When purchasing a CBD product, it’s useful to know how long it will last. This is because it can influence buying decisions like how many units to purchase at once or how frequently a subscription order should arrive. It’s also important to be able to identify when to cease use of old products and purchase new ones that are in date. This article covers everything a CBD user needs to know about CBD expiration and storage.
When will each type of CBD product expire?
Each type of CBD product has its own shelf life and proper storage instructions to ensure its maximum longevity.
Oils
CBD oils are the most popular and widely used type of CBD product. While they can differ in aspects like carrier oil or CBD profile, all of our CBD oils last for around 12 months after purchase. Each bottle will have its own expiration date on it, allowing for a more accurate measurement of how long the product will last. However, the 12 month rule of thumb can help users make various important buying decisions, in conjunction with other factors like ideal dose and frequency of use.
Water soluble
Water soluble CBD is different from regular CBD oils in many ways, including average shelf life. Our Entourage Aqua Water Soluble CBD products last for approximately 14 months after purchase. So, while it’s worth checking the expiration date of each individual product when it arrives, users can assume that they’ll have just over a year to use up their water soluble CBD.
Gummies
CBD gummies are becoming an increasingly popular way to consume CBD due to their delicious flavours and ease of use. While most people use up their gummies within around 3 months, users have 12 months from the date of purchase until their gummies are likely to expire. The exact expiration date will be on the packaging and should be noted upon delivery. This is especially important if users are stocking up and plan to use some of their packs or tubs of gummies at a later date.
Patches
CBD patches are a convenient, long-lasting way for users to get their daily dose of CBD. Each patch lasts for up to 36 hours, meaning users can go over a day without needing to top up their dose. In terms of expiration, users can expect each pack of patches to last approximately two to three years after purchase. In most cases, this is far more than enough time to get full use out of each and every patch in a single pack. However, it also offers a lot of leniency in terms of stocking up and using old patches that may have gone missing and reappeared months later. To be absolutely certain that they’re still in date, users should always check the packaging for the exact shelf life.
Tablets & capsules
CBD tablets and capsules are preferable for some users as they offer a familiar and simple way to use CBD. This type of product will last approximately 12 months after purchase. The exact longevity of their shelf life may vary depending on their type, for example, whether they’re SoftGels or delayed release capsules. This is why it’s very important to check the expiration date on the packaging. However, the general rule of thumb is that users should have around a year to use their tablets or capsules before they expire.
Balms & salves
CBD balms and salves are popular among users who want to target specific areas of concern with a topical product. They can be applied liberally and typically work best with consistent use, so most users are able to use up the full contents of the product well before it expires. This is because topical balms and salves last for a whopping three years after purchase. As with any of our products, it’s best to check each batch to confirm the exact expiration date.
Vape liquids
CBD vape liquids provide a way for users to top up their dose throughout the day, as they’re most commonly used in conjunction with other CBD products. However, some users prefer to only use vape liquids. This distinction will of course impact the amount of time it takes to use up the entire product. Either way, users will have around 12 months after purchase before their vape liquid expires. This can be confirmed by checking the packaging for an exact date.
Nasal sprays
For users with blocked or narrow sinuses, CBD nasal sprays provide a way to relieve these concerns while simultaneously ingesting their dose CBD. Our nasal spray in particular doesn’t contain the harsh chemicals and ingredients found in many standard nasal sprays, making it suitable for regular use. Users have approximately 12 months after purchase to finish their nasal spray, however, it’s likely that a new batch will be needed before this point. Precise expiration dates can be found on the packaging of each individual product.
How should CBD products be stored?
All of the different types of CBD products in our range benefit from the same storage practices. It’s important that they’re kept in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight. Dark areas are typically preferable as they aid in the avoidance of sunlight exposure. Any extreme temperatures should be avoided, as room temperature is ideal for CBD storage. Most users like to keep their products on a shady shelf or inside a cupboard. Following these general guidelines helps ensure that each product will last until its expiration date without drastically diminishing in quality.
What other factors can impact a CBD product’s shelf life?
Proper storage is one of the most important factors in maintaining the quality of CBD products until their expiration date. However, a couple of other factors can contribute to this.
Product quality (inside & out)
High quality CBD products not only work more effectively than lower grade CBD, they’re also likely to last much longer. This is because lower quality products may be sourced, processed, and manufactured using different practices and ingredients, which impacts their shelf life. Also, the packaging of a CBD product, such as a CBD oil, can help set it apart in terms of longevity and quality. For example, high quality CBD oils will come in dark, airtight bottles that can help shield the contents from sunlight and oxygen, both of which could reduce the product’s shelf life.
Additional ingredients
Some types of CBD products, such as vape liquids, balms, and gummies, contain additional ingredients. These may be flavours, fragrances, or additional wellness-focused ingredients. These add-ons may have different expiration dates than CBD itself. This is one of the reasons why the shelf life of different types of products can vary widely.
Signs that a CBD product has expired
If for some reason a user is unable to determine the expiration date of a CBD product, there are a few characteristics to look out for. Any product that looks murky or dirty in any way should be discarded and replaced. Foul odours and tastes can also indicate that the product has passed its expiration date or has been stored in a way that means it’s no longer fit for use. Even if these characteristics aren’t present, if users feel completely unsure about a product’s quality and safety, replacing it with a new batch is always the safest option.
Key takeaways
Here are the key points to remember about CBD expiration and storage:
- CBD oils, gummies, tablets/capsules, vape liquids, and nasal sprays last for around 12 months after purchase.
- Water soluble CBD lasts for around 14 months after purchase.
- CBD patches last for around two to three years after purchase.
- CBD balms and salves last for around three years after purchase.
- Users should check the exact expiration date of each individual product upon delivery for an accurate measurement of how long it will last.
- Following proper storage instructions (keep in a cool dark place away from direct sunlight) can help ensure the longevity of CBD products.
- Other factors, like product quality and additional ingredients, can impact how long a CBD product may last.
- Products that look dirty or emit foul odours or tastes should be discarded and replaced, as it’s likely they have expired.
