Many CBD oil products are labeled with instructions to keep it in a “cool, dark place.” For many, their first thought is the fridge. But generally, CBD oils do not need to be refrigerated.
A “cool” place generally means a temperature of around 60-70 degrees Fahrenheit. These temperatures keep the viscosity of the CBD oil at usable levels and prevents degradation of the cannabinoids. Since most CBD oil drops do not contain preservatives, the cooler temps and lack of light also inhibits the growth of bacteria or mold.
If CBD oil drops are stored in the refrigerator, they can sometimes become too thick to accurately dispense. This is especially true with CBD oil drops that use coconut oil or olive oil as the carrier oil. If you’ve stored your bottle of oil in the fridge and find it too thick to use, do not place it in the microwave. Instead, let it warm up naturally at room temperature. If you must speed up the process, place the sealed bottle of oil in a warm (but not hot) water bath.
If you ordered a CBD topical salve during the peak of the summer heat and it arrived melted, it can be placed in the refrigerator to solidify it again.
Can Refrigerating or Freezing CBD Oil Extend its Shelf Life?
For many daily users, buying CBD oil in bulk can be more cost effective and help ensure that you don’t run out. According to most CBD companies who print expiration dates on their products, the shelf life of CBD oil drops is around one year. For users buying in bulk, this can be a problem.
A common solution to extend the life of extra unopened bottles of CBD oil is to place them in the fridge. Some even go as far as vacuum-sealing their bottles and freezing them.
When it’s time to use the product, let them warm to room temperature slowly using the methods mentioned earlier. It is not recommended that you re-freeze the product after it’s been opened if it has already been previously frozen.
