Does CBD Oil Expire? CBD's Shelf Life Explained

April 20, 2021

Does CBD oil ever go bad? Does it have an expiration date? Yes, it does — but the good news is that CBD oil is more shelf-stable than most supplements. CBD oil usually stays ‘fresh’ and biologically active for years. Here’s what you need to know about CBD oil’s shelf life.

CBD oil’s shelf life
Factors that affect CBD’s shelf life
How to determine CBD’s freshness
Our CBD’s expiration date

CBD oil’s shelf life

The terpenes and flavones found in CBD oils/tinctures act as antioxidants that allow these products to last for a long time. How long? Many experts say 14-24 months. [1] To stay extra safe, we recommend using our products within 12 months. To learn more about CBD oil and how to use it, click here.

Factors that affect CBD’s shelf life

Cannabidiol (CBD) is a fat-soluble compound, which means that it’s most effective when coupled with fatty acids. And the stablest, healthiest fatty acids of all — contrary to popular belief — are actually medium-chain and long-chain saturated fats (MCT’s and LCT’s). Studies show that these fats are pro-metabolism and anti-stress. [2] Why are MCTs so healthy? Largely because of their molecular stability. Saturated fats remain stable and unoxidized whether they’re sitting on a shelf or helping structure a body’s cells. [3] In other words, MCT oil is the best carrier oil for CBD for the same reason that it’s so healthy for us. Studies have shown that only cannabinoids that are infused into MCT oil or coconut oil (which is 70% MCTs) are resistant to light/heat-induced degradation. [4]

How to determine CBD’s freshness

Determining your CBD oil’s freshness is easy. Just taste it! If it tastes rancid or overly bitter, it probably is. If the oil tastes fresh, earthy, or minty, however, it’s probably fresh. And this taste test is just the start. If you opt for a Medterra CBD product you’ll have more quantifiable ways to determine the freshness of your CBD oil.

Our CBD’s expiration date

All Medterra products are labeled with a QR code that links to their lab tests/COA’s. Simply scan the code using your phone and you’ll be led to a document that reveals their expiration date. Our CBD’s expiration date is typically set 24 months after its production date. To help your CBD Stay as fresh as possible throughout this time period, be sure to keep it in a dark, cool place.

Summing things up

When it comes to CBD oil, quality matters. One of our goals at Medterra is to deliver hemp’s purest, freshest ‘essence’ to you. We do this by using the stablest carrier oil available, placing our CBD in dark bottles, and being conservative with product expiration dates. ✝Representations regarding the efficacy and safety of Medterra have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, prevent, treat, or cure any disease.