What Happens If You Use Expired CBD Oil?

CBD is becoming quite popular these days. People are even adding CBD to foods and applying it over the skin. CBD oil remains its most popular form. However, people may use other CBD products like gummies. Similarly, the popularity of CBD pens is also increasing. Every product has an expiry date. So, what happens if you use expired CBD oil?

Before we discuss this topic in detail, there are a few things to understand. It is vital to understand that some products if stored properly, may not expire even after several years. However, they still mention the expiry date due to legal obligations. In many instances, the law mandates that manufacturers mention expiry dates.

Now, just consider CBD oil. It mainly contains carrier oils like MCT, olive, or other vegetable oils. Manufacturers add small amounts of CBD-isolate, broad-spectrum, or full-spectrum CBD to the oil. Additionally, they might add some terpenes and flavour. If bought from reputable suppliers then these are really safe vapes.

CBD oil is 98% oil-based, and other components make less than 2% of CBD oil. CBD oil, as a rule, must be taken sub-lingually. One must hold a few drops of CBD oil below the tongue, then ingest it. This is because of the poor bioavailability of orally ingested CBD oil.[1]

Of course, as a rule, one should never consume an expired product. However, if we look at CBD oil’s content, we see that it can stay good for a long. Vegetable oils that form the basis of CBD oil do not expire, and they remain suitable for consumption even after years of storage.

But, of course, CBD is not a very stable molecule. If not stored properly or stored in sunlight, the chances are high that CBD may degrade. This will result in reduced potency of CBD oil. This means that one may not get the expected health benefits.

Another issue that may occur is the worsening of flavour. Flavours, terpenes, and essential oils are volatile and less stable than vegetable oil. These molecules may also lose their potency. Therefore, if you consume expired CBD oil, it is quite likely that you may not feel any flavour, and even worse, it may taste not so good.

So, below are a few of the things that may happen to CBD oil with time:

The most noticeable consequence of using expired CBD oil is a reduction in its potency. Over time, the compounds in the oil can break down, resulting in a less effective product. If you’re using CBD oil for its potential therapeutic benefits, such as pain relief or anxiety management, you may find that it doesn’t work as effectively after it has expired.

CBD oil may also undergo changes in flavour and aroma as it ages. Expired CBD oil may taste rancid or bitter, which can make it less appealing to consume. Additionally, the aroma may become unpleasant, further diminishing the overall experience.

Determining if your CBD oil has expired is essential to ensure that you are consuming a safe and effective product. Here are a few signs to look for:

Fresh CBD oil is typically a clear to light golden colour. Over time, it may darken and become cloudy or develop visible impurities. These changes in colour can indicate that the oil has passed its prime.

Expired CBD oil may have a foul or bitter taste and a pungent odour. If your oil smells or tastes significantly different from when you purchased it, it’s a sign that it may have expired.

One of the most practical ways to determine if your CBD oil is still effective is to monitor its impact on your symptoms or conditions. If you notice a decline in its effectiveness, it may be time to replace the product.

To maximize the shelf life of your CBD oil, follow these tips for proper storage:

• Keep It Cool: Store your CBD oil in a cool, dark place, away from direct sunlight, heat sources, and temperature fluctuations.
• Seal It Tightly: Ensure the bottle is sealed tightly to prevent exposure to air, which can lead to oxidation and degradation.
• Avoid Contaminants: Keep the dropper clean and avoid cross-contamination by not touching it with your hands.
• Purchase from Reputable Brands: Choose high-quality CBD products from reputable brands, as they are more likely to have accurate expiration dates and proper packaging.

Using expired CBD oil may not pose significant health risks, but it can result in a less potent and less pleasant product. To ensure you get the most out of your CBD oil and enjoy its potential benefits, monitoring its expiration date, storing it properly, and replacing it when needed is crucial. Following these guidelines allows you to make the most of your CBD oil and maintain a consistent experience.

1. Millar SA, Maguire RF, Yates AS, et al. Towards Better Delivery of Cannabidiol (CBD). Pharmaceuticals (Basel). 2020;13:219.