Does CBD Oil Go Bad? CBD Tincture Expiration Dates and More

We love CBD oil tinctures. They’re easily one of the best CBD products for incorporating cbd into a routine and building your endocannabinoid system. If you’re new to CBD oil or any other type of CBD tinctures, you’ve likely wondered, do they go bad or expire?

In this blog post, we’ll go over a few common types of CBD tinctures (not just the oil-based ones!), the typical shelf life of a tincture, signs your CBD tincture has gone bad, and how you can store your CBD oil properly.

Different types of CBD Tinctures

Many people refer to CBD tinctures as CBD oil, but there are actually a few kinds of CBD products that come in tincture form. There are different processes used to create CBD tinctures that can have various benefits and perks.

1. Oil-Based CBD Tinctures

Oil-based tinctures tend to be the most common type of tincture, so most people lump all CBD tinctures into the “oil” category. They are typically made by infusing CBD extract with a carrier oil. MCT oil is commonly used as it makes the tincture taste more pleasant, but tinctures can also be made with coconut oil, hemp seed oil, and more. These tinctures are lipid-based, which allows for better absorption when taken orally and sublingually. Oil-based tinctures tend to have a longer shelf life due to the stability of the carrier oil.

2. Water-Soluble CBD Tinctures

Water-soluble CBD tinctures are relatively new to the market and are a pretty innovative idea. They’re designed to dissolve easily in water-based liquids such as tea, juice, coffee, or water, making them more versatile for consumption. These tinctures are typically made using nanoemulsion, which breaks the CBD molecules into tiny particles. This increases their bioavailability and absorption (AKA: potential effectiveness). Water-based tinctures tend to have a shorter shelf life due to their formulation.

3. Alcohol-Based CBD Tinctures

Alcohol-based CBD tinctures are typically made by soaking CBD hemp flowers in grain alcohol. The result is a potent tincture with a typically less pleasant taste, but some companies add oils or flavors to these tinctures to improve their flavor. Because these tinctures are made with alcohol, they tend to have the longest shelf life of other options as they are naturally more resistant to spoiling.

When Does CBD Oil Go Bad?

Short answer: It varies. For most tinctures, you can expect them to stay good for 1-2 years with proper storage conditions. Factors like what’s in the tincture, how it’s made, and how it’s stored can change this greatly. For example, some alcohol-based tinctures can last up to 5 years. Please note though, this is just a rough estimate of CBD oil’s shelf life. If you have any questions about specific products, ask one of our Pros!

Signs CBD Oil Has Gone Bad

If you’re not sure what to look for when finding out if your CBD oil has expired, here are a few signs your oil may have gone bad:

Changes in Color or Consistency

Typically, cbd tinctures have a consistent color that is clear or slightly amber. If you notice your oil has changed color or gotten cloudy or dark, that may indicate your tincture is expired. Any separation or unusual thickness in the consistency can also be a sign your tincture has gone bad.

Foul Smell or Taste

CBD tinctures are usually earthy or bitter depending on how they’re made and what they’re flavored with. If your tincture tastes or smells different than how it did when you purchased it, it may be spoiled. An unpleasant odor or foul taste that’s different than what you’re accustomed to may mean it’s time to throw the tincture away.

Decreased Effectiveness

Over time, the potency and potential effectiveness of your CBD tincture can decrease. If your tincture is no longer delivering the expected effects or seems weaker than before, this can be a sign that the CBD molecules have degraded and your tincture has expired.

How to Store CBD Oil

Proper storage is an important part of keeping your tinctures fresh and potent over time. Here are some essential tips for storing your CBD tinctures:

1. Store in a Cool, Dark Place

CBD oil is sensitive to light and heat, which can degrade its quality. Keep your tincture bottle away from direct sunlight and heat, such as in a cabinet or drawer.

2. Avoid Temperature Fluctuations

Temperature changes can also affect the shelf life of your CBD. Aim to store your tincture in a place with a stable temperature, ideally between 60 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit. Avoid areas prone to temperature changes, such as a window or near a heating vent.

3. Keep Away from Air and Moisture

Exposure to air and moisture can accelerate the breakdown of your CBD oil. To avoid this, keep your tincture bottle tightly closed and store it in a dry environment.

4. Keep the Tincture Bottle Clean Inside and Out

To avoid contaminating your tincture, maintain good hygiene with your bottle and dropper. Avoid touching the dropper directly to your mouth or any other surfaces. Keep the outside of the bottle clean to avoid any contaminants getting into it when you use the tincture.

5. Do Not Freeze your Tincture

While you can freeze some things to keep them fresh for longer, do not freeze your CBD oil. Freezing can cause the tincture to change in consistency and may damage the overall quality of the oil. CBD oil stores best at room temperature.

Conclusion

CBD tinctures are among our #1 picks for incorporating CBD into your wellness routine. It’s essential to understand their shelf life, signs of spoilage, and proper storage methods to ensure you get the most out of them. With these tips, you can keep your CBD oil in good condition and know how to make the right call when it has expired.

If you have any questions about CBD tinctures, storing them, or knowing when they expire, you can always ask us at CBD Pros! Find a location near you, and shop our CBD tincture selection online. Want to learn more about CBD? Check out our other blog posts!