Cannabidiol oil seems to be one of the latest and lasting trends to stay in the cannabis industry. Besides the buzz surrounding the plant, the numerous benefits that people claim to see and experience are more than enough to urge many others to try this miracle worker.

These days, many people take CBD products and cannabidiol oil-based items on the daily. Whether it’s to alleviate some of their chronic pain, to treat stress and anxiety, to help manage inflammation and other similar conditions, or to simply feel energized yet zen, there are tons of reasons why individuals are flocking to this product.

Because of the popularity and the recent surge of interest in cannabidiol in the industry, it appears that interested users and even seasoned players have a lot of questions surrounding this liquid gold. One of the most common questions about this is how long it lasts – whether this refers to its shelf life or its effects on the body.

This is certainly a great question. After all, a bottle of high-quality CBD oil is quite hard to come by, especially when it tends to command a relatively high price point. If you are not one to waste cannabis products and want to prolong your use of this oil for as long as you can, you might only end up using a few drops a day, thus taking a bottle a few months’ time or even a year before you can fully consume this.

If you are wondering the same thing, worry not. This article has got you covered.

CBD Oil – What is It?

CBD oil, short for cannabidiol, is a substance derived from the cannabis sativa plant. This is also known as marijuana. Although marijuana is known for its intoxicating and mind-altering substance thanks to the presence of tetrahydrocannabinol, otherwise known as THC, cannabidiol is free from the psychoactive effects the plant is known for.

How CBD Oil Works

Instead of giving users a feeling of intoxication or a sense of ‘high,’ cannabidiol works by inhibiting, interacting, and stimulating the endocannabinoid system of the body in order to produce more cannabinoids. The endocannabinoid system is responsible for controlling a wide range of bodily functions, including pain and pleasure reception, sleep, mood, memory, appetite, and many others.

Besides stimulating the endocannabinoid system to produce more cannabinoids, cannabidiol is also recognized for its ability to prolong the presence of cannabinoids in the body.

This compound also works by influencing non-cannabinoid receptors, meaning it can address and treat different conditions within an individual, such as managing psychotic disorders, treating pain and inflammation, and even address stress and anxiety.

Effects of CBD Oil on the Body

Highly regarded for its non-psychoactive properties, cannabidiol oil makes for an ideal addition to managing a wealth of conditions. As mentioned, this is used for managing stress, anxiety, and depression, and even treating symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

One study even links the consumption of cannabidiol in the reduction of certain heart conditions, like those of heart attacks and strokes. It is also used in addressing different types of epilepsy as well as treating chronic pain and inflammation.

The effects of CBD oil on the body from one user to another. This can depend on the dosage taken by the user and how this was consumed (i.e. mixed with food sources, straight like a tincture, capsules, topicals, and the like). Other factors that may influence this are your body’s weight, metabolism, frequency of use,

In general, the effects of such products can stay in the body for at least two to eight hours. However, the effects can kick in as early as 15 minutes if this is consumed sublingually or via vaping. It may take an hour or two for effects to take place when edibles and topicals are taken.

Those new to the scene are advised to take it slow and small, meaning a low serving of approximately five to 10 milligrams. This way, you can ascertain the effects this compound has on you and your body. You can easily work your way up once you are accustomed to its effects.

Shelf Life of CBD Oil

CBD oil products are said to have a shelf life ranging anywhere from 14 to 24 months. While those past its prime won’t necessarily turn bad or go rancid right away, the product may lose some of its potency over time. Past its date of expiration, the enzymes present within the product may oxidize and break down, making the product become less effective than before.

Some indications that cannabidiol oil has already gone bad are the presence of a funky and skunky aroma, or an otherwise assaulting odor, as well as rancidity and cloudiness within the oil. Moreover, oil that is already past its prime may appear to have a thicker texture and have some bubbling inside, thereby losing its smooth and silky consistency.

A change in color may also indicate that the product has already gone to a point of no return. Use this with caution. While this may not make you sick if you consume this in small doses, it’s best to toss bottles away that have been sitting in your shelves or storage spaces for far too long.

Just like the product’s effectiveness on the body, there are a number of factors that play in determining the shelf life of CBD.

One of the main considerations you have to bear in mind is the manufacturing and extracting process. The hemp or marijuana plant it was derived from plays a huge role in its shelf life. Those that are grown in nutrient-rich soil and without the use of artificial preservatives may bring forth a more potent and healthier plant, which can help in producing quality results, especially when paired with quality and state-of-the-art extraction methods.

In contrast, plants that are placed in poor conditions and are extracted using industrial methods tend to have a shorter shelf life. In terms of extraction methods, the industry standard is said to be those that use C02 extraction method. This type of extraction helps the compound stay fresher and more stable than ever because it does not destabilize the compounds within.

The packaging of the CBD oil is also a factor in determining its shelf life. Tinctures or oil products stored in dark blue or amber bottles are protected against the sun, light and air, all of which break down the presence of cannabinoids and the potency of CBD oil extracts.

Your way of storing these items also play a role in extending your item’s shelf life. Those that are stored away from the sun, heat, and air tend to stay fresher for a longer period of time.

Prolonging the Life of CBD Oil

CBD oil can be quite expensive, particularly if you use it on a daily basis. Because of this, you want to ensure that your hard-earn liquid gold lasts for a long time. One way to do this is by storing these away from heat and sunlight, and instead, placing these in cool, dark places. These can be placed in room temperature on the shelf, just make sure these are not exposed to the heat of the kitchen or other similar environments.

Other people go the extra mile to prolong their cannabidiol oil by refrigerating it. While this can produce a cooling effect, this can slightly alter the consistency of the product, so be wary when trying this approach out for yourself.

For those directly using CBD oil under their tongue, make sure not to let the tip of the dropper touch any part of your mouth. This prevents contamination of the said products and hinders the production of germs within the bottle. Better yet, you can use a spoon.

The Bottom Line

Now that you know the answers to your questions, you can now practice these storage guides not only to prolong the shelf life of CBD oil, but also to help you get bang for your buck. With these steps, you can ensure that your miracle product won’t go to waste.