Do CBD products expire and go bad over time?
We’ve all found old, unused products lurking in the back of cupboards, and wondered if they’re still safe and effective to use. Normally it’s old herbs and spices, but do CBD products expire and go bad over time?
The good news is that while CBD oil and capsules do have expiry dates, they’ll normally be a lot longer than most things you eat or drink. And there’s no evidence that consuming out of date CBD products will cause any harm – they’ll just be less effective in delivering any potential benefits.
All reputable CBD products will display a “best before” expiry date, which will be between 12-24 months from manufacture. This may be shorter by the time it’s reached you via a retailer, but you can extend the lifespan of your CBD oils and capsules by storing them correctly.
Capsules are always a more durable and long-lasting way to take CBD, so if you’re travelling or don’t have anywhere suitable to keep CBD oil, we’d tend to recommend our CBD Blend capsules.
We Are Kynd products all use the highest quality hemp, and extracted in the recommend supercritical fluid CO2 method, to produce a more stable product which lasts longer without degrading.
How to store your CBD
When you receive your CBD oil and capsules, it’s best to store them upright, somewhere cool and dark. By keeping them away from sunlight and any other heat sources, you’ll help them last longer. At We Are Kynd, we’ve invested in high quality packaging to ensure the quality and longevity of our products, so you can enjoy them for longer.
If you’re using any utensils to decant the oil, always use something clean to avoid introducing any bacteria and contaminants. And ensure containers are firmly closed and airtight.
You might be tempted to save money by purchasing in CBD in bulk to get a discount, but this can easily backfire. Many people find they’re getting positive effects from much smaller doses than expected, and we always recommend starting with 1-3 drops twice each day, so a 10ml bottle can last quite a while.
How to spot if your CBD oil has gone bad
The expiration date will give you a good idea whether your CBD oil or other products will still deliver any benefits. And if you should be using old stocks or investing in some new supplies.
A visual check is also a good idea, especially if you might have exposed the bottle to strong sunlight or heat. If your oil is foggy or murky, or has changed colour, then it’s a strong indication that the compounds it contains have started to break down. The only exception is if you tend to refrigerate your CBD supplies for long periods, in which case it should go back to normal if you let it go back to room temperature.
And the final indicator is if the smell and taste have deteriorated. The difference will be instantly noticeable.
Will taking expired CBD make you ill?
Taking CBD oil which has expired may smell and taste bad, but it won’t do you any harm. It just means that the beneficial compounds will have broken down and evaporated, meaning that your CBD will be much less effective.
The same is true with CBD capsules, without the unpleasant sensations when you take them. That’s why it’s always best to purchase from a reputable supplier with clear expiration dates, and to take note of them.
Obviously if other ingredients are added to your CBD oil or capsules, then this can impact on their longevity and whether they’re more harmful if they’ve expired. It’s why we ensure the highest quality of everything going into our products, and focus on natural, vegan-friendly plant sources wherever possible.
Ultimately, it’s unlikely that taking expired CBD oil will make you feel poorly, but it’s best to read the instructions and store products safely to avoid wasting your time taking something which won’t give you the best results.
And if you’re running low, or have any questions about how to store your CBD, then why not get in touch with us via email, live chat or social media, so we can help you get the most from your purchases?