Does CBD oil go bad?

Published on: 26/10/2023

The importance of the due date for CBD products

Have you ever checked the expiry date on a food product before consuming it? We often take for granted that everything we consume has an expiration date, and the same applies to the rising star of wellness products – CBD.

If you’re curious about the longevity of your CBD purchases and how to determine if they are still safe and effective, you’re in the right place.

In this article, we unravel the mysteries surrounding the shelf life of CBD products, shedding light on factors that can affect their quality and potency.

How important is the due date?

Our daily life revolves around expiry dates.

When it comes to food, it is often packaged and contains an expiry date: plastic bottles, cans, paper, cloth, etc. Food may be frozen, dried, liquid, solid, semi-solid, etc.

This is because food is processed in different ways to keep its chemical composition intact. In this way, efforts are made to maintain taste, smell, texture and colour to ensure higher food quality and safety.

All food products have an expiry date. An expiry date is a date determined after which the product must no longer be used or consumed.

Put simply, the use-by date is the shelf life of any food product, which informs the consumer of the month and year within which the product must be consumed. This time period is determined by the manufacturer on the basis of laboratory tests.

After the specified period, the product is generally not advisable for consumption. In fact, the product may become unsuitable for safe consumption due to changes in its chemical composition.

You can easily see the expiry date on any product. For instance, it could be printed on the outer packaging, the bottle, the container, the bottom, the top, or even on the product brochure. Depending on the product and brand, other info could also be added, such as the production date, packaging date, and shipping date.

Read also: Can CBD oil cause headaches? 🧐

What factors determine the expiry date?

There are four main factors that can alter the quality of a product. They are:

• Heat
• Light
• Time
• Exposure to air

Weather conditions play a significant role in altering product quality. This is a rather visible issue on the products of our daily lives. Light, cold, heat, and air leave an obvious impact on the food we eat.

Therefore, a common solution to manage all these four factors is ‘proper storage’. Proper storage can keep food safe for its entire shelf life.

For example, studies say that a plastic water bottle left in the car on a hot day becomes dangerous to drink, as plastic reacts to heat and releases harmful chemicals into the water.

Furthermore, food, once opened, must be tightly sealed and stored at the correct temperature as indicated on the packaging. Half-closed lids or opened packages lead to an accelerated expiry date.

But what about cannabidiol?

Here are a few things to look out for to determine the shelf life of your CBD product.

Ingredients

When researching CBD brands, you should also look at the ingredients in CBD products. Flavourings, essential oils and other added ingredients can affect the shelf life of a product.

Comparing data like this will help you determine how long your products will last.

Quality and track record

Before buying any product, you should research the company you are buying from. As a general rule, higher quality products tend to last longer than most, and this is exactly the same with CBD.

When looking for CBD products, look for companies like the ones we have at Justbob that are transparent about their industrial hemp sources, growing conditions, and third-party lab testing. These factors will indicate the quality of the CBD you are getting.

Packaging and storage

The way any product is packaged can drastically affect its shelf life. Many CBD oils, for example, are packaged in small, dark bottles, as amber bottles are believed to limit light transmission and improve the shelf life of liquids.

Most CBD products come with an expiry date written on the label, as well as other valuable information such as a list of ingredients and recommendations for use.

As a general rule, you should always keep your CBD products tightly closed and store them in a cool, dry, and dark place, away from direct sunlight.

Extraction process

The most common way to extract CBD from the hemp plant is by using a basic solvent solution or the “carbon dioxide” method. The carbon dioxide method is believed to maximise the levels of CBD extracted from the plant, but other methods are also used.

Knowing which extraction method was used for your product can help determine the amount of CBD it contains and the stability of the CBD compound. When a CBD compound is more stable, it is likely to last longer.

How can you tell if CBD is out of date?

As with most products, you should use your best judgement before using anything that may have expired. Fresh CBD should smell earthy, not dirty. Also, if your CBD product has a strange consistency or has changed colour over time, it is probably expired and should not be used.

CBD has been described as having a nutty or grassy aroma. If your CBD product has a strange smell, it is best to throw it away and renew it.

Having said that, is it dangerous to use expired CBD products?

Cannabinoids lose potency over time and dissolve. Using an expired CBD product probably won’t cause you any harm, but it may depend on the type of product you are using and the other ingredients it contains.

In fact, the main problem is with the other ingredients rather than the CBD itself. CBD can also interact with some medications, in which case consult your doctor.

So, what to do when in doubt?

If you are wondering if your CBD product has expired, it could mean that it has been stored for a long time or that you don’t remember when you bought it.
Generally, you should replace your CBD products after one or two years.

Therefore:

• Always be aware of the other ingredients in each product, as well as the extraction process used
• When storing your CBD, make sure to keep it sealed in a cool, dark place

With these tips in mind, you will be able to keep your CBD products fresh for as long as possible.

Read also:  Is CBD flower legal in the UK? Here’s the answer

Conclusions

In conclusion, understanding the importance of the expiry date is crucial when it comes to ensuring the safety and quality of the products we consume. Expiry dates serve as a guideline, indicating the recommended period within which a product should be used or consumed. The factors influencing these dates, such as heat, light, time, and exposure to air, are critical in preserving the integrity of various items, including food and CBD products.

For CBD consumers, paying attention to the product’s ingredients, extraction process, and storage conditions is essential for determining its shelf life. Choosing reputable brands that are transparent about their sourcing, growing practices, and third-party lab testing can significantly impact the longevity and quality of CBD products.

While using expired CBD products may not necessarily be harmful, it is best to err on the side of caution and dispose of any items that exhibit changes in smell, consistency, or color. Keeping CBD products properly sealed, in a cool, dark place, away from direct sunlight, can help extend their freshness.

Ultimately, being informed about the factors that affect the expiry date and adopting proper storage practices can empower consumers to make the most out of their CBD products and ensure a positive and safe experience with these natural remedies. By following these guidelines, individuals can fully benefit from the potential therapeutic effects of CBD and make the most out of their investment in quality CBD products.

💡Takeaways on importance of the use-by date

• The use-by date is essential to ensure the quality and safety of food: The expiry date on food products informs us about the safe shelf life of the product. This is crucial to keep the chemical composition of the food intact, thus preserving the taste, smell, texture and colour to ensure better food quality and safety.
• Four main factors affecting the use-by date: Heat, light, time and exposure to air can alter the quality of a product. These factors are particularly evident in the products of our daily lives. Therefore, proper storage is essential to manage these factors and keep food safe throughout its shelf life.
• Information for assessing the expiry date of CBD: When purchasing a CBD product, it is important to take into account the ingredients added, the quality and the extraction process used. A transparent company regarding industrial hemp sources, growing conditions and third-party laboratory tests will indicate the quality of CBD.
• Signs of expired CBD product: A fresh CBD should have an earthy, not unpleasant smell. If the product smells strange, has changed consistency or colour, it is likely expired and should be replaced.

FAQ on importance of the use-by date

How important is the due date?

The due date is crucial for food products as it indicates the end of their shelf life. Food items are processed in various ways to maintain their quality and safety. The expiry date is determined by the manufacturer through laboratory tests, and it informs consumers of the month and year until which the product should be consumed. After the specified period, the product may become unsuitable for safe consumption due to changes in its chemical composition.

What factors determine the expiry date?

Four main factors can alter the quality of a product: heat, light, time, and exposure to air. Weather conditions also play a significant role in impacting product quality. Proper storage is the common solution to manage these factors and keep food safe for its entire shelf life. For example, heat can react with plastic, releasing harmful chemicals into the water. Additionally, once food is opened, it should be tightly sealed and stored at the correct temperature as indicated on the packaging to avoid an accelerated expiry date.

How can you tell if CBD is out of date?

Expired CBD products may have a strange smell, changed color, or a strange consistency. Fresh CBD should have an earthy aroma. While using expired CBD products probably won’t cause harm, the main concern is with the other ingredients they contain. Cannabinoids lose potency over time. If in doubt, it’s best to dispose of the expired CBD product and consult your doctor if it has interacted with other medications.