How to Properly Store Your CBD Oil (and Other CBD-Based Products)

CBD’s popularity has been skyrocketing over the past few years, and it’s only natural that people get interested in this chemical compound found in the cannabis plant. For starters, CBD has a wide range of health benefits, including anti-inflammatory and stress-relieving properties. Other than that, there are a few different ways to consume CBD and, therefore, a variety of CBD-based products available on the market today.

Whether you’re using CBD oil, CBD-infused topicals, or even broad-spectrum (THC-Free) CBD gummies, it’s crucial to know how to store them properly – only then will you be able to keep reaping the benefits they contain. Apart from following each product’s manufacturer’s recommendations on storage and use, there are also three main rules you need to stick to when it comes to storing CBD products. 

First, keep CBD out of direct sunlight. Second, keep it away from heat exposure. And third, prevent exposure to air. Simple as they sound, these rules will help you keep CBD’s properties safe. Keep reading to learn more about preserving CBD’s potency for longer.

Can CBD Expire? 

CBD products will typically have a best-by date rather than an expiration date. This is because CBD does not go bad in the same way that food does. 

However, over time CBD can degrade in quality and potency. For this reason, it is essential to store your CBD products properly and use them before the best-by date. After this date, the product may not be as effective as it once was.

How Long Do CBD Products Usually Last? 

The shelf life of a CBD product depends on its type and how it’s stored. In general, oils and tinctures will last for several months to a year when stored properly, while edibles may only last for a few months. Topicals, meanwhile, can last for up to two years. 

However, it is always best to check the manufacturer's storage instructions for specific advice on how to store your CBD product and how long it will last.

Rule #1: Keep CBD Out of Direct Sunlight

CBD is sensitive to light, especially when it comes to ultraviolet (UV) rays. That’s why it’s essential to store your CBD products in a dark and cool place, away from any windows or other sources of direct sunlight. For the same reason, CBD oils and tinctures usually come in dark glass bottles to prevent sunlight from further affecting the product. In fact, you will even find CBD soft gels and gummies in dark packages – also to make sure its properties won’t degrade too soon.

If you must store your CBD in a sunny location, make sure to do so in an opaque container that will protect the product from the harmful effects of UV rays.

Rule #2: Keep CBD Away From Heat Exposure

Similar to light, heat can also degrade CBD’s quality and potency. That’s why you should never store your CBD products in a hot environment, such as near a radiator, in a car during the summer months, or in any other place where temperatures might exceed room temperature. 

If you need to transport your CBD products in a hot car, make sure to put them in a cooler bag with ice packs to keep them cool.

You should also keep this rule in mind when cooking with CBD oil. While it can be an excellent addition to your salad dressings, smoothies, and homemade pesto, it would be better not to heat it up, i.e., you shouldn’t fry anything in it or add it to hot dishes. Otherwise, you will most likely receive little to no benefit from this ingredient.

Rule #3: Prevent Exposure to Air

When exposed to air, CBD starts to oxidize and loses its potency. That’s why it’s vital to store your CBD products in an airtight container, such as a glass jar with a tight-fitting lid or a stainless steel tincture bottle. If you’re using CBD oil, make sure to dispense only the amount you need and close the bottle tightly after each use. 

By following these simple rules, you can be sure that your CBD products will retain their potency and freshness for much longer.

Follow Manufacturer's Instructions

that come with your CBD product. These are usually found on the product packaging or the manufacturer's website. Following these recommendations will help to ensure that you get the most out of your product and that it lasts as long as possible.

For instance, some CBD oils should be stored in the fridge to prevent them from going rancid, while others are best kept at room temperature. CBD edibles, meanwhile, often have a shorter shelf life than other products and should usually be consumed within a few months of purchase. 

By being mindful of the manufacturer's storage and use recommendations, you can be sure that you are using your CBD product correctly and maximizing its shelf life.

To Sum Up

Generally, CBD products can last for several months to a year when stored properly. However, in order to prolong the shelf life of your product, you should follow these three main storage rules: keep CBD out of direct sunlight, away from heat exposure, and in an airtight container. 

You should also follow the specific storage instructions that come with your particular product, as CBD’s strength and storage needs will vary from one product to another. Take care!