the progression of neurodegenerative disease such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s

– Reduces substance abuse withdrawal symptoms

Naturally, there are also some occasional negative side-effects that CBD may cause. However, these effects are normally mild and do not affect every user in the same way. Side-effects may include:

– Dry mouth

– Drowsiness

– Diarrhea

– Loss of appetite

Other, more serious side-effects that are yet to be confirmed may include:

– Liver damage

– Mood swings

– Fertility problems in males

– Interactions with other medications

It is always best to discuss CBD use with your doctor if you are currently taking any other medications or supplements. CBD may increase the effectiveness or amount of the drug in the bloodstream which could have negative consequences. If you ask, “how long does CBD oil last?” and find that yours has passed the expiration date, these side effects may be more likely.

Where Does CBD Come From?

In general, CBD comes from the cannabis plant. However, people extract it most commonly from the hemp species of cannabis. There are two reasons for this: hemp contains higher concentrations of CBD and hemp contains legal levels (lower than 0.3%) of THC. Tetrahydrocannabinol is the cannabinoid that is responsible for the intoxicating properties of marijuana.

Hemp vs Marijuana

From an appearance standpoint, hemp is taller and has longer, slimmers leaves. Marijuana is bushier and has broader, fuller leaves.

Hemp is meant primarily for its commercial value including the products such as cloth, paper, bio-fuel and CBD products. Marijuana is more popular for recreational use and the intoxicating properties.

In order to legally be hemp, a cannabis plant may not contain concentrations of THC in excess of 0.3%. Although a cannabis plant may have all the characteristics of the hemp species, if it contains more than 0.3% THC, it is not hemp. Any cannabis plant that has an excess of 0.3% THC is legally marijuana.

Can CBD Get You High?

CBD has none of the psychoactive properties of THC that get you high. However, some CBD products may contain some THC and these specific products may get you high. In most states, CBD products must contain less than 0.3% THC to be legal. This trace amount of THC is negligible and cannot get you high. However, if you use a CBD product with trace amounts of THC too often, the concentration may build up in your body. This could result in a slight chance that you could feel some high effect.

CBD products that contain THC are called “full-spectrum.” It contains every available compound that hemp has to offer. Broad-spectrum CBD contains everything but should not contain any THC. CBD isolates use an extraction process that produces 100% pure CBD with no traces of THC or other cannabinoids.

Can CBD Oil Expire?

CBD oil degrades over time and therefore its usefulness does expire. However, the period of time that it takes for the product to degrade entirely is usually quite long. The better the quality of the product and the higher the grade, the longer the CBD is likely to last. Certain conditions can allow the CBD to degrade faster such as direct sunlight and heat. One amazing new technology that can help companies determine how long their products will last comes from ACS Laboratory. They can test products to determine the shelf life of whatever you send them.

Using CBD beyond its expiry date is not dangerous and is unlikely to be toxic or harmful. However, as the CBD degrades, it becomes less effective. It is therefore best to use CBD sooner rather than allowing it to stand for extended periods of time.

How Long Does CBD Last?

The prime usefulness of a CBD product can range anywhere between around 14 and 24 months. However, the length of time it will last depends on a number of different factors:

– The grade or quality of the CBD

– How you store the CBD 

– Exposure to conditions that could result in the CBD degrading faster

– The delivery method (type of product)

CBD that is pure and of a high quality will generally last longer than poor quality (cheap) CBD which will degrade faster. CBD oil and other products that are sold in a darkened bottle or packaging also tend to last longer. It is ideal to store CBD in a cool, dark place to make it last longer. CBD products such as edibles may degrade faster than oils, lotions or other topical applications. Vape oils are also likely to have a longer shelf life.

So how long does CBD oil last? In general, you should use it within at least 12 to 24 months after you buy it.

How to Store CBD

Commonly, CBD packaging is meant to preserve the efficacy for as long as possible. However, there are still some useful storage instructions that can help reduce the degradation and improve effectiveness over a longer period of time.

– Always store CBD in a dark place away from direct sunlight.

– Preferably store it where it is not exposed to any heat. The kitchen or bathroom are not ideal storage areas. While refrigeration may help, a cool, dark closet or cupboard is sufficient.

– Always keep it in a closed, sealed container. More exposure to air is bad.

– CBD in liquid form should always be stored in the upright position.

– Store it away from excess moisture. Once again, the kitchen or bathroom are not ideal storage areas as there is a higher risk of exposure to moisture. In humid climates, it is best to store the CBD product near a desiccant which will help protect the product from moisture.

Following these storage instructions will improve the efficacy of CBD over a longer period of time.

How Long Does CBD Last In The Refrigerator?

Storing CBD in the refrigerator will make it last longer as the cool, dark environment will prevent it from degrading as quickly. However, it is not going to last much longer than storing it in another type of cool, dark and dry environment such as a cupboard. Storing it in the refrigerator is likely to make it last anywhere from a month to 10 months longer. In hot and humid climates, storing CBD in the fridge is the best practice.

How Long Does CBD Last At Room Temperature?

It is a general rule that CBD lasts anywhere from 14 to 24 months at room temperature. However, exposure to light, heat, air and moisture can decrease the lifespan to closer to 14 months. If you store it in a cool, dark and dry environment it will last closer to 24 months or two years. It is not ideal to use CBD after a two year period has passed as it is likely to be less effective.

Is It Dangerous To Use Expired CBD?

The reason that CBD has an expiry date is because it loses its efficacy as time goes by and when it is exposed to certain elements. However, the CBD does not become toxic or harmful once the expiry date has passed. Using CBD after the recommended use-by date is therefore unlikely to make you sick or have negative consequences. However, you are also unlikely to experience any of the potential benefits.

That said, many CBD products are not 100% pure and may contain other elements that could become dangerous when kept for extended periods of time. It is therefore best to use CBD before the expiry date and dispose of it once it has expired.

It is also good to check when the CBD product was produced before buying it. If it has been sitting on a shelf for months before you buy it, it may already have lost most of its efficacy and may not last as long.