CBD-infused gummies pack all the power of hemp’s chemistry in a sweet, tasty treat that’s easy to down. Given that some people struggle to contend with the flavor of hemp smoke, it comes as no surprise that CBD gummies have become so popular.
If you prefer taking your daily dose of CBD with a mouthful of gummies, then you probably stocked your inventory with a pretty big bulk of the stuff to cut down on retail costs. But just like any other edible, CBD gummies have a shelf life and that big ol’ stash won’t last forever. But just how long will it last? Here’s what you need to know.
There’s not an exact number of years that dictates how long CBD gummies will last across the entire market. That’s because different vendors use distinct ingredients and additives that could alter how long their products can last on a shelf.
Generally, CBD gummies will last for about one to two years after purchase. However, most brands will indicate the ‘best before date on their product packaging. This tells you when the timeframe that lets you get the best effects out of your CBD gummies.
Again, that’s not set in stone, but the average ranges from between six to nine months. So, in effect, you get the highest potency from your CBD gummies if you consume them within that period.
Beyond this period of time, the gummies may lose some integrity and the chemical composition may undergo some changes. So you probably won’t be able to get the full effect of CBD with doses you take after the best before date.
Unlike oils, tinctures, and other edibles like cookies and chocolate that actually expire, CBD gummies don’t technically “go bad.” Instead, they turn stale, become tough, and lose their potency. But that doesn’t mean you can’t eat them.
Sure, it’s probably not going to taste as good as when you first got them. It might also reach a point where they don’t provide any benefits aside from giving you something to chew when you’re bored. But all together, CBD gummies last a pretty long time versus other hemp-derived products.
And since they don’t undergo any profound changes in terms of the way they look, users who don’t necessarily maintain awareness about shelf life could easily pop a few expired gummies thinking they were still up to code. So what’s the worst that could happen if you eat CBD gummies beyond their shelf life?
The experiences changes depending on the ingredients in the product and your own personal tolerance and body chemistry. But according to experts, you might expect a few of these markers:
Rest assured however that even if you accidentally take expired CBD gummies, you probably won’t need a trip to the ER. At worst, you might expect loose bowels for a few days, acute discomfort, and of course, the stale taste of old gummy candy in your mouth.
While it could take one to two years before your CBD gummies kick the proverbial bucket, you can actually do a few things to extend that shelf life. Proper storage techniques play a major role in preserving the cannabinoids in your gummies.
Here’s what you can do:
Keeping your gummies tucked away in a cool, dry place away from potential sources of moisture could prevent the onslaught of moisture and humidity. A cupboard in your kitchen or a private drawer in your bedroom could be ideal for achieving these conditions.
Generally, you’ll want to make sure your gummies get stowed away in a space that’s dark and dry. Sure, they might look super cute and aesthetic in a clear jar on your kitchen counter, but those morning sunbeams could alter their chemistry.
An air-tight jar like a mason jar with a rubber seal or a ring and cover makes the ideal choice. Some even choose tinted glass jars that help prevent UV rays from penetrating into the container.
Some sources say that you can refrigerate CBD gummies to help extend shelf life. And while might help to some extent, it may also pose a few added challenges.
Cold temperatures can change the texture of the gummies, making them much harder to chew and enjoy. Of course, you could always take them out and thaw them first. But that also entails allowing some moisture to form in the jar.
Finally, there’s the issue of exactly how much time this tactic can add to your gummies’ shelf life. Unfortunately, while it could extend shelf life, the added few weeks or months might not be worth the trouble.
All things considered, refrigerating CBD gummies prove more taxing and tedious than simply storing them in a safe, dry, dark place. Plus, the few added weeks or months of shelf life don’t seem like sufficient reason to go through all that trouble.
Before you cop that jar of gummies from your trusted vendor, here are a few tips you can try to guarantee you’re getting a solid product:
Easy and accessible, CBD gummies provide an option for low tolerance users and for enthusiasts who just want to have a little fun with their daily CBD use. But before you go ahead and buy a bulk batch of CBD gummies, make sure you know how to maintain shelf life.
Try out these techniques for your CBD gummies and add a few months or years to their viability so you can enjoy their CBD-infused benefits for longer down the line.
