The CBD boom is reaching its peak, and nothing seems likely to bring it down anytime soon.
CBD oils are sold everywhere from organic food stores to dispensaries to online specialty stores. And while you can find CBD oil on the shelves without it being refrigerated, some users claim that CBD oil needs to be refrigerated to preserve its freshness.
Others say that all you need to do is store your CBD oil in a cool, dark place without the need to refrigerate or freeze it.
So, what's the best way to store CBD oil? Does it need to be refrigerated, or can you store it at room temperature as long as no direct heat or air reaches the extract?
That's what we're going to find out.
If you want to maintain a proper shelf life and get the full benefits of benefits of CBD oiloil, proper storage is essential.
As mentioned above, you should avoid exposure to sunlight and air, as these two factors lead to the degradation of cannabinoids and terpenes, compromising the potency of your product.
But do you really need to refrigerate CBD oil to preserve the active compounds?
Not necessarily.
Of course, refrigeration of CBD oil may be recommended if you buy CBD in bulk and plan your supplies a year in advance. The shelf life of CBD oil is approximately one year.
However, if you use CBD oil regularly and repurchase it month after month, refrigerating your CBD oil makes little sense. Your bottle will last you long enough if you keep it in a cool, dry place.
When you refrigerate CBD oil, it may thicken in the bottle, making it harder to dose - especially if you're using very potent CBD oils that contain fractions of botanical compounds like waxes and chlorophyll.
As with storing CBD oil in a refrigerator, freezing only makes sense if you're stocking up for months to come. Otherwise, there's no need to put it in the freezer.
In addition, extremely low temperatures can affect the consistency and viscosity of the oil, especially if mixed with carrier oils such as coconut oil - which solidifies at low temperatures.
Freezing CBD oil can also cause the chemical compounds in CBD oil to behave differently. When frozen, the oil can be difficult to extract from the bottle, creating an unnecessary mess.
When you take CBD oil out of the fridge or freezer, it may look a little cloudy, which may seem strange, but the good news is that this doesn't negatively affect the quality of the CBD.
Don't panic if you've put your CBD oil in the freezer because you didn't know how to store it properly. Let it sit at room temperature for a few hours to return to its normal state.
Do not put it in an oven, as high temperatures cause the active ingredients to break down.
As mentioned above, proper storage can extend the shelf life of CBD oil without refrigeration. Once the bottle is opened, the potency and overall chemical profile of the product should remain unchanged for 6 months, assuming you keep it in a cool, dark place. Lower temperatures can preserve the product's fragile compounds, allowing it to stay fresh for longer.
Since CBD oils are classified as food products, they expire. They come with an expiry date that lets the user know whether or not it's safe to use the product. However, sometimes the label comes off or the fine print is not read.
That's where common sense comes in.
There's an easy way to tell the difference between a CBD oil that's safe to use and one that's gone bad. Just take a look at its color. The darker it is, the less powerful the effects. Therefore, as soon as you notice any changes in color, consume the oil as soon as possible.
Smell is another good indicator. If your CBD oil smells funny, it may have gone bad. Unless it's flavored with terpenes or sweeteners, it should taste nutty and earthy. If you notice that the taste is off-putting, the oil is probably expired.
If you've just taken a dose of CBD oil and it tastes funny, don't worry. In fact, in the worst-case scenario, the oil degrades and loses potency. This means you may not get the full benefits of your product, but it's unlikely that the oil will make you sick.
Now you know that CBD oil doesn't need to be refrigerated to retain its freshness. But what exactly causes CBD oil to lose its quality and potency - and how can it be avoided?
There are three factors that can affect CBD oil storage conditions:
Temperature: high temperatures can weaken the potency of CBD oil. When exposed to heat, the cannabinoids and terpenes contained in the oil begin to degrade. High heat breaks down the essential components of CBD oil, so it should be stored at room temperature.
Light: when your CBD oil is exposed to too much light, its quality can deteriorate. Even black-tinted bottles don't completely block out light, so you can never be too careful. Don't rely on the oil's packaging and store it in your cupboard or drawer, avoiding exposure to direct sunlight.
Air and therefore oxidation: if you're wondering why CBD oils are packaged in small volumes of up to 30 milliliters, it's because the manufacturer doesn't want you to wait too long to consume it. CBD interacts with molecules in the air, such as oxygen, carbon dioxide and nitrogen; it's oxygen that causes the most damage to the product. When oxygen molecules reach the CBD oil, it degrades more rapidly.
CBD oil is highly reactive to light, heat and air, and can begin to lose potency if not stored properly. The best way to store CBD oil is in its original container. Dark bottles do a decent job of avoiding contact with light, so all you need to do is find a cool, dark place somewhere in your home. A medicine cabinet, drawer or bathroom closet should suffice.
Contrary to popular belief, CBD oil does not need to be refrigerated. CBD products have a very long shelf life in themselves - between 1 and 2 years - so as long as you respect the proper storage conditions, your cbd oil shouldn't deteriorate or lose potency.
Storing CBD oil in a refrigerator makes sense when you're buying CBD in bulk; for example, you're stocking up for a full year and want to ensure that the first unopened bottle remains fresh when it's time to remove the seal. Otherwise, refrigerating CBD oil can cause it to change consistency, resulting in dosing difficulties.
If you want your CBD oil to return to its normal state after taking it out of the fridge, let it sit for a few hours at room temperature.
There are three environmental factors to avoid when storing CBD oil: light, heat and air. They can all cause your product to degrade, breaking down the cannabinoids and terpenes in your extract. It's best to store CBD oils in a medicine cabinet or desk drawer if you want to preserve their freshness.
Just like refrigerating CBD oil, freezing is possible, but only if you have large quantities of CBD oil in your pantry and want to make sure they last you the time stated.
Apart from that, the best solutions are the simplest.
What are your storage tips for CBD oil users? Share them in the comments below!
🌡️ Ideal temperature: store your CBD oil at room temperature (between 15 and 20°C), away from heat.
🌑 Light protection: keep in a tinted glass bottle away from direct sunlight.
💧 A void humidity: store it in a dry place, such as a closed cupboard.
❄️ Frigo: useful or not? Not necessary, except in hot weather or for long-term storage.
🧊 Freezing: avoid except in special cases. It can alter texture and taste.
⏳ Shelf life: up to 2 years unopened. Once opened, consume within 6 months.
👃 O ut-of-date oil? If the smell or color changes, or the taste becomes unpleasant, it's best not to consume it.