Once you finally get your hands on high-quality CBD products there is still a lingering doubt on how to store it properly. Cannabinoids are natural products that are sensitive to light and heat, so preserving them well is essential for avoiding them turn rancid. Once opened they become even more susceptible to going foul and by the time you get to the bottom of the bottle, they are not consumable anymore. Here’s how to safely store your CBD goods.
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How to store CBD oil?
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CBD oil is sold in small, dark bottles for a reason. Light exposure can cause compounds to break down and deteriorate. The second worst enemy of the CBD is the heat, so keeping it in a dry and cool place is a must. The first thing that comes to mind is, of course, the fridge. Many people see this as a simple solution. Still, if you have pets or kids that can get ahold of this, you should consider keeping at some other cool and dark place like a pantry or basement but be careful not to store it near appliances that give away heat. However, if you live in hotter climates this might not be the best solution. In that case, the fridge is the safest place. Also, if you want to stack up some oil for an emergency, you can put it in a freezer. It might get cloudy and harder to dispense, but it won’t change its chemical formula. Further, air can also degrade your oil, so make sure that you seal it tight after every use, preferably in its original bottle.
Does CBD oil have an expiration date?
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Yes. CBD oil usually has a shelf life between 12 and 24 months. However, if the bottle stays unopened the whole time, the oil will not turn rancid; it will only lose its initial potency. If you started using the oil, then you should go by the best before date printed on the bottle. After it expires it will start to change its density and stability, so you should throw it away just like you would with any other natural product.
Changes to keep an eye on
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Some changes are clearly visible, while others are something you need to be on a lookout for. Many consumers reported their tinctures turning pink which is an indication that the solution has been oxidized, or simply put, been exposed to the air. This doesn’t mean that your CBD is not safe for use, but it might indicate that it lost some of its effects, or that they have been diminished. Large companies justify this by saying that carrier oils like coconut and hemp are being exposed to air but not the main compound – cannabinoids. Do not fall for this, if the solution has been subjected to air, all of its ingredients have been too. Even though active compounds are still in it, they might not be as potent as you would expect.
If your opened bottle has a funny smell it probably went rancid. To be on the safe side, throw it away, and buy a new one.
Products other than oil are far easier to store since they are not food supplements. Storing them in your pantry will be sufficient to keep them from spoiling.
If you regularly use CBD, storing it shouldn’t be an issue. You’ll probably go through your supply in a month, so there is nothing to worry about. In case you’re trying to make a stock, the freezer is your best bet. Reputable makers will always store their products in dark bottles and small packages to ensure quality. Keeping your CBD in an original container is a good idea since manufacturers already took care of the packaging so it’s not vulnerable to UV rays, or heat.
Things to keep an eye on
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Many places are convenient to store your CBD oil or other products. Still, there are things you should avoid in order to keep your products safe for use. Sunlight, heat, air, and moisture are the key things you should stay clear of. Ensure that your bottles are not left near window seals or kitchen counters. Not only that your kids or pets could get to it, but the light can permanently damage and reduce the effect of the oil. It would degrade the solution leaving you with a watered-down mixture that is inedible and useless.
After using the oil always make sure that you shut the bottle sealed like it was in the original packaging. Check out all the products and their safety measures at thedrugstore.com. If left opened the air, oxygen in particular, will degrade the quality of the oil. If your cap is broken or lost, or for whatever reason you need to replace the original bottle, make sure to store it in the sealed, waterproof, airtight, and dark storage.
Heat can break down the key ingredients in your CBD oil or any other product. There are many appliances in every house that give away heat, like A/C, dishwasher, dryer, etc., so make sure that your stash is far away from it. If you leave it for hours on the kitchen counter near the dishwashing machine, throw it away, and get a new supply.
Moisture is also something that can greatly affect the compounds in your CBD products. If your basement has mold or mildew, don’t store it there. Also, there is a lot of moisture and water droplets beneath the kitchen sink, so avoid those places. Bathroom medicine cabinets are not a good place to store it because the moisture from the bath can get into the solution. Cabinets, like cupboards, drawers, and even your bedroom closet would be a good place.
If you take good care of storing CBD it could last you for a couple of years. Cool, dry, dark places are a way to go. Make sure to always keep it sealed when not in use and keep it away from areas exposed to light, heat, and moisture such as your kitchen counter or freezer. In case you forget, or just leave it by accident, do not use it and get a new bottle.
