Tips for Storing THC & CBD Products: Best Practices for Freshness

Tips for Storing THC & CBD Products: Best Practices for Freshness

Here at Proleve, we use expert formulation methods to ensure product longevity. Using third-party testing and in-house analyses, Proleve offers expiration dates for all CBD and THC products.

However, this isn’t necessarily the case for all CBD and THC products, so it’s important to check expiration dates and consider the following when it comes to the shelf life of cannabis products: 

  • Quality. Higher quality products and ingredients tend to have better stability and remain effective for longer periods of time. 
  • Ingredients. In addition to the stability of hemp ingredients themselves, it’s important to look for stable ingredients in terms of tincture carrier oils, topical bases, and flavoring or other complementary ingredients in products such as drinks and edibles.
  • Extraction Method. Here at Proleve, we use CO2 extraction, which yields the longest possible shelf life. Other extraction methods can damage stability and cause CBD to expire sooner, so be sure to keep this in mind when choosing a brand or product.
  • Product Packaging. Opaque bags and amber bottles protect CBD and THC from UV rays, which can otherwise damage products exposed to sunlight. 

Ultimately, though, it’s always important to store CBD properly. In addition to checking your product’s quality and shelf life, you can maximize CBD and THC’s’ longevity by following the storage tips below. Read on to learn more about how to store THC, CBD, and other cannabinoids to make your products last longer and retain potency over time.

Does CBD Expire?

Like all naturally-occurring, plant-derived ingredients, CBD and THC can expire if stored improperly or if usage is extended well beyond the shelf life provided by the manufacturer.

What Happens When CBD Expires? How to Tell if THC and CBD Have Gone Bad

Typically, expired CBD won’t hurt you or make you feel sick, though it’s always best to avoid using hemp products after their expiration date. However, CBD or THC products that have been stored improperly or are past the expiration date will likely be less potent and effective, and may vary in terms of consistency and texture. 

When it comes to what happens when CBD expires, the main things to watch out for are: 

  • Changes in Taste, Odor, or Texture.
  • Decreased Potency or Efficacy.
  • Changes in Appearance, Color or Consistency.

What are the Recommended Ways to Store THC and CBD Products? How to Store CBD and THC

Though Proleve products are created in order to maximize stability and shelf-life, there are always key factors to avoid when it comes to storing any CBD or THC product, including: 

  • Direct Sunlight and UV Exposure. 
  • Exposure to Moisture, Heat and Humidity.
  • Improperly or Incompletely Sealing Pipette, Packaging, or Bottle Cap.
  • Extreme Temperatures.

To maximize potency and longevity, store your THC and CBD products in a cool, dry place out of direct sunlight. Be sure that the packaging is always sealed completely and is airtight. When it comes to topicals, try to store your products away from the humidity and wetness of bathroom environments. Other tips include: 

  • Storing CBD Oil at 60-70 degrees Fahrenheit. 
  • Refrigerating CBD Oils and other products when approaching expiration date.
  • Storing THC Drinks and CBD Oils Upright, which helps to maintain consistency.
  • Ensuring Airtight Packaging, securely fastening the bottle cap to CBD oils and topicals.
  • Properly Storing Gummies and Edibles, using a sealed container or resealable bags.

How Long Does CBD Stay Good? The Average Shelf Life of CBD and THC Products

When stored properly, the majority of our products--including CBD and THC gummies, capsules, powders, tinctures, and syrups or drinks--have a shelf life of 2 years. Our Delta 9 Baked Goods have a shorter shelf life of 3-6 months, like any other cookie, brownie, or cereal bar. However, you can freeze CBD and THC edibles in order to maximize their longevity. As long as our Baked Goods are either consumed or frozen within a 3-6 month timespan, you can rest assured that their quality and potency will prove good as new.

Can You Refrigerate or Freeze CBD and THC Products?

Many CBD and THC products can be refrigerated or frozen in order to maximize potency and longevity. 

Tinctures: CBD tinctures can be refrigerated to prolong shelf life, although you aren’t necessarily supposed to refrigerate CBD oil or THC tinctures. But keep in mind that when these products are removed from the fridge, the oil may appear thicker in consistency, so it’s best to give them time to warm up until they return to their original temperature.

Edibles: CBD and THC edibles--including baked goods and gummies--can be frozen for as long as you’d like.

Topicals: We don’t recommend freezing products such as topicals, since this can damage the consistency of your cream, lotion, balm, or salve--even after thawing.

Shop Stable Products and Longer Shelf Life with Proleve

Though its always important to store CBD and THC properly, Proleve optimizes stability and long-lasting potency with the following quality control standards: 

  • High Quality, Stable Ingredients and Formulations
  • Third-Party Testing 
  • Manufactured in ISO-Certified Facility
  • Formulated by Experts
  • Airtight, UV-Resistant Packaging

Want to learn more? Visit our FAQs section to learn more about shelf life and storage tips.