CBD oil products have become very popular in recent years, and there is still a lot of information about this oil-based product that the public does not yet know. While the health benefits of CBD have been touted on the internet and in many publications, it is important that you know the facts about the safety of these products before you go ahead and buy any, particularly CBD oil.
In this post, we address whether or not CBD oil can go bad, and we will look at the potential safety hazards associated with expired CBD oil. We will also cover the way you can extend the life of the product, ultimately making its use safer so you get more value for your money.
Does CBD Oil Go Bad?
Like other types of consumable products, CBD oil actually can go bad. There are, however, certain factors that affect how long it takes for the oil to go bad and whether or not the oil will actually be harmful to you if it does.
Typically, when CBD oil goes bad, the product is not harmful. However, there are times when you should be careful. Under some circumstances, CBD oil that goes bad could expose you to harmful bacteria and toxins, which can cause unexpected complications.
How Long Does CBD Oil Last?
CBD oil “freshness” depends on a couple of factors: purity and quality. If you opt for a higher-quality product, then it will usually stay fresh for a longer period of time.
In most cases, a bottle of CBD oil should last up to 12 months unopened, which is why it is often recommended that customers only open the bottle when they actually start to use it. The moment you open up the bottle, the clock starts ticking on its freshness and benefits to your health.
It’s also important to store it away from direct sunlight. Known as photodegeneration, light can cause the oil to go bad more quickly.
Determining How Long Your Bottle of CBD Oil Will Last
How long a bottle of CBD oil can last differs from one product to the next, so it is important to understand how you can determine its freshness. A closer look at the product’s label is the easiest way to determine how long it might take before the CBD oil goes bad.
Just like any other product you buy in a health store, a bottle of CBD oil will contain a manufacturing date as well as an expiration date. Pay close attention to these dates. Make sure that they are not more than 12 months apart. As noted before, the overall quality of the oil tends to decline after 12 months.
Another thing that you should look for on the label is the period of time during which the product should be used after it’s opened. Many brands test their products not only for purity but longevity—how long the oil tends to stay fresh after the bottle has been opened. This information will help you understand how quickly to use it before the CBD oil goes bad.
Is It Harmful to Take Bad CBD Oil?
Now that we have established that it is possible for CBD oil products to go bad, the next important question is whether or not using the oil after it has gone bad can be harmful to your health.
Generally, there should be no need to worry. What happens to CBD oil after a certain period of time is that the active chemicals in the oil—primarily cannabidiol—can become less potent.
So, if you’re using expired CBD oil, you may find that the product is not as effective at, for example, reducing anxiety or improving pain symptoms or any of the potential health benefits associated with these products. You might find that you have to start taking more of the oil to achieve the same level of effectiveness that a fresh bottle would provide.
There is, however, an important fact that we have to mention here: When CBD oil is not stored properly, there is an increased chance it could be exposed to bacteria. When this happens, the bacteria will slowly start to collect and grow in the oil.
When you use a CBD oil product that has been exposed to bacteria, you may be exposing yourself to the bacteria and toxins through continued use of the product.
Is It Possible to Extend the Lifespan of CBD Oil?
We’ve established that CBD oil can go bad—and these products are not cheap. In most cases, you are very likely to find yourself paying well over $100 for a single bottle. For this reason, you may be wondering if it is possible to extend the overall lifespan of the product.
As we have noted previously, CBD oil purity and quality begin to decline the moment you break the seal on a new bottle, so only open a new bottle when you need it—no matter how tempting it might be to crack open a bottle of that new flavor.
How you store the bottle of CBD oil also matters. Keep the oil in the refrigerator and don’t expose the bottle to direct sunlight, and it also keeps it cool, which slows the growth of bacteria. If possible, you should store the bottle in an airtight bag after each use. This can greatly extend how long the product will last before it goes bad.
Conclusion
CBD oil is known to be exceptionally beneficial to your health, so proper storage is essential. Storing it for too long can become unsafe. Not only can the CBD oil go bad, but bacteria can also start to grow in the solution. The result could expose you to potentially harmful toxins. Always take a close look at the label of CBD oil products before you purchase them to ensure you know all the specifics and use the products within the recommended time period.
Sources
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4320144/
- https://www.fsis.usda.gov/wps/portal/fsis/topics/food-safety-education/get-answers/food-safety-fact-sheets/safe-food-handling/how-temperatures-affect-food/ct_index
