All over the country, CBD products are emerging, and millions of people are discovering the incredible benefits of hemp-derived CBD. Whether it’s to relieve anxiety or depression, pain, sleeping problems, acne, or other symptoms — many people have been satisfied with their CBD usage.
One of the most popular ways to consume CBD is with CBD tinctures. If you’re a little behind on the CBD craze and don’t really know what it is — we’ve got you covered. Take a look at this article: “What is CBD and Why Does It Work?“
But, what exactly is a CBD tincture?
Making CBD Tinctures
CBD tinctures are one of the most popular ways to enjoy the benefits of CBD. The process for making a tincture is actually quite complex, but extremely interesting. Curious? Let’s take a look.
First, the CBD oil and other cannabinoids (“Hemp Extract”) are extracted from the hemp flowers by using organic grain alcohol – a technique that has been used throughout human history.
Second, the hemp extract mix is then subjected to low heat for a fairly substantial period of time, allowing for the evaporation of the organic grain alcohol and the activation of the cannabinoids. The result of this process is what is commonly referred to as full spectrum CBD oil, or as what we call it – hemp extract (it’s the same thing).
Third, once you have obtained a premium hemp extract from the extraction process, the hemp extract must be mixed with a carrier oil. This is because premium hemp extract is very sticky and almost impossible to use in this current state. By mixing and emulsifying the hemp extract with organic MCT oil (Minny Grown’s carrier oil of choice) we are able to create what is now known as a CBD tincture.
Should I Be Worried About Expiration?
The short answer to this question is yes; but expiration is unlikely. This is because hemp is a plant-based substance, and just like with any plant-based substance, over time, it will break down. The general rule of thumb is that tinctures have roughly a 1-2 year shelf depending on your supplier. By instituting small batch procedures and extreme oversight in the formulation and distribution process, expiration with Minny Grown tinctures is very unlikely.
So, to answer the question quickly, yes — your CBD tincture may expire.
How quickly your CBD tincture expires depends on a few factors.
- Exposure to direct sunlight
- Humidity
- Extreme heat and cold
One of the quickest ways to shorten the lifespan of your CBD tinctures is to leave it in the sun. Now, most CBD tinctures have darkened bottling, which can deter a lot of the harmful rays that the sun may have on your CBD product. However, the less sunlight, the better — so try to keep it out of the sun.
Keeping it out of wet or humid areas is another great way to lengthen its lifespan. The same can be said for extreme heat and cold. Basically, store it like you would store coconut oil or any other leafy green, and you should be in good shape.
If you’re curious about when your exact CBD product expires, make sure to check with the manufacturer or grower. We can’t speak for everyone, but most CBD tinctures last between 1-2 years.
How to Properly Store Your CBD Tinctures
Now that we’ve established that CBD tinctures can indeed expire — let’s go over some solutions you can put into practice when it comes to storing your product.
Store in the Pantry
As we mentioned, light is your CBD oil’s worst enemy. So, keep it somewhere dark and dry like the pantry. Do your best to avoid leaving your CBD tinctures on window sills, counters, or especially your car.
If you’re one of those people that loves to wrap things in aluminum foil (we know you’re out there), you’re in luck. Wrapping your CBD tincture bottle in aluminum foil can prevent it from degrading from light exposure.
Store it in the Fridge
While the pantry will keep your CBD tinctures at room temperature, away from sunlight, heat, and humidity — the refrigerator is another great option.
It may be a little cold for some users, but it’ll do the trick. Except for when the door is left open, it’ll remain in the dark. If you live somewhere where the weather is always hot, or it’s summertime, and you don’t have air conditioning — the fridge might be the best possible place to store your CBD tinctures.
Don’t Store in Cabinets Next to Your Stove or Oven
As we said, heat isn’t doing your CBD tinctures any favors. So, try not to store your CBD in cupboards that are above or near heat appliances like stoves or ovens. We would even recommend avoiding areas that are near rice cookers, toasters, air fryers — you name it. Keep your CBD tinctures away from anything that emits heat if you want the longest possible shelf life.
Keep it in the Original Bottle or Packaging
Your CBD manufacturer created bottling that works. So, stick with it. Air can degrade your CBD tinctures as well, which means that having a sealed container is essential for extending its lifespan. Avoiding oxidative stress will protect the original chemical balance of your CBD tincture, which will ensure that you get all of its benefits.
Make sure to always put the cap back on or double-check that it’s not loose. If you do decide to put the CBD tincture into another container, be sure that it’s airtight and robust enough to protect your product.
If on the Road — Use a Cooler
Some of us take CBD daily, which means that when we’re on the go — we need a reliable place to store our tinctures. If possible, store your CBD tinctures in a cooler. This will keep sunlight, humidity, and heat away
from it.
If you don’t have a cooler, keep it in your backpack, purse, or bag. Really, it’s all about keeping it out of the sun for as long as possible.
Enjoy the Benefits of CBD for Longer
There you have it, some easy and simple ways that you can get the most out of your CBD tincture. Luckily, properly made CBD tinctures actually have one of the longest lifespans out of any CBD products due to how they’re made. CBD capsules and even CBD isolates also offer a fairly long lifespan as well.
So, keep your CBD products out of extreme heat and cold, out of the sun, and away from air and humidity and you’re in good hands.
