How to Store CBD Oil

Some of the benefits of purchasing your CBD oil in bulk are that you get enormous discounts and save yourself the hassle of ordering a single bottle every now and then. However, as CBD oil contains active ingredients, it has a shelf life, and its quality and effectiveness tend to deteriorate with time. And if improperly stored, the concentration of the cannabinoids and active ingredients in the CBD oil will start decreasing, and with it, the relaxing and therapeutic effects of the CBD oil. It, therefore, goes without saying that you have to take storage seriously if you want your CBD oil to maintain its potency and shelf life for as long as possible. And to help you deal with this storage problem, we have created a guide on how to store your precious CBD oil effectively.

Tips for storing CBD oil

The effective method of storing CBD oil can be summarised in one sentence. Keep it in its original container and store it in a dark, cool, dry place and away from heat and humidity. The reason is simple. CBD oil is sensitive to oxygen, light, temperature, moisture, and contaminants and will start deteriorating when exposed to them. However, you can rest assured that your CBD oil will stay at its peak conditions, with all its benefits intact, provided you meet the above storage conditions. The CBD oil has to be kept in a cool, dark, and dry place to ensure that the cannabinoids in the CBD oil don't deteriorate.

• Keep the CBD oil in its original container and store it away from direct sunlight

The first step to safely and securely storing CBD oil is to ensure that it is kept in its original container at all times. Usually, CBD oil is sold in thick, opaque amber glass bottles with excellent UV light protection. Such bottles ensure that the CBD oil is not exposed to light, the leading contributor to cannabinoid deterioration. When exposed to light or stored in a clear container, the CBD oil is likely to register a change in colour. This is because CBD is a photosensitive compound, and it begins to deteriorate and lose its potency upon continued exposure to natural light. As such, you shouldn’t store your CBD oil near a window or anywhere with a lot of natural light. Instead, consider keeping it in a pantry, a cupboard, or a closet.

• Keep the CBD oil in a cool, dry place, away from heating and electronic appliances

Like most perishable wellness products, CBD oil tends to deteriorate when exposed to high temperatures. When CBD oil is exposed to high heat levels, the carrier oil separates from the CBD extract. This will result in the CBD oil coming out of the suspension and becoming cloudy. And although this won't necessarily lower the quality of the product, it would make it difficult to dose the CBD oil properly. It is advisable to store the CBD oil in a cold place, away from heat-producing appliances such as ovens, heaters, or driers. Similarly, when travelling in a car, you shouldn't leave the CBD oil in the vehicle for too long as interior temperatures can become too high and damage the composition of the CBD oil.

• Always use a clean dropper or spoon when taking CBD oil

Given that you will be consuming your CBD oil in small doses, you will take small measurements from the container each day using either a spoon or a dropper. And to avoid bacteria and other contaminants from getting into the CBD oil and causing its quality and potency to deteriorate, you should ensure you are using a clean spoon or dropper while taking your daily dose.

• Tightly close the container cap after consuming your daily CBD oil dose

As earlier mentioned, CBD oil is sensitive to oxygen, usually found in the air. As such, every time the CBD oil is exposed to air, it deteriorates. And to keep the deterioration in check, you should ensure to always close the CBD oil container properly after use. This will ensure the CBD oil isn't exposed to air or oxygen for long, allowing it to retain its potency and effectiveness for as long as possible.

Can I store CBD oil in a refrigerator?

Yes. It is possible to store CBD oil in a refrigerator, especially if you live in a warm region where room temperatures are high. However, storing CBD oil in a fridge has one major disadvantage: it results in the thickening of the CBD oil due to the low temperatures. This, in turn, leads to difficulties while extracting the CBD oil with a dropper and incorrect dosages. However, this issue can quickly be resolved by dipping the CBD oil container in a bowl of warm water for a few seconds.

How long can I consume my CBD oil after opening it?

Unopened CBD oil can remain fresh for 18-24 months when stored under the right conditions. But after being opened, it can retain its freshness and effectiveness for another six months before its cannabinoid profile starts to deteriorate. So naturally, you should consume all the CBD oil within 12 months after opening it least its effectiveness disappears, and it is rendered useless.

Can CBD oil expire? And how can I tell if my CBD oil has gone bad?

CBD oil, like natural products, tends to go bad, either because it is past its expiry date or due to poor storage. And usually, it is easy to tell whether your CBD oil is past its consumption date by reading the expiration date on the original container. However, if the dates are illegible or the label has fallen off, you can tell your CBD oil is past its prime by checking for the following indicators:

• It has a skunky smell rather than the earthy smell of fresh CBD oil.
• It is thick and murky or dark, a clear sign of degradation.
• It tastes rancid or bland rather than “nutty”, “grassy”, or “earthy”.

Will expired CBD oil make you sick?

No, expired CBD oil won't make you sick or have any adverse effects, for that matter. It will only taste "off" and won't induce its full therapeutic effects as the cannabinoids in it would have degraded and lost their potency.