Should I Refrigerate My CBD Oil?

CBD oil is a hot topic in the health and wellness industry. The benefits are countless, but there is one question on everyone’s mind — should I refrigerate my CBD? If you want to learn more about how long CBD oil lasts without refrigeration and what happens when it’s not stored properly, read this blog post.

CBD Oil Overview

CBD oil is a type of natural oil that can be extracted from cannabis and hemp plants. It may be used to help with various medical conditions. CBD oils made from hemp plants contain high levels of CBD as well as other beneficial cannabinoids and terpenes. It may also contain THC, but the THC levels of hemp-derived CBD oils don’t exceed 0.3%.

Related Article: Can You Build up a Tolerance to CBD

Therapeutic Benefits of CBD Oil

CBD oil offers many health benefits. These are the main reasons why people use it. Some of the therapeutic benefits include:

Reducing anxiety and depression — It has been shown to reduce anxiety and depression.
Reducing inflammation — This is anti-inflammatory and can help reduce inflammation throughout the body.
Helping with chronic pain — It is a natural pain reliever and can help relieve chronic pain.
Reducing epilepsy — CBD may be effective in helping with epilepsy.
Helping with sleep — It can help you get to sleep faster and stay asleep longer.
Treating cancer — CBD is showing promise in helping with certain types of cancer when used alongside traditional treatments like chemotherapy or radiation therapy.

How Long Does CBD Oil Last?

CBD oil typically lasts for 12 to 18 months unopened and up to six months after it has been opened. You can prolong the shelf life of your opened bottle of CBD oil by keeping it in a cool and dark place or placing it inside your refrigerator — although the latter is not usually recommended as long as the oil’s properly stored.

Is it Okay Not to Refrigerate CBD Oil?

While it’s generally okay not to refrigerate your CBD oil, the following may happen:

The potency and quality of the CBD may decrease over time.
The flavor may change too soon and become unpleasant.
The oil may spoil and develop bacteria, which can cause nausea, vomiting, and other health problems.
The oil may become cloudy or thick.

All these may still happen even if you store your CBD oil inside your refrigerator. It will still degrade over time similar to all other food products.

How to Properly Store Your CBD Oil

As mentioned earlier, storing your CBD oil inside the fridge isn’t a requirement as long as you know how to properly store it. To keep your CBD oil fresh and potent:

Store it in a dark, cool place away from direct sunlight.
Keep it in a tightly sealed container.
Do not refrigerate the oil unless you are planning on using it within six months.
Do not keep the oil near light or heat sources, as this can damage CBD molecules and reduce quality over time.

Do All CBD Oils Need Refrigeration?

No, not all CBD oils need refrigeration, especially if you store them properly. If you are unsure whether or not your CBD oil needs to be refrigerated, contact the company you purchased it from for more information.

Which CBD Oils Should Be Refrigerated?

CBD products need not be refrigerated, but if the room is too warm and humid, then storing them in your fridge may be a good idea. You may also store CBD oils inside the fridge if you buy in bulk. When storing CBD oil in the refrigerator, you can wrap the bottle up in dark material to keep the fridge’s light off it. If you have children, be sure to keep your CBD oil somewhere where they can’t reach it.

What Happens When Your Refrigerate Your CBD Oil?

If you refrigerate your CBD oil, it can last longer and maintain its potency. If you do not store the oil properly in a dark, cool place away from direct sunlight, the CBD molecules can break down and become less effective over time.

Different Types of CBD Products

There are many different types of products on the market. Here is a list of some of the most common:

Oil and tincture — These are cannabis or hemp extract made with a carrier oil or alcohol. They are taken sublingually (under the tongue) and absorbed directly into the bloodstream. They may also be added to beverages and dishes.
Capsules — A capsule is a small soft-gel pill containing CBD oil. This is consumed with water and is perfect for those who don’t like the taste of CBD oil or tincture.
Edibles — An edible is a food that contains cannabinoids CBD. Edibles are a fun way of administering CBD.
Topicals — A CBD topical is applied on the skin for localized problems such as muscle soreness or painful joint. Some common CBD topicals include lotions and balms.

Potential Adverse Effects of CBD Oil

CBD oil is a natural product that is safe for most people. However, some people may experience side effects when taking CBD oil. These include:

Dry mouth — CBD can cause a dry mouth feeling. This is often temporary and typically disappears after a few days of use.
Drowsiness — It may cause drowsiness in some people. If you experience this, avoid activities that require concentration and alertness such as driving or operating heavy machinery.
Low blood pressure — CBD may lower blood pressure. This can lead to dizziness and lightheadedness, especially when rising from a seated position or standing quickly.
Changes in appetite — This may cause changes in appetite, such as an increase or decrease in hunger. This is also often temporary and goes away after some time.

Best Way to Take CBD Oil

The best way to take CBD oil varies depending on the product you are using. If you are taking oils or tinctures, you can take them sublingually by dropping the oil under your tongue and letting it absorb in the bloodstream. If you are using capsules, they should be taken orally with a glass of water or other liquid. If you are using edibles, they should be eaten like any other food item. Be sure to consume products like these on a full stomach since it helps with better absorption of CBD. If you are using topicals, they should be applied directly to the skin where desired. Be sure to first clean the area with water and soap and then dry thoroughly before applying the topical.

Conclusion

You may or may not refrigerate your CBD oil, as long as you store it the right way. If you plan to keep it in your refrigerator, be sure to use it up in less than six months. You should also follow the tips we’ve mentioned above.