CBD is an amazing substance that is said to be responsible for a variety of different health benefits. Regardless of what it is able to do, it's just like any other substance in the sense that it is capable of losing its potency and becoming less pure over time.
Although it's not often discussed, many users are curious as to how they can make sure that they properly store their CBD products so that they remain fresh for a long period of time.
In this article, we will review the various CBD products you have to choose from as well as some of the best practices to adhere to in order to make sure that your Cannabidiol retains its freshness and potency. Let’s dive in!
TIPS ON PROPERLY STORING YOUR CBD & KEEPING IT FRESH
Now that we’ve given you valuable pointers on how long you can expect to keep your CBD fresh and potent along with how to do so, here are some direct tips that will make sure you can successfully store your CBD. This way you can get it ready for you whenever you want to use it.
Keep CBD Out of Light
Light can be responsible for decreasing the potency of your CBD oil along with cannabis and degrading it. This is why you will most often find CBD oil products in tinted bottles to better protect it from the light. When you store it, make sure to put it in a dark place or or wrap it up in aluminum foil. It can be better if you find another shielding substance to keep light from touching it.
Keep your Products Away from High Heat or Cold
Heat and cold are both dangerous to the potency and freshness of your CBD oil. This is why it is recommended that you store it away in a place where it will not be exposed to extreme temperatures on either end of the spectrum. Although some products can be stored in cooler temperatures, try your best to keep them in moderate temperatures where they won’t be negatively affected. The temperature can also change the density or viscosity of y our product. Wax can easily melt in hot temperatures.
Don’t Expose it to Air or Moisture
While the other two will certainly affect CBD oils, air or moisture has the potential to not only breakdown Cannabidiol but cause it to become unusable as well. Every time that you use your product, make sure that you have closed the lid properly so that no air can get it.
You should also make sure to keep your oil in a place where there is no moisture. As we stated earlier, a place like a pantry or a cupboard is a great place to store your CBD oil as it meets all of these requirements.
Expiration Dates
It is best to use your CBD oil before the expiration date. There are two reasons for this. The first reason is that it can indeed become rancid. This is not a substance you want to be using on your skin or putting in your mouth if it has gone bad. The second is the fact that CBD oils that have gone past their expiration dates will not be as potent as they previously were. Much like medication that has expired, the quality will not be as great, even if it looks, smells, or tastes perfectly fine. Do your best to consume or apply your CBD long before it is given the opportunity to expire.
Different CBD Products
How long your CBD product will last will often depend on what your product is and how it interacts with the environment around it. If it is prone to breaking down quickly, you will be able to preserve it slightly but will have to use it quickly. If it is something that is known to have a long shelf life, you will still have to be careful but can remain assured that it will be less likely to lose its potency as quickly.
Here are some different CBD products you may encounter when you are shopping around as well as how long you could expect them to last.
Vape Juice
CBD vape juice is a special mixture of Cannabidiol with more viscous fluids that allow for the proper vaporization. These types of CBD products come in a wide variety of flavors and colors and give you full control over your vaping experience. In addition, these offerings will last quite a while but do need to be taken care of if you intend on holding to vape juices as a means of stockpiling. This way you can go for a while until you have to purchase more again.
CBD Oil
CBD oil is the extract that comes from the hemp flower. This strong extract will typically be mixed with a base oil so that it can be used directly on the skin or administered orally. CBD oil is a great way to take your CBD as it is often absorbed quickly. Much like the vape juice described above, comes in a wide variety of flavors and scents.
CBD oils have a long shelf life as well but will also need to be well taken care of as they can begin to spoil and taste bad if they are not properly handled and stored away.
There may also be different types of care you will need to provide your CBD oil based on what other oil it is mixed with. We will touch upon this subject in the next section.
CBD Flower
In place of popular CBD products, some users may choose to use CBD flowers instead. CBD flowers are hemp plants with high concentrations of CBD. Using these flowers, those who are looking to get their CBD fix can do so by smoking the flower instead. This method of absorbing CBD will provide you with the desired benefits but flowers are known to dry out rather quickly. Some even become moldy and extreme care must be practiced when storing them as to avoid making them unusable.
CBD hemp flowers looks and smell exactly like marijuana does so some caution should be urged. If you want something discrete, flowers are not it.
Edibles
Edibles are not only reserved for marijuana. There are also a ton of edibles out there that allow you to enjoy your favorite treats while getting the dose of CBD that you want. The biggest issue with edibles is that the CBD contained within the edible will remain potent for a long time. The edible itself, is subject to expiring or becoming stale much like regular food products do. For example, if you purchase a bag of CBD gummy worms and leave them open, you are going to end up with CBD snacks that are still potent but will be very hard to consume. Treat your CBD edibles as you would your food and they will last as long as possible!
Common Carrier Liquids
Unlike other products, CBD oil products are mixed with carrier liquids to help make them dilute the concentration of your CBD. This can make it easier to use. Depending on the carrier liquid used, some can help get the CBD to the endocannabinoid system quicker just like using superfoods with your cannabis.
Depending on the carrier liquid used, you will have to follow the same type of storage instructions that you would if you were using the liquid by itself. That being said, here are some of the most common carrier liquids you will see mixed with CBD oil extracts.
Coconut Oil
If your CBD oil product contains coconut oil, store it as you would any other oil by keeping it in a cool, dark place. It’s important to know that coconut oil can solidify in certain conditions if it gets too cool. If your CBD suddenly hardens a little, do not panic. This is natural and the oil will start to melt once it reaches a level room temperature or hotter.
MCT Oil
Medium chain triglycerides (MCTs) oil is a type of oil that is commonly derived from coconut oil and features fatty acids that are necessary for optimal health. Like other oils, simply store your CBD/MCT oil in a cool, dry place until you need to use it.
Olive Oil
Yes, you can use olive oil as a carrier liquid for your CBD oil instead of for your cooking. If you’re familiar with olive oil and use it frequently or on occasion, you most likely have a place for it in your pantry and that spot is also perfect for your CBD oil.
Hemp Seed Oil
Hemp oil is created when hemp seeds are pressed and this liquid is a perfect liquid for your CBD oil as they both come from the same plant. With hemp seed oil, you could store it as you do most other oils but you can also put it in the fridge if you want to preserve quality and find it necessary.
Conclusion
While most CBD can last a while, it is vulnerable to breaking down just like any other type of product. To make sure that your CBD remains potent for as long as possible, learn more about the proper storage methods above!