A tincture is one of the best methods of using CBD for beginners and advanced users alike. Discreet, effective, and efficient, this is one method of using CBD that everyone loves. If you’re looking through the market at the various products and their packaging, you may be asking yourself “should CBD oil be in a dark bottle?”

If you’re familiar already with the effect that light has on beer (this is why beer bottles are mostly green or brown,) you may already understand the answer. The short reply is yes: tinctures should come in dark, glass bottles — and here’s why:

Why Dark Glass Matters for CBD

Using dark glass for CBD oil bottles is crucial for ensuring that the product doesn’t deteriorate inside the packaging. As the UV light from the sun reaches the oil, it will heat and oxidize it, causing the oil to become less effective.

This differs from beer which can develop a nasty flavor and might upset your stomach. Clear glass doesn’t put CBD oil at risk of becoming dangerous or worse tasting but it does take away from its effect. 

As the sun’s rays begin to deteriorate the components of the tincture, users will need higher doses of it for it to be effective.

Can CBD Tincture Be Stored in Plastic?

Most producers consider plastic bottles for a tincture to not be a viable solution. While it would be a cheaper alternative, the oil that the cannabinoids are in can wear away the plastic.

Over time, this can lead to chemicals leeching into the tincture and mixing with it. While clear glass isn’t a great choice, any type of plastic is the only harmful option. 

Does CBD Oil Expire?

Very few things in life last forever and CBD is no exception. There’s no singular answer to the question of “how long does CBD oil last” but most products have a shelf-life of 1-2 years.

“Expiration” when it comes to CBD oil is a matter of potency and not safety. As time goes on, cannabinoids wear off regardless of how well you store and take care of the product.

Most tinctures utilize some form of coconut oil which does a great job of stabilizing the cannabinoids but it doesn’t preserve them forever. As time goes on, the tincture loses potency to the point of being effectively useless.

CBD Oil Tips

While there’s no way to ensure that your CBD oil will last forever, there are some tips for preserving your oil. Improper storage can lead to the deterioration of the oil long before the expiration date.

The good news is that storage of your tincture is very easy and low-maintenance. The general rule is to place your tincture in a cool, dry place like a cupboard or a drawer.

If you can help it, never expose CBD to sunlight. Consumers that use tincture sporadically and may take a long time to finish their bottle (more than a few months) may want to keep the bottle in an airtight container as well.

Should CBD Oil be Stored in the Refrigerator?

No. Though you should keep your oil away from heat, it’s also not a good idea to keep it somewhere that is too cold.

Either extreme is harmful to the potency of CBD oil.

Should CBD Oil be Refrigerated After Opening

Still no. After opening your tincture, it still is unwise to store it in a cold environment like your refrigerator. Cannabinoids love stability, not the coldness of the fridge.

What to Look for in CBD Oil

There are a lot of values that may vary depending on the specific needs of cannabis users. In addition to making sure that your product utilizes dark glass, there are other ways to make sure you’re getting quality oil.

These include:

• Reporting – It’s an open secret that the lack of regulation in the cannabis industry leads to widely varied efficacy in products. Reporting helps ensure that the label matches the contents of the bottle.
• Raw, Uncut CBD – There are over 400 chemicals in cannabis, and the best CBD products work to keep as many of them as possible. This typically takes place in full-spectrum, broad-spectrum, and isolated products. Few companies make raw, uncut CBD oil like CBD For The People. 

These are both great ways to ensure that the product that you’re getting is potent, effective, and truthful in its claims. If you still have questions about CBD oil and whether it’s right for you, reach out to us on our website!

We offer a live chat feature for any and all inquiries you may have. One of our cannabis experts will gladly walk you through the options and bring you to the best product for your needs. 

CBD should always be for the people – start taking care of your endocannabinoid system and it’ll take care of you as well.

By J Gordon Curtis