Cannabidiol (CBD) is a chemical found in hemp or cannabis that contains a small percentage of THC. However, unlike THC, CBD oil does not cause the same ”’high” effect. People use CBD to relieve pain, anxiety, muscle disorder, and even epilepsy. CBD oil is also said to reduce cancer-related symptoms. But lets find out what happens if you take expired CBD here.
Since CBD is a prescriptive drug that does not cause intoxication, it is legal in many places. However, even if it is plant-based, it still has side effects and an expiration date. We are going to talk about what happens if you consume CBD oil that has expired. Stick around to learn more about this topic!
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Does CBD Oil Expire?
CBD oil, like many other products, has an expiration date. A lot of factors determine its duration, but it can approximately last from 12 to 24 months. This shelf time is more than enough for you to use up the entire bottle.
The standard dosage is 1500mg or 2500mg CBD oil per one use. 1500mg of the oil contains around 6 mg of CBD. CBD oil bottles are generally small, and you will be able to use them within one month.
However, the dosage depends on your weight, the reason you are taking it, and how often you take it.
How Can I Tell the Oil Expired?
The expiration date of your CBD oil must always be indicated on the bottle. However, on some occasions, you might lose the label and not be able to check. A lot of people do not even trust expiration dates, so they use their senses.
Here are a couple of indicators that your CBD oil has gone bad:
It Smells Weird
Fresh CBD oil has a pleasant, soothing smell, whereas expired oil has a sour smell that no longer feels earthy and natural. If your oil starts to smell odd, throw it away because the taste will change as well. Nobody likes to drink something that smells stale.
It Tastes Rancid
If your CBD oil is standing on the shelf for too long, it will most likely taste just like it smells, acidic and rancid. Usually, the taste of CBD oils is almost grassy unless it contains some artificial flavors. However, once it goes bad, your taste buds will no longer get the same feel.
It Is Dark And Thick
If your CBD oil bottle is old and not properly stored, its color and consistency will most likely change.
Change in colors would be a natural chemical reaction if the product were exposed to oxygen or heat for too long. This process is called oxidation. It indicates that your oil has expired, and you should purchase a new one.
However, keep in mind that CBD oils tend to get cloudy in cold rooms, so do not confuse this state with the one described above. Cloudy bottles can get back to normal in a couple of minutes, whereas dark oil will not become light again.
What Affects Its Shelf Life?
We have determined for how long CBD oil can last approximately. However, certain factors can affect the expiration date and help you choose a product that will last longer.
Make sure to pick wisely to get your money’s worth. Buy from legitimate sellers to avoid scams and potentially harmful side effects that unapproved products might cause.
Here are some of the things to keep an eye on:
Ingredients
What the oil is composed of is of crucial importance. Every product used to make it, including flavors, has an expiration date of its own. The ingredients must be listed on the label, and these are usually hemp, hemp extract, or hemp oil.
However, there are often added aromas and similar ingredients, which you should know about. All of these affect the life expectancy of your CBD oil.
If you are buying from a reputable company, your product should come with a Certificate Of Analysis (COA), proving that the product’s labeling is correct.
Quality
Ensure to buy from a notable manufacturer that uses quality ingredients, proper growing conditions, and quality plants. The better these are, the longer the product is going to last.
Extraction process
The way that CBD is extracted from the plants affects the product’s quality. The most commonly used method is carbon dioxide (CO2.) This is considered to be the most reliable way because it maximizes the levels of CBD. It is safe and chlorophyll-free.
If you learn that your oil is obtained using this method, it will most likely last longer than other oils.
Packaging
You might have noticed that most CBD oils come in dark-tinted, airtight glass bottles. The reason for this is the fact that CBD oil must be kept away from heat and sunlight. If you expose the product, it will go bad sooner than expected.
Storage
As mentioned in the previous section, CBD goes bad faster if not stored properly. The bottle itself will help a lot, but you must keep it in a dry, cool place to preserve the quality.
What Happens If You Consume Expired CBD?
If your CBD oil expires and you do not notice it, you should not worry!
Expired CBD has no negative consequences for your health. It will taste and smell awful, but it will not affect you in any way. The only thing that changes will be its potency. The oil will no longer have the same qualities and effects as before.
We advise you not to use expired oil but to buy a new one. Even though it will not make you sick, the taste is still unpleasant, and you can get no benefit out of it.
Endnote
Overall, CBD oil can expire, but it is still not harmful to you. However, there is no point in using it if it is degraded. Numerous factors affect its shelf life and quality, so make sure to choose wisely. Throw away the old bottle and buy a fresh one!