Does CBD Oil Need to Be Refrigerated?
Recently stocked up on your CBD stash but aren’t sure how to store it? Quality CBD can be pricey, so you’re going to want to make sure that you’re getting the best shelf life out of it, and refrigeration may help.
CBD
Cannabidiol, or CBD, is an active chemical compound found in hemp and cannabis plant material. Belonging to a group of compounds called cannabinoids, CBD has soared in popularity in recent years thanks to its various medicinal properties.
CBD is mainly purchased as an oil but can be found in various forms. After being extracted from cannabis or hemp, CBD can be made into edible products, shatter, wax, vape oil, lotions, and drinks.
Should I refrigerate my CBD?
As an active compound, CBD does not have an unlimited life span, and there are some factors that can impact the quality and shelf life of CBD oil. We know that heat, light, and air can cause cannabinoids like CBD to start to degrade and become less potent. Cannabinoids as a whole are not the most stable of compounds, so it’s best to keep them away from factors that they’re vulnerable to, i.e., heat, light, and air (1, 2).
Refrigeration offers an easy way to keep your CBD oil away from heat and light exposure, but you can also increase the longevity of your CBD products by simply storing them in a cool dark place, like a cupboard or drawer. It’s also important to keep in mind that exposure to air can degrade CBD, so wherever you’re storing your CBD, make sure that it’s in an air-tight container.
How long will my CBD last?
If you take care of your CBD (by keeping it in a cool, dark place like a fridge), then you should expect your CBD to last for 1-2 years—provided you don’t use it all by then, of course!
To extend the life of your CBD, and avoid having to chuck it out, follow these CBD storage steps:
- Keep your CBD in a cool, dark place.
- Store your CBD in an airtight container.
- Keep your CBD in a sterilized environment to avoid contamination—wash your hands and keep the storage container clean.
- Avoid storing your CBD in a place where the temperature fluctuates a lot.
What happens if CBD goes off?
CBD oil can go off quickly if you don’t refrigerate it or store it in a cool, dark drawer. But the good news is that off CBD isn’t harmful; it just won’t be as effective. The older your CBD, the less potent its effects will probably be—storage dependent.
Your CBD oil will tell you when it’s gone bad. Here are some telltale signs to look for that will let you know when it’s time to replace your CBD:
Thick consistency and color change
If your CBD has developed a thick consistency and the color has changed to be hard to see through, it’s probably gone off. If you’re storing your CBD oil in the fridge, then it can go cloudy, but don’t chuck it out. Let it get to room temperature before you determine if the color and consistency are off.
Bitter taste
Off CBD is likely to have a bitter taste that you will immediately identify as being off. CBD does have some natural earthy, grassy, and nutty flavors in its profile, but you’ll know from the “off” taste of CBD oil when its time has come to an end.
Smell
Typically your CBD oil should have a grassy and earthy smell to it, but just like a carton of milk, CBD oil’s smell will give it up when it’s gone bad. Instead of a pleasant earthy smell, you’ll be hit with an unpleasant strong scent that should send your alarm bells ringing. Refrigeration can reduce the scent of CBD oil, so you might want to get it to room temperature before you give it a sniff test.
CBD effects
With proper storage and quality CBD, you should be able to experience its impressive therapeutic potential. CBD acts on the body by binding to receptors and acting on receptor pathways. Research tells us that CBD shows a lot of potential in many areas of health including acting as an:
Anti-inflammatory
CBD has shown a lot of promise as an anti-inflammatory, with studies showing that the cannabinoid has been found to reduce inflammation in arthritis and pancreas models (3, 4).
Anxiolytic and antidepressant
One of the most exciting potential benefits of CBD is its effects on mental health. Studies have found that CBD can significantly reduce both anxiety and depressive symptoms in people with mental health disorders (5, 6).
Sleep aid
CBD may also be able to help you get a good night’s sleep. Research tells us that CBD is able to improve sleep scores and improve the symptoms of sleep disorders like excessive daytime sleepiness and REM sleep behavior disorder (7, 8).
Pain reliever
Research into CBD as a pain reliever is still in the early stages, but we do know that the cannabinoid can increase levels of serotonin, a hormone that can induce pain relief (9). Research into cannabinoids, in general, has found that cannabinoid use (including CBD) results in a roughly 30% reduction in pain, with minimal side effects (10). More research into the pain-relieving properties of CBD, in particular, will help us to understand how useful the compound might be as a pain management tool.
The bottom line
CBD doesn’t have to be refrigerated, but if you’re looking to extend the shelf life and quality of your CBD oil, it is a good storage option.
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**Standard Disclaimer: CBD is not FDA-approved. We make no such claims that using our products will guarantee relief. Moreover, research regarding CBD is still ongoing and in the early stages.**
