CBD oil is a product that many people use to address different ailments and pains. It has anti-inflammatory properties, can help with sleep, pain, anxiety, and more.
Some people believe if you refrigerate CBD oil, this will help offset any risks of spoilage or the natural degradation of your oil over time.
Others argue that refrigerating CBD oil will actually reduce its efficacy and render it less effective for you.
One of the most important things you need to know about CBD oil is how to store it properly for it to be effective later on when you're using it.
Does you need to refrigerate CBD oil?
CBD oil does not need refrigeration; like other oils, it will not spoil if left out at room temperature.
However, refrigerating CBD oil might help improve its shelf life and slow down any degradation of quality that might occur due to heat exposure.
How long can CBD oil be kept at room temperature?
Depending on the ingredients in your CBD oil, it typically has a shelf life of 6-24 months.
Some factors may cause your oil to go bad or rancid, however. These include the carrier oil, the method used to extract the oil, how it was processed, and other ingredients.
Each ingredient in your oil has a shelf life of its own, which one must consider.
Risks of refrigerating CBD oil
While putting your CBD oil in the fridge may seem like a logical idea, there are some important drawbacks to consider before you do so.
Solidifying
Refrigerating CBD oil may cause it to solidify or become thicker in consistency. This can make it difficult for some people to dispense the product easily.
Compounds breaking down or separating
Some refrigerated CBD oil may separate or change as a result of refrigerating.
For example, if the product contains coconut oil, refrigerating it might cause the coconut oil to solidify and separate from the rest of your ingredients.
What to avoid when storing your CBD oil
Here are the main factors to avoid when storing your CBD oil, which can have a significant impact on the efficacy of the product:
Light and heat exposure
CBD oil should be stored in a cool, dark location to retain its potency. Specifically, it shouldn't be exposed to direct sunlight or heat as these things can break down the cannabinoids and make them less effective.
For this reason, most CBD oil bottles have a dark tint to help keep light and heat out.
Like sunlight, extreme temperature changes - like going from cold to hot - can also weaken and break down the compounds of your oil.
Humidity
CBD oil can deteriorate and develop mould if it is exposed to humidity and moisture. This is one of the main reasons refrigerating your CBD oil may be a good idea, especially if it contains a carrier oil with a shorter shelf life.
Exposure to air
When you’re done using CBD oil, remember to screw the top back on because exposure to light and heat can cause it to lose its efficacy.
Just like any food product, you should store hemp-derived products in an airtight container in a cool, dark place.
Final thoughts on refrigerating CBD oil
The jury is still out on whether or not you should refrigerate your CBD oil.
Because refrigeration can cause some CBD oils to solidify, thicken, or degrade, it's important to consider the overall makeup of your product before refrigerating.
One thing the experts do agree on, however, is that your oil should be stored in a cooler place to prevent the breakdown of the cannabinoids and terpenes within.
If you know refrigerating won't affect the ingredients in your product, and you want to reduce your risk of spoilage and retain efficacy over time, refrigeration may be for you.