Can CBD Gummies Expire?

Users want to get most of their CBD gummies before they expire. This blog explains whether CBD gummies expire, including; factors affecting their shelf life, storage tips, and how to tell when they have expired.

CBD products are gaining popularity. They have therapeutic benefits with no or minimal short-lived side effects. The most common CBD consumption method is through gummies. They allow the user to incorporate the Cannabidiol into the bloodstream with a delicious flavor by masking the bitter grassy taste of cannabis. However, like other CBD edibles, gummies have an expiration period of up to 18 months, depending on how they are stored and the quality of the product. Always research before purchasing them to enhance the product longevity by checking quality, CBD potency, and the nature of other ingredients

What Are CBD Gummies?

CBD gummies are sweet candies containing sugary ingredients with CBD compound as the main active ingredient.Zenone et al. (2021) claimed that CBD gummies are used for medical concerns such as reducing body pains, stress, anxiety, inflammations, and sleeplessness. However, not the entire product exhibits these therapeutic effects but only the active ingredient (CBD). Cannabidiol (CBD) is a chemically active compound extracted from the leaves and flowers of the hemp plant. The plant belongs to the cannabis strain and marijuana but contains a high CBD concentration and low Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). According to Niesink et al. (2013), unlike THC, CBD is a non-psychoactive compound that does not induce a feeling of high or confusion in its users. Upon extraction is diluted with organic carrier oils like hemp oil to form CBD oil infused in the hardening process of making gummies.

Do CBD Gummies Expire?

CBD gummies, like most regular edibles, can expire or spoil. However, they take months for their freshness to wear off. According to Zheng et al. (2022),CBD gummies usually have a shelf life of about 6 to 18 months, depending on how they are stored and other factors. All cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavors are sensitive to UV radiation, easily degrade and become less effective with time. CBD gummies are not exceptional; the flavor of the gummy changes with time as CBD breaks down and loses potency. They wil dry out and become harder after their expiration date, just like a regular gummy.

Factors Affecting the Shelf Life of CBD Gummies

The lifespan of CBD gummies depends on a few factors like the quality, ingredients, and how you store them. Understanding the following can help you buy CBD gummies that will last longer or stretch the shelf life.

Quality

The higher the quality of CBD gummy, the longer it will last. Hazekamp& Arno (2018) stated that the quality of CBD edible is determined by the manufacturer's reputation, CBD potency, the source plant, other gummy ingredients, and the gummy's organic nature.

Ingredients:

What is in CBD gummy matters because each ingredient has its lifespan that can directly affect the shelf life of the overall product. Customers can easily review the certificate of analysis (COA) that breaks down the ingredients in the gummy after a verified lab test.

Extraction Method

The process used to derive CBD oil in gummies from the hemp plant can determine its lifespan. The CO2 extraction technique is considered the gold standard by providing cannabinoids that are stable and also maximize the level of CBD.

Packaging

How CBD gummies are packed in amber bottles increases their longevity. They last long in dark-colored airtight glass containers protecting them from degrading sunlight and air exposure.

Storage

Degradation of CBD gummies is highly accelerated when stored in heat and lighted room. A fresh, cool room can help the gummies last longer and maintain CBD intent's potency. Some people store CBD gummies in the refrigerator, which may last longer, but the product's flavor changes due to the excessively cool condition.

CBD potency

Gummies with high CBD potency last longer than low-potent edibles. It takes time for all Cannabidiol molecules to dissociate in highly potent gummy.

How to Tell CBD Gummies Have Expired

Most CBD gummies are packed in a glassy bottle with an expiry date. However, dates are not exact, labels may fall off, or users don't want to wear glasses and read the fine print. According to Balick et al. (2020), the following are ways to know your CBD gummies have spoiled:

The Gummies Smell Funky

The flavoring in CBD gummies makes them smell fresh and natural. However, with time it changes, and after they expire, they smell skunkier.

The CBD Oil Dissolves Off

When the CBD molecules in the gummies degrade, they detach from other sugary ingredients forming a murky think solution.

They Taste Different and More Rancid

The taste of CBD oil is earthy or grassy. Although it is attached to gummies, the taste is almost palatable. However, after the product expires, the taste becomes staler, like spoilt chocolates or cake.

Storage Tips for Maximum Freshness and Longevity

CBD products like gummies are sensitive to light, temperature, and oxygen changes, making proper storage a must if the user wants to keep them fresh and maintain CBD potency. A good rule of thumb when storing CBD gummies is to treat them like regular gummies or candies. It means keeping them away from excess heat, light, and air. In addition, the gummies should be stored in medical-grade, air-locked dark bottles to reduce light or heat exposure. The glassy bottle also helps to keep contaminants away, affecting gummies' freshness and speed up the expiration stage. the following are additional tips to keep CBD gummies fresh:

• Keep the gummies in their original packaging to prevent unnecessary light, heat, and air exposure.
• Schmidt et al. (2021) suggested that you could store CBD gummies in a cool room with an estimated temperature of 16 to 21°C
• Store the CBD gummy bottle in a dark place like a closet, pantry, or cupboard above the reach of children.
• Keep them from potential sources of heat or air like near windows, stoves, air conditioners, and radiators.
• Maintain hygiene when picking a gummy being from the stored bottle since contaminants like bacteria can reduce the freshness of other CBD gummies.
• Always close the bottle after picking the gummies to keep the air out.

Conclusion

The Food Standard Agency (FSA) has approved using CBD products like gummies for recreational and medical purposes. They are mainly used to treat body pains, stress, anxiety, and other body discomforts. However, like most cannabis products, they can expire with time, with an estimated lifespan of 6 to 18 months, depending on various factors. These factors include quality, ingredients, CBD extraction method, potency, storage technique, and how they are packed. You can increase the longevity and CBD potency of the gummies by storing them in a cool, dry room in a dark-colored, well, closed bottle.

References

Balick, R., & Bonner, L. (2020). Your Cannabis Questions Were Answered. Pharmacy Today, 26(2), 22-27.

Hazekamp, A. (2018). The Trouble With CBD Oil. Medical Cannabis And Cannabinoids, 1(1), 65-72.

Niesink, R. J., & Van Laar, M. W. (2013). Does Cannabidiol Protect Against The Adverse Psychological Effects Of THC? Frontiers In Psychiatry, 4, 130.

Peki, W. Does CBD Oil Expire? How To Avoid Health Risks With Expired CBD.

Schmidt, T., Stommel, J., Kohlmann, T., Kramell, A. E., &Csuk, R. (2021). Separating The True From The False: A Rapid HPTLC-ESI-MS Method For Determining Cannabinoids In Different Oils. Results In Chemistry, 3, 100234.

Zenone, M. A., Snyder, J., & Crooks, V. (2021). Selling Cannabidiol Products In Canada: A Framing Analysis Of Advertising Claims By Online Retailers. BMC Public Health, 21(1), 1-10.