If you’re like us, then you love the fact that CBD products provide a natural alternative to the pharmaceutical industry. Similar to many natural products, CBD does come with an expiration date. If you want to reap all of the benefits that it has to offer, then you should be aware of its shelf life and how to recognize if your product expires. 

Does CBD Oil Expire?

Yes, CBD does have an expiration date. In general, we can say that CBD has a shelf life of about 14-24 months.  The exact time that it lasts, though, depends on multiple factors. 

The factors that determine how long CBD oil stays fresh after opening include:

• Quality and ingredients: High-quality products usually last longer than products that have harsh or low-quality ingredients. Not only are the growing conditions and quality of the plants important, but so are the ingredients that are added to the CBD. This is because each ingredient has its own shelf life, meaning it can impact the expiration date of the CBD oil as well. That’s why every ingredient that’s used should be organic and in great condition to maintain its quality. 
• Extraction process: There are different methods of extraction, with some being better than others. For instance, during solvent extraction, potentially toxic residues can be introduced to the product. CO2 extraction, on the other hand, is the ideal extraction method to improve quality and shelf life. And it’s even better if the method is super critical CO2 extraction, like we do at Vitality.  
• Storage: Many people don’t realize this, but how you store CBD oil makes a big difference in how long it maintains its condition. In order to optimize its shelf life, always make sure the lid is completely sealed and keep it away from heat and light. To learn a little more about how to store your CBD oil, read our previous article.
  

How to Know if Your CBD Is Expired

Ideally, you’ll incorporate your CBD product into your everyday routine, meaning you probably won’t need to worry about it expiring. That being said, we recommend knowing the signs of an expired product. 

One of the most obvious signs is a change in color and consistency. If it looks curdled and murky, then it could be because the CBD is starting to oxidize and break down. You should also take note of the smell and flavor of your product. If you notice a sudden change in these two things, then that’s a good sign that it’s past its expiration date.

Another big indicator is if the CBD oil stops working as well as it used to. This is because over time, CBD will lose its potency. This alone doesn’t necessarily mean that it’s expired, but that it’s starting to reach its limit. If it’s not yet expired, you can just increase your dosage. If you notice this sign with other changes in the product, then it may have expired already.

In an ideal world, products would never expire. That being said, sometimes people go through periods of time where they lower their intake or even accidentally store their products improperly. That’s why it’s important to know how long CBD oil stays fresh, how to store it to optimize its effects, and what signs indicate that it’s expired.

At Vitality CBD, we offer organic, full spectrum CBD oils and salves, which are tested by third party laboratories to ensure high quality. Visit our products page and select the product that best adapts to your needs.