How To Store CBD Oil? Storage Instructions and Tips for Storing CBD Oil

Let's be honest - you probably didn't think you needed a PhD in chemistry when you bought that bottle of CBD oil. But here you are, wondering if that expensive little vial needs special treatment or if you can just toss it in your drawer. Don't worry, we've got you covered with everything you need to know about proper CBD storage!

Why Proper Storage of CBD Oil Matters

You've invested good money in quality CBD oil, and the last thing you want is for it to degrade faster than your New Year's resolutions. The fact is, CBD oil isn't immortal (shocking, I know). Like many natural plant extracts, CBD contains compounds that can break down over time if not stored properly [1].

Think of your CBD oil like a temperamental movie star - it has very specific demands about its environment. Temperature, light, and air exposure are the three biggest factors that affect the shelf life of CBD oil [1]. Get these wrong, and your CBD might lose its potency and effectiveness.

The Science Behind CBD Oil Degradation

I promise not to get too nerdy here, but understanding a bit about why CBD oil degrades can help you store it better. When CBD oil is exposed to heat, light, or oxygen, it undergoes chemical changes that cause CBD to break down [2].

Research published in scientific journals shows that exposure to light (not even direct sunlight, just regular room light!) is "the greatest single factor in loss of cannabinoids, especially in solutions" [1]. That's right - your CBD oil is basically a vampire that disintegrates in light. We always keep CBD oil in the dark and suggest you do as well.

Oxygen isn't much better. Studies comparing CBD oil stored in open versus closed containers found striking differences. After just 90 days at slightly elevated temperature (40°C), CBD oil in open vials lost about 20% of its CBD content, while the same oil in closed vials showed no significant decrease [2]. After a year, the difference was dramatic - open containers retained just 1% of original CBD content, while closed ones still had 24% [2]. Talk about a breath of fresh air being bad news!

The Perfect Temperature for Storing CBD Oil

When it comes to temperature, CBD oil prefers the Goldilocks zone - not too hot, not too cold, but just right. Scientific consensus indicates that the optimal temperature range for storing CBD oil is between 15-21°C (60-70°F) [3].

That's basically standard room temperature in a cool environment, so no, you don't need to build a special climate-controlled vault for your CBD 

If you're planning for long-term storage (over 6 months), refrigeration at 4°C can provide optimal preservation of cannabinoids and terpenes [4]. However, refrigerating your CBD oil may cause it to thicken and become cloudy - don't panic, this is just a reversible physical change rather than chemical degradation. 

Whatever you do, avoid storing CBD oil near heat sources like stoves, ovens, or in direct sunlight. Research shows that temperatures above 25°C (77°F) significantly accelerate degradation [2]. So that windowsill that gets afternoon sun? Definitely not the place for your CBD oil to hang out.

Light Protection: Keep Your CBD in the Dark (Literally)

Light exposure is CBD's arch-nemesis. Scientific studies consistently identify light protection as crucial for CBD oil preservation [1][5]. Your CBD oil should be stored in amber, blue, or other dark-colored glass containers that block UV light penetration [1].

Even when in dark glass, CBD oil should be kept in cabinets, drawers, or other dark locations to minimize light exposure [5]. This isn't your Instagram influencer friend who thrives on exposure - CBD wants privacy.

Both direct sunlight and ambient room light contribute to cannabinoid degradation over time [1], so treat your CBD oil like a photographic darkroom - the darker, the better.

Keeping Air Out: Why Oxygen Is Not CBD's Friend

Every time you open your CBD oil bottle, you're introducing oxygen that can degrade the product. Scientific data confirms that air exposure significantly accelerates CBD degradation [2].

Here are some tips for minimizing air contact:

• Make sure your CBD oil comes in containers with airtight seals [2]
• After each use, tightly seal the bottle immediately [2]
• Choose container sizes appropriate for your usage patterns (smaller bottle if you're a light user)

Storage Differences Before and After Opening

Just like that jar of pasta sauce in your fridge, CBD oil has different storage needs before and after opening.

For Unopened CBD Oil:

• Keep it in the original manufacturer's packaging, which is typically designed to protect from light and air [2]
• Store in a temperature-controlled environment at 15-21°C (60-70°F) [2]
• Even properly stored, unopened CBD oil has a reasonable shelf life of 1-2 years [1]

After Opening:

• Immediate resealing is crucial after each use [2]
• Scientific data suggests opened CBD oil should ideally be used within 6 months [2]
• Ensure droppers or caps maintain airtight seals [2]

Different Types of CBD Products: Special Storage Considerations

Not all CBD products are created equal when it comes to storage needs.

CBD Oil Tinctures

The classic dropper bottles are what we've mainly discussed so far. Store them in a cool, dark place with minimal air exposure [2].

CBD Edibles and CBD Gummies

These typically contain fewer preservatives than conventional candies. Keep them in airtight containers in a cool place, and consider refrigeration to extend shelf life [7].

CBD Chocolate

Talk about a delicious way to get your CBD! But CBD chocolate needs special attention since you've got to preserve both the cannabinoids AND the chocolate quality. Store CBD chocolate in a cool 15°C-20°C (59-68°F), dark, and dry place in an airtight container. If you live somewhere warm, you might want to refrigerate it, though this could cause that harmless white "bloom" on chocolate. For long-term storage, freezing works too—just thaw it slowly at room temperature to avoid condensation. Remember that dark CBD chocolate generally lasts longer (up to a year) than milk or white varieties (8-10 months).

CBD Capsules

These generally have a longer shelf life since they're protected from oxygen inside the capsule shell. Still, keep them in a cool, dark place away from moisture [6].

CBD Skincare

Since these products often contain additional ingredients like essential oils, proper storage becomes even more important. Cool, dark places away from direct sunlight are ideal [8].

How to Tell If Your CBD Oil Has Expired

"But how do I know if my CBD oil has gone bad?" I hear you ask. Here are some signs that it might be time to say goodbye to your CBD oil:

• It smells funky or rancid (like expired cooking oil)
• The color has significantly darkened
• The texture has changed and become very thick or inconsistent
• It tastes unusually bitter or unpleasant
• It's been open for more than 6-12 months [2]
• It has past its expiration date

Using expired CBD won't harm you, but the effectiveness of CBD decreases over time as the compounds degrade [^9]. Plus, if carrier oils have gone rancid, it might upset your stomach. Not the kind of "chill" you were looking for from your CBD!

Quick Tips for Storing CBD Oil

To wrap things up, here are the best practices for storing CBD oil to ensure that your CBD oil lasts as long as possible:

1. Keep your CBD oil in its original dark glass container with an airtight seal [1][2]
2. Store in a cool, dark place at 15-21°C (60-70°F) [3]
3. Consider refrigeration for long-term storage [4]
4. Keep the bottle upright to prevent leakage around the cap
5. Always close the container immediately after use [2]
6. Keep away from appliances that generate heat
7. Avoid storing in bathrooms where temperature and humidity fluctuate
8. Keep out of reach of children and pets (for safety reasons, not storage ones)

Conclusion

Proper CBD oil storage isn't rocket science, but it does require a bit more attention than you might have thought. Temperature, light, and oxygen are the three horsemen of the CBD apocalypse - keep them at bay, and your CBD oil will reward you with maintained potency and effectiveness throughout its shelf life.

Remember: cool, dark, and airtight is the mantra for successful CBD storage. Your future self (and wallet) will thank you for taking these simple steps to protect your investment in quality CBD oil. After all, the only thing worse than running out of CBD oil is discovering your full bottle has gone bad!

References

1. Turner, S. E., Williams, C. M., Iversen, L., & Whalley, B. J. (1976). Stability of cannabinoids in dried samples of cannabis dating from around 1896-1905. PubMed. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/6643/
2. Stella, B., Baratta, F., Della Pepa, C., Arpicco, S., Gastaldi, D., & Dosio, F. (2021). Cannabinoid Formulations and Delivery Systems: Current and Future Options to Treat Pain. Drugs, 81(13), 1513–1557. PMC. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8003596/
3. The Cannabis Greenhouse. (2022). What temperature is best for long-term cannabis storage? The Cannabis Greenhouse. https://www.cfgreenhouse.com/news/what-temp-is-best-for-long-tem-cannabis-storage/
4. Bakro, F., Jedryczka, M., Wielgusz, K., Sgamma, T., Gruszecka, D., Kosidło, G., & Osinska, E. (2020). Simultaneous determination of pharmaceutically active compounds of different chemical groups in industrial hemp extracts by ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography-triple quadrupole tandem mass spectrometry. Analytical & Bioanalytical Chemistry, 412(29), 8251–8265. PubMed. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33178249/
5. Le Grossiste du CBD. (2022). Cannabis CBD preservation methods. Le Grossiste du CBD. https://legrossisteducbd.fr/en/hemp-cbd-grower/cannabis-cbd-preservation-methods/
6. Blessed CBD. (2024). Should CBD Oil Be Refrigerated? Blessed CBD. https://blessedcbd.co.uk/should-cbd-oil-be-refrigerated-not-necessarily-if-youre-careful/
7. Butler Hemp Co. (2023). How does storage conditions (temperature, light, and oxygen levels) impact the stability of CBD extracts? Butler Hemp Co. https://butlerhemp.co/pages/answers?question=How+does+storage+conditions+(temperature%2C+light%2C+and+oxygen+levels)+impact+the+stability+of+CBD+extracts%3F
8. Healthy Tokyo. (2023). How to Store CBD Oil Properly. Healthy Tokyo. https://healthytokyo.com/blog/how-to-store-cbd-oil/
9. Tishchenko, G., & Evans, E. (2024). Does CBD Oil Expire? Healthline. https://www.healthline.com/health/does-cbd-oil-expire