A CBD tincture is a liquid extract of a hemp plant. The process typically involves soaking fresh hemp in high-proof alcohol to pull out CBD and other beneficial cannabinoids. While alcohol is the traditional solvent, you’ll also see plenty of products labeled as tinctures that use glycerin or oil (such as coconut or olive). Regardless of the carrier, the liquid gets strained (separating the physical plant matter) and bottled.
One of the benefits of a CBD tincture is that it has a long shelf-life. That often leads to the question, just how long does a CBD tincture last, and is there anything you can do to keep them from going bad?
Common Uses of CBD Tinctures
CBD tinctures offer a few significant benefits. For one, they’re easy to take. Bottles typically come with a dropper in the lid, enabling you to quickly and discreetly take your dose and go about your day. Since you can measure drop by drop, tinctures allow for accurate dosing. You can also toss your bottle into your bag or purse to take with you on the go.
When it comes to why people use CBD tinctures, there are several reasons. Some of the most common include managing symptoms of anxiety, reducing stress, and assistance with sleep. Others use it to help with chronic pain such as arthritis or migraine headaches, reduce nausea, or manage neurodegenerative conditions like Alzheimer’s or Parkinson’s disease.
What Science Says
Unfortunately, there’s limited conclusive research on the potential benefits of CBD tinctures. Most of the evidence is anecdotal. Some studies do point toward CBD helping with some conditions, however.
For instance, one review of multiple studies found that the cannabinoid may provide pain relief and reduce inflammation. Other studies (using animals) have shown that CBD may have antidepressant effects. There have also been a few test tube and animal studies that suggest CBD might have anti-cancer properties. Despite these findings, we need more research.
Ways to Use a CBD Tincture
CBD tinctures are versatile. One of the most common ways to take one is sublingually. You drop your dose under your tongue and hold it there for 30 to 60 seconds. The CBD absorbs through the thin layer of skin and directly into your bloodstream.
Another way to use tinctures is to swallow your dose. Alternatively, you can mix it into your drink or food and consume it that way. One thing to keep in mind with this application is that your dose has to go through your digestive system. As such, it does take longer to feel the effects.
A third application for tinctures is a topical one. Some CBD users apply their CBD tincture directly to their skin. Common reasons for this include targeted pain relief or alleviating some skin conditions such as acne or psoriasis.
Can a CBD Tincture Expire?
In short, yes, CBD tinctures can expire. Generally speaking, they last one to two years. However, if you take your tincture daily, you won’t ever have to worry about reaching the CBD expiration date. Several factors can play a role in a tincture’s shelf-life, though, such as:
- The quality of the product: The higher the quality of your CBD tincture, the longer it’s likely to last.
- Additional ingredient: Added flavors or other compounds may have a shorter shelf-life, which can contribute to your tincture expiring faster.
- The bottle: Most tinctures come in opaque bottles, typically amber or blue. The color shields the liquid from light, helping to protect it from degradation.
- Storage: How you store your tincture matters. Improper storage can cause it to go bad more quickly.
Signs Your Tincture Has Expired
While your CBD tincture may have an expiration date stamped on it, that date might not always be accurate. With so many factors affecting the actual shelf-life of your tincture, you may have to rely on your senses to know if your product has expired:
- Smell: If your tincture has a bit of a funky or skunky odor to it, it’s likely past its prime.
- Taste: Fresh CBD tinctures often have an earthy or grassy flavor to them. Some oil-based preparations may also taste similar to the carrier oil, especially if it uses olive oil. Even if you’re not a fan of the flavor itself, it shouldn’t be unmanageable. However, if you notice that it’s starting to taste a little off or rancid, it’s probably expired.
- Appearance: If your tincture looks discolored or thick (anything other than how it looked when you first got it), it’s likely gone bad.
The good news is that even if you take an expired CBD tincture, it likely won’t make you sick. However, old products lose their potency, so you won’t get the same effects as you would from a fresh tincture.
How to Maintain the Quality of Your CBD Tincture
If you’re looking to get the most out of your CBD tincture, there are a few things you can do to ensure it lasts as long as possible:
- Take care when storing CBD tinctures: Proper storage is one of the most significant factors that affect the longevity of your tinctures. Keep your bottle stored out of direct sunlight and away from heat sources. One of the best places is a cabinet.
- Close the lid tightly: Airflow can degrade your tincture faster. Close the lid properly to keep oxygen (and other potential airborne contaminants) out.
- Avoid touching the dropper to your mouth: If you take the tincture orally, avoid making contact between the dropper and your mouth. That will prevent bacteria from getting into the bottle.
- Buy quality CBD tinctures: As mentioned earlier, the quality of your products matters. Buying high-quality CBD tinctures from reputable brands like CBD Direct Club will help to ensure you get the best products available.
Start with High-Quality CBD Tinctures
While a CBD tincture can expire, there’s a good chance you’ll finish the bottle before that CBD expiration date arrives. There are several things you can do to ensure your tincture’s longevity.
Store the bottle in a cool, dark location, and make sure to seal the lid securely after each use. That way, your product stays potent and effective for as long as possible.Purchasing high-quality CBD tinctures made from first-rate hemp plants is also essential. CBD Direct Club offers some of the finest cannabis products on the market. They contain minimal ingredients, and you can always check the third-party lab test results on the website. For more information, and to find a CBD tincture for your needs, visit CBD Direct Club today.