If you’re feeling a little bit more restless than normal, it might be a good idea to put a few CBD oil drops under your tongue to soothe that tension. But that leftover tincture has been sitting in your cabinet for a few months now… is it still safe to use?
The expiration dates on food is helpful to let you know when to throw away those rotten eggs, but CBD is a bit more ambiguous. Is it unsafe to use CBD that’s been sitting stagnant for quite some time? And if so, how long do you have before it goes bad?
What is CBD Oil Made of?
CBD stands for cannabidiol, and it’s a compound that’s extracted from the hemp plant. It’s known for its soothing, calming, and skin rejuvenating properties.
CBD oil on its own is known as isolate CBD. This is extremely potent, and it actually doesn’t have too many benefits just by itself. Oil tinctures that you’ll buy in store or online will dilute it with a carrier oil to make it less potent. Common carrier oils are argan oil, coconut oil, and hemp seed oil. All of these ingredients only serve to enhance CBD’s benefits.
And while CBD oil manufacturers are all different, some will include added vitamins, minerals, and nutrients as well. Natural ingredients like iodine, iron, omega-3s, and Vitamin D are just a few examples of organic compounds that can make CBD oils even more versatile.
But with so many ingredients, it must have a super short shelf-life, right? Not necessarily. Let’s look at how long your CBD tincture can sit on top of your nightstand.
When Does CBD Oil Expire?
While regular usage of cannabidiol might be the most effective, there’s no harm in just using a few drops when life’s heated moments get the best of you. This will extend the amount of time that your bottle of oil sits in your home.
But if you’re an infrequent CBD user, have no fear! CBD oil has a shelf life of one year with proper storage.
How To Store CBD Oil
If you really want to extend the lifespan of your CBD bottle for the entirety of those 365 days, you need to make sure you’re storing it correctly. It’s best to store your oil tincture in a dark area to ensure no loss of overall potency. So your medicine cabinet, nightstand, spice cabinet, or even your desk drawer make cozy living spaces for your CBD friends.
Better yet, stick your CBD oil in the fridge. Cool locations are recommended over warm, as heat can cause the oil to evaporate or chemically alter. This can dilute its effects.
Also, be sure that the cap is attached tightly after each use, as oxygen can cause the compounds to break down more rapidly as opposed to a sealed container.
How Long Does CBD Stay in Your System?
So now you know how long CBD lasts inside your fridge, but how long does it last inside of you?
You’ll probably start to feel the effects of CBD oil drops within 15 minutes or so. This is because you can apply oil drops sublingually, or underneath your tongue. This is effective for fast relief because there is a large amount of nerve endings and blood vessels under your tongue, which allows it to absorb and enter the bloodstream almost immediately.
Once you start to feel the calming, soothing, and cognition lifting properties of CBD, you’ll generally feel the effects for anywhere from two to six hours. This is why taking CBD every morning is a great way to start the day, and taking it at night is a fantastic technique to get better sleep.
But even if the effects wear off, CBD can still remain in your body’s system anywhere from two to five days. For some, it might even linger for several weeks.
What Affects How Long CBD Stays in Your Body?
Keep in mind that everyone is different, and there are a few factors that can affect the way your body processes the compound. For one, the amount of CBD can affect how long it stays in your system. While it probably won’t enhance its effects, they may last for a longer amount of time.
Also, the frequency that you use CBD can play a major role in how long it remains in your body. When used regularly, it might last longer. Try using CBD for at least a week to see if it’s right for you.
Weight and diet can play a role as well. Those with faster metabolisms will experience less effects compared to those with slower ones. Similarly, using CBD on an empty stomach can metabolize it more quickly, meaning you’ll experience its effects for shorter periods.
Will CBD Show Up on a Drug Test?
As with all CBD/ hemp products brought to the market, there is potential to have complications during a drug test. Although it typically does not, you should be okay even if it does.
Whoever administered the drug test can do a secondary test following the initial “positive” result that will separate CBD compounds from other substances that are unfavorable. Since CBD is 100% legal in the United States, you shouldn’t have any issues.
Still, if you have concerns just have a little chat with your employer or physician ahead of time.
How Many Doses are in an Oil Tincture?
While this depends on the size of the tincture and the manufacturer’s recommended dosage, a 30 ml bottle of CBD oil can usually last you approximately 60 servings. This means that even if you use cannabidiol every morning and night, your bottle of oil will typically last you the entire month.
How To Get the Most From Your CBD Oil
If you use CBD daily or every once in a while, there are a few tips and tricks you can use to really get your money’s worth. CBD is profoundly versatile, so don’t be afraid to safely experiment with different methods.
Shake, Shake, Shake
Before putting a few oil drops under your tongue, be sure to shake the product ahead of time. Certain oils and nutrients tend to separate after settling for a while, so you want to make sure that you’re getting every single bit of goodness in every single drop.
Spruce Up That Cup of Joe
Applying CBD oil directly under the tongue isn’t for everyone, and that’s okay! You can add it to your morning cup of coffee for a quick and easy boost of energy before getting started on a day of hard work.
You can also put a few drops into an herbal tea, fruit smoothie, or even a protein shake — Smile’s Mighty Mango Energizing CBD Blend is perfect for all three!. There’s no limit to the foods and beverages you can add your favorite oils to!
Drop Everything and Clean Your Dropper
Most CBD tinctures come with a handy dandy glass or plastic dropper that’s marked so you can get the right dosage. So you can put the measuring cups away.
However, that dropper will naturally build up some residue after prolonged usage, which can lead to mold or an unwelcome flavor. Keep your dropper clean by mixing a drop of dish soap into a bowl of warm water. Then, suck up that mix, let it soak for a few minutes in the dropper, and then squirt it into the sink.
Repeat this a few times until all of the visible impurities are eradicated. Finally, just rinse with regular water to get rid of the soapy taste.
In Conclusion
CBD oil is a great supplement to reduce feelings of stress and just ease you into a chiller headspace overall. It’s made with a bunch of natural ingredients, so when it’s stored in a properly cool and damp location, it’ll last you for up to a year.
As far as how long CBD lasts inside the body, it can depend on factors like frequency of usage, size of dosage, and your body. However, the effects of CBD last for about two to six hours, while it can remain in your system for two to five days. While it’s possible to show up on a drug test, it’s entirely legal, so don’t stress!
You CBD tincture will be able to last for around a month if used twice daily. You can enhance its benefits by shaking the bottle before using it, putting a few drops into other liquids to dilute it, and cleaning your dropper regularly to prevent residue build up.
While CBD can last you a long time, you’ll love it so much that it will probably be gone before you know it!
The amount of time your CBD lasts is secondary to its effects, but Smile CBD can deliver on both. With potent combinations of organic vitamins and minerals, you can get the highest quality effects out of every last drop.
Sources:
https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/cannabidiol-cbd-what-we-know-and-what-we-dont-2018082414476
https://www.healthline.com/health/how-long-does-cbd-stay-in-your-system
