Does CBD Oil Expire? Plus, How To Make It Last Longer

Whether you use it to encourage a more balanced mood or to help you drift off to sleep, the benefits of hemp CBD oil are different for everyone.* Some people take it daily, while others savor each bottle, keeping it in a safe place for occasional use. If you fall into the latter category, you've likely wondered: Does CBD oil expire?

When determining whether your CBD oil has expired, the easiest (and most obvious) method is to look at the expiration date on its packaging. If for some reason you're unable to find a date, there are other ways to decide if it has expired.

According to Bonney, "CBD oil that has gone bad has a few indications—and it will be clear to your senses!" Below are Bonney's tips for determining whether a CBD oil is past its prime: 

Look for a change in consistency and appearance: If it's been a while since you used a CBD oil, start by dropping a little on the back of your hand to see what the consistency looks like. "It may appear thick and cloudy in appearance," explains Bonney. Of course, some CBD oils are cloudy to begin with, so this approach is only helpful if you knew what yours looked like when it was fresh.

Perform a taste test: Even flavored CBD oils tend to have a slight hemp taste—but whether you like the taste of hemp or not, you'll likely notice a difference in a CBD oil that's past its date. "Tasting CBD that is no longer good will be an unpleasant experience, as it may taste rancid," Bonney adds. 

CBD oil almost always comes in small glass bottles, closed off with a dropper. But while most products still state a one- to two-year life span on the packaging, Bonney says there are ways to store CBD oil to preserve the potency as long as possible.

Aim for dark and tight: There's a reason CBD oil is typically packaged in a dark-colored, airtight glass container: It's meant to be stored that way! Excess light and air speed up the expiration process. Keep your oil in its original packaging, and always make sure the top is completely closed so no excess oxygen can get in. 

Keep it at room temperature: CBD oil is also sensitive to temperature changes. You'll want to be sure to keep yours at room temperature and away from heat and light. Think in your bathroom medicine cabinet versus out on your kitchen counter. 

While some CBD products are more affordable than others, it's still frustrating if you need to throw a bottle away due to expiration. While you likely won't get sick from ingesting expired CBD oil, the potency will be significantly lower—so you're unlikely to experience the same therapeutic effects as you might have before.* 

As Bonney explains, a big factor that can affect a CBD oil's potency is its quality. "Higher-quality plants grown in better conditions will yield higher-quality CBD oil," she says. This is just one of many reasons we prefer organic hemp CBD products. In fact, we have a list of the best organic CBD oils for you to explore. 

Some CBD brands use a very straightforward formula, such as a simple blend of olive oil and hemp CBD oil, while others include flavors, sweeteners, and additional plant extracts. "Keep in mind that when there are a lot of additives, it can affect the lasting power, as each ingredient has its own expiration date," Bonney explains. 

The growing evidence around CBD is exciting. Researchers still have more to learn, but anecdotal reports and recent studies1 suggest many benefits to gain from the cannabinoid.*