More and more people incorporate cannabidiol (CBD) into their daily wellness routines. As they do, it becomes vital to understand proper storage and maintenance of the quality, potency, and freshness of these valuable products.
Whether you’re a seasoned CBD enthusiast or new to the world of cannabidiol, knowing how to store CBD properly will ensure that you get the most out of your purchase. Here are the best practical tips and insights to maximise the lifespan of your CBD:
Avoid Temperature Extremes
Keep CBD products away from excessive heat and direct sunlight. Cannabinoids often degrade when exposed to heat and light. High temperatures accelerate the breakdown of cannabinoids, leading to a reduction in their potency and effectiveness. Heat and sunlight can also promote the oxidation of CBD, which may lead to a rancid flavour.
Furthermore, sunlight can trigger heat-induced chemical reactions that change the terpene profile of the product. Terpenes are compounds that give CBD its distinctive flavour and smell. These compounds are sensitive to heat and light, and can degrade quickly when exposed often.
You should likewise avoid exposing CBD to freezing temperatures. Some CBD products have carrier oils or other ingredients that can solidify or separate when exposed to extremely low temperatures. This causes changes in the texture, consistency, and appearance of the product. This can even make the product less pleasant to consume or harder to apply.
This applies to more than just the contents; extreme cold can also affect the packaging itself. Plastic bottles or containers may become brittle and more prone to cracking, which, in turn, compromises the actual CBD product.
Store in Airtight Containers
Use airtight seals to prevent air and moisture exposure. When oxygen interacts with the compounds in CBD, this can lead to oxidation and quality loss over time. Airtight containers act as a protective barrier against external contaminants such as dust, moisture, and microorganisms.
CBD products, especially those which contain terpenes, have compounds that are susceptible to evaporation and can be easily lost when exposed to air. Properly sealed, airtight containers help extend the shelf life of CBD products by maintaining their freshness, aroma, and taste.
Keep Away from Moisture
Moisture creates an ideal environment for mould, fungi, and bacteria to thrive. When CBD products come in contact with moisture, this can lead to contamination and the growth of harmful microorganisms. These contaminants then pose a health risk and compromise the safety and efficacy of the CBD product.
Moisture can result in CBD products breaking down and deteriorating. It can impact the chemical composition of the ingredients, leading to reduced potency, altered texture, and poor quality. Moisture can also cause ingredients to clump, separate, or become rancid, making the product less appealing and less effective.
Avoiding moisture also helps you maintain the longevity of the product packaging too, since getting damp can make labels peel off, containers warp or leak, and packaging degrade. Damaged packaging will compromise the product’s safety, so keep it away from humidity, water, and other forms of dampness.
Prevent Cross-Contamination
Cross-contamination occurs when different substances come into contact with each other, leading to the transfer of undesirable contaminants. These contaminants may alter the chemical makeup of the CBD product and reduce its purity, quality, and safety.
It’s especially important to prevent cross-contamination when handling CBD products near allergens, such as nuts, dairy, or gluten. Some individuals may be allergic to those substances. Cross-contamination can introduce said substances into CBD products, triggering allergic reactions.
Read the Product Instructions
Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for the best results. Different CBD products have different storage requirements, since each manufacturer has their own way of producing both the CBD product and the packaging. The manufacturers will have their own instructions for extending the shelf life of the product, so be sure to read those instructions carefully.
Conclusion
Whether you have CBD gummies or CBD vape juice, storing the product is all about keeping it in a neutral environment. To recap, if you want to extend the shelf life of your CBD product, you should:
- Choose a cool, dark location
- Consider a pantry or cupboard away from heat sources
- Minimise oxygen exposure
- Avoid handling the product with wet hands
- Keep containers tightly closed when not in use
- Use clean utensils or droppers for extraction to avoid cross-contamination
Follow the above tips, but also keep an eye on the product for changes in colour, consistency, or odour. The CBD is more likely to get compromised if you carry it around with you, so discard the batch if it appears compromised.
