Key takeaways
- CBD oils can expire.
- Expired CBD oil may cause mild gastrointestinal issues such as nausea or diarrhea in some individuals, but these effects are rare and generally mild.
- Expired CBD oil may experience a decrease in potency over time, resulting in diminished therapeutic effects.
CBD oils also come with an expired date. Yes, they tend to expire after some time. While this may have nothing to do with the cannabinoids in the CBD oil, other compounds present in the product may undergo degradation thus, leading to bad odor or taste, and altered efficacy. Over the years, we at Nesas Hemp have come to understand that not all cannabis products are the same and the unregulated nature of the market has created a huge chance for fake products to thrive. The unregulated nature of the cannabis is one of the reasons expired products may make it your shelf. In this article, we would look at what happens when you take an expired CBD product and how to identify an expired product.
Does CBD oils expire?
Yes, CBD oils can expire. Like many other products, CBD oils have a shelf life and can degrade over time, leading to a decrease in potency and effectiveness. The expiration date of CBD oil depends on various factors, including the quality of the oil, storage conditions, and the presence of any additives or preservatives. To ensure the best quality and effectiveness, it's essential to store CBD oil properly in a cool, dark place away from heat, light, and humidity. Additionally, always check the expiration date on the product label and avoid using CBD oil past its expiration date.
How to identify an expired CBD oil
Identifying an expired CBD product involves examining its appearance, smell, and overall quality. Here are several ways to determine if a CBD product has expired:
- Check the Expiration Date: Look for the expiration date printed on the packaging. If the product has passed this date, it may be expired.
- Inspect the Color: CBD oils and tinctures should typically have a clear or slightly golden color. If you notice any discoloration, such as a darkening or cloudiness, it may indicate degradation and expiration.
- Evaluate the Smell: Fresh CBD products typically have a mild, earthy scent. If the product smells rancid, sour, or otherwise unpleasant
What happens if CBD products expire?
Expired CBD products are most likely to produce one or more of the following;
- Reduction in Potency: Expired CBD oil may experience a decrease in potency over time, resulting in diminished therapeutic effects.
- Changes in Chemical Composition: The cannabinoids in expired CBD oil can degrade, leading to alterations in their chemical structure and potentially reducing their efficacy.
- Weakening of Therapeutic Benefits: As CBD oil ages, its cannabinoids may degrade into less active or inactive compounds, resulting in a weaker product that may not provide the desired effects.
- Unpleasant Taste, Odor, or Appearance: Expired CBD oil may develop an unpleasant taste, odor, or appearance, indicating that it is no longer suitable for use.
- Limited Effectiveness: While consuming expired CBD oil is unlikely to cause harm, it may not offer the same therapeutic benefits as fresh oil, leading to reduced effectiveness.
What will happen if I use an expired CBD product?
Although the risks associated with using expired CBD products may be minimal, it may produce the following effects on users.
- Potential Health Risks: While consuming expired CBD products is generally considered safe, there may be a slight risk of adverse effects if the product has degraded significantly. However, the likelihood of adverse effects is minimal compared to using other expired products.
- Ineffective Relief: If you're using the CBD product for specific symptoms or conditions, such as pain or anxiety, using an expired product may result in ineffective relief or management of those symptoms.
- Toxins: there is a high chance of ingesting toxins when you consume expired CBD oils. Some additives used in cannabis products like oils may be toxic to humans after undergoing degradation.
Frequently asked questions
Will expired CBD oil make me high?
No, expired CBD oil will not make you high. CBD does not produce intoxicating effects, regardless of its expiration date. However, the effectiveness of the CBD oil in providing therapeutic benefits may be diminished.
How can I tell if my CBD oil has expired?
Signs of expiration include changes in color, consistency, taste, or odor. If the oil looks or smells off, it's best to dispose of it and purchase a fresh bottle.
Can I still use expired CBD oil for topical application?
While expired CBD oil may be less effective, it can still be used topically for skincare purposes. However, if the oil has significantly degraded, it may not provide the desired benefits.
Is it safe to use expired CBD oil if I'm pregnant or breastfeeding?
It's best to avoid using expired CBD oil if you're pregnant or breastfeeding to ensure the safety of both you and your baby. Opt for fresh CBD oil to ensure potency and efficacy.
Can expired CBD oil cause gastrointestinal issues?
Expired CBD oil may cause mild gastrointestinal issues such as nausea or diarrhea in some individuals, but these effects are rare and generally mild.
Sources
Does CBD oil expire? https://www.healthline.com/health/does-cbd-oil-expire
Pavlovic, R., Nenna, G., Calvi, L., Panseri, S., Borgonovo, G., Giupponi, L., Cannazza, G., & Giorgi, A. (2018). Quality Traits of “Cannabidiol Oils”: Cannabinoids Content, Terpene Fingerprint and Oxidation Stability of European Commercially Available Preparations. Molecules : A Journal of Synthetic Chemistry and Natural Product Chemistry, 23(5). https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules23051230
Johnson, E., Kilgore, M., & Babalonis, S. (2022). Label accuracy of unregulated cannabidiol (CBD) products: Measured concentration vs. Label claim. Journal of Cannabis Research, 4. https://doi.org/10.1186/s42238-022-00140-1