How to Store CBD Oil

CBD can be expensive, so if we don’t use all the products, we want to store and reuse them later rather than buy more. Ideally, we want our product to maintain as much of its quality and strength throughout the storage period. So how should you store your CBD? How long can you reasonably expect the CBD to maintain its quality? These are some of the questions we will look at in this post. 

What affects CBD’s strength/potency over time?

Natural light, air, moisture, and bacteria can affect how well CBD is conserved over time. Research published in 2011 by Oxford University Press (https://academic.oup.com/jpp/article-abstract/28/1/1/6196321 ) identified exposure to light as the “greatest single factor in the loss of cannabinoids, especially in solutions”, exposure to the air also caused significant losses. The bottom line is that storage in a dark, dry place at room temperature (around 20 C) should enable the CBD to be conserved successfully for up to 2 years. 

Where should you stock CBD, then?

A cupboard or closet that is not likely to see sharp increases or decreases in temperature would be ideal. Keep it away from anything that might cause regular changes in temperature, like windows, radiators, cookers, or natural drafts. 

A simple bathroom cabinet would also be acceptable. Bear in mind that if you use CBD regularly, you are unlikely to lose much of it before you finish the amount you have in a given bottle. 

How long can we reasonably expect it to last

You will find expiry dates on all CBD products, but as a rule of thumb, an unopened product should last up to 2 years. If it is already open and stored correctly (see above), you are looking at the product maintaining its strength over six months or so. Depending on the extraction process used to make your CBD product, you will get more or less natural deterioration. For example, a product that has been heated before applying solvents or oils for the extraction stage will typically last longer, whereas pure or raw forms of CBD. 

Checking that CBD has not gone off

In terms of taste, CBD often has an earthy taste if it hasn’t been mixed with flavorings. Any change in taste could indicate that your product has lost or is losing its potency. A change in color or thickness can also signify that the product has turned. Again, most CBD products probably need to be replaced after 18 months/2 years, even if they have been stored properly. 

Other advice for preserving your CBD’s potency

When using the product, ensure you expose it as little as possible to the air and keep it in its packaging.