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Does CBD Oil Go Bad?

More people than ever are enjoying the benefits of CBD oil and other CBD products. In fact, according to Gallup, around one in seven Americans has now tried at least one CBD product. 

Investing in a high-quality CBD tincture has the potential to bring you benefits that you've been unable to find elsewhere. But you may not end up using it quickly, so knowing more about its longevity and how to store it is key to ensuring nothing's wasted.

To help you out, we've gone ahead and answered several essential questions so that you can get the most out of your CBD tinctures

How long does CBD oil last?

Generally speaking, most CBD oil will be good for 14 to 24 months. Yes, that's a huge range. A few important factors will give your favorite little bottle a longer or shorter shelf life. 

The CBD oils that last longer are generally made with quality CBD and carrier oils. This is achieved through processes like organic farming as well as hand harvesting and hanging before extracting the CBD. Also, minimally processed full spectrum CBD seems to last longer. 

Conditions that cause CBD oils to go bad before you'd expect it to include direct sunlight and intense heat. That's why storing your products in cool, dark places is best. Flavored products sometimes go off sooner as well due to the additional ingredients. 

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How do I know if my CBD oil has gone bad?

Give it a sniff. Chances are, if your CBD oil has gone off, it will have a bad smell to it. If you're brave, you can even give it a little taste. Again, it won't be too pleasant. 

If it's intensely funky or skunky in either smell or taste, it's most likely bad. Condolences if this has happened to you. Double condolences if you tasted it!

Another method is to take some of the oil into the dropper and look at it closely. CBD oil that's spoiled will be cloudy, thicker or murky and may have even changed in color. All are signs that it's not good anymore. 

Can bad CBD oil make me sick?

Probably not. CBD oil doesn't go rancid like olive oil or other food products like milk, so it isn't likely to make anyone sick. 

However, you probably won't be feeling any of the effects you usually would from a CBD product, unfortunately. That's because the cannabinoids in your CBD product will have broken down. No cannabinoids, no benefits. 

How can I dispose of CBD oil that's gone bad?

There are no laws or regulations about the disposal of CBD products. But when it comes to CBD oil that's spoiled, follow the same general tips for throwing away used cooking oils.

head and heal cbd products

Don't wash oils down the drain or flush them down the toilet, as this can cause clogs in drainage and sewage systems.

Instead, place them in a sealed container that is unlikely to leak and put them in your trash. 

You can also check with your local or municipal waste disposal services for additional guidelines. Some have drop-offs for oil, and it's easy to add the spoiled CBD oil to any used vegetable oils you may be disposing of. 

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What is the best way to store my CBD oil?

Always keep your CBD oil in its original packaging or container. You'll notice they're amber in color. This is to help block the light.

As we mentioned, cool and dark places are best. Aim for around 60° to 70°F (16 to 21°C) and be mindful if you live in an area prone to higher ambient temperatures. We don't recommend storing it in the fridge, however, because this can potentially cause your CBD oil to thicken and harder to dose properly. No one wants that!

Our favorite places to store CBD are in the pantry, a kitchen cupboard, the medicine cabinet or a closet. That's because these places tend to be cool and don't get a lot of light. All this is good for your CBD.

How can I make my CBD oil last longer?

In addition to storing it properly, there are a couple of things to keep in mind when it comes to achieving the maximum shelf life for your CBD oil. You'll want to keep that lid on tight and only open it when you're taking your daily serving of CBD oil. The less exposure it has to air, the better and the more potent it will remain. 

What about my other CBD products?

Usually, you'll find best before dates and storage directions on the packaging of your CBD products. And fortunately, most CBD products have the same storage recommendations we’ve already discussed.. So store CBD softgels and capsules like you would other supplements or vitamins, in cool and dry places. Keep your CBD lotions like you would other moisturizers, ideally in a dark location, with the refrigerator being a good candidate. And keep those yummy CBD dog treats in their resealable bag in the cupboard alongside any other fur kid supplies.

cbd dog treat

At the end of the day, however, we're pretty sure that once you start incorporating CBD products into your life and begin feeling all the benefits, they won't have a chance to spoil or expire because they'll be used up long before that.

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