It’s always important to know the expiration date of any supplement, and Hemp is no exception. Every food goes bad, so it’s safe to assume this applies to Hemp oil. 

The real question is when and how long does it take Hemp oil to go bad? Unfortunately, Hemp isn’t packaged ham. We can’t pinpoint its shelf life with such precision. But make no mistake, Hemp oil’s days are always numbered.

So, can Hemp oil expire? Yes, that’s inevitable. That’s why it’s crucial to know some red flags – and what you can do about them.

We’ll be covering the expiration of Hemp , the shelf life of Hemp, how to tell if Hemp has gone bad, how to extend the shelf life, and more. 

Factors affect the shelf life of Hemp Oil

Just like any supplement or food, Hemp oil does expire and has a shelf life of 12 to 18 months depending on how you store the Hemp and the quality of it. Despite the one to two years before the oil goes bad, these products will eventually degrade and expire. 

However, you can extend the shelf life and expiration date of Hemp oil by taking preventative measures and purchasing high-quality or brand-name Hemp oil. 

While it’s sad that Hemp oil expires, you still have a lot of control over how long it lasts. Since manufacturing, extraction, and testing practices vary, shelf life could change by brand. 

Like many problems, Hemp oil’s expiration depends on a few things:

Quality

Not surprisingly, higher quality products tend to last longer. This comes down to things like growing conditions and the quality of the plants, as well as the quality of any other ingredients.

Ingredients

What’s in Hemp oil matters because every ingredient, like flavoring, has a shelf life of its own, which can affect the lasting power of the overall product. Less is usually more when it comes to Hemp oil shelf life, so read the product label and the certificate of analysis (COA).

Packaging

Those amber bottles aren’t just for looks. Hemp oil lasts longer in dark-colored, airtight glass containers. The right packaging helps protect the oil from exposure to air and sunlight.

Storage

Research shows that heat and light accelerate Hemp degradation, which is why proper storage is important. Ideal conditions can help Hemp oil keep its potency and freshness longer.

How to tell if you Hemp has gone bad?

There should be an expiration date on the bottle that can give you an idea of whether or not it’s past its prime. That said, expiration dates aren’t an exact science, labels can fall off, and sometimes you just don’t want to put your glasses on to read the fine print. This is where your senses come in.

Here are indicators that Hemp oil has gone bad:

It smells funky

More like skunky, actually. Fresh Hemp oil should smell earthy and not unpleasant in any way.

It’s thick and murky

This isn’t to be mistaken with cloudy, which can happen if the oil’s been sitting in a cold room or the refrigerator. A couple of minutes at room temperature should take care of any cloudiness and return the oil to its natural viscosity and color. Otherwise, thickness and darkness are signs of degradation.

It tastes rancid

Unless it’s artificially flavored, Hemp oil is usually described as tasting “nutty,” “earthy,” or “grassy.” Even if you don’t care for these flavors, the taste should still be palatable. Expired Hemp oil, on the other hand, will taste “off,” like most other oils that have seen better days.

Effects of take expired Hemp Oil

Consuming Hemp oil past its expiration date doesn’t generally come with any known side effects. In general, your oil should last from one to two years. However, it’s always recommended to check its expiration date when you buy it. Trusted third-party suppliers provide the reassurance you need.

Small microdoses of old Hemp oil are relatively safe and make it last longer. However, consuming large amounts produces some unpleasant reactions, especially if the smell is bad. Please note that it largely depends on the research you did before purchase.

Extend the shelf-life of your hemp

Once your hands are on a product you trust, there are many things you can do to store Hemp properly to extend its shelf life for as long as possible. Typically, 12 months is a good yardstick for how long does Hemp oil last. Being careful with each bottle ensures a lifespan of approximately 24 months long. 

While this time period may not cause: Hemp oil to go bad, any Hemp oil bottle past this date should be disposed of properly.

Below is a top-four go bad list and Hemp tips that may affect its use for going past the 12-month date:

Store your Hemp oil at a cool temperature to keep the oils effective for longer

Exposure to heat will break down your oil over time. So, it’s best to keep it in a cool location or your refrigerator, although it is not necessary. Keeping your bottles at room temperature should be more than enough.

Avoid storing in direct sunlight

Sunlight is destructive on these products. Keep Hemp oil away from direct sunlight and store it in a dark place like a cupboard.

Use sealed, air-tight containers

Air-tight containers preserve Hemp oil and keep it fresh for extended periods of time. Exposure to air can accelerate the expiration date on a bottle of Hemp oil.

Avoid keeping it near the stove or oven

To extend the shelf life and make it last longer, heat, light, and other substrates like this affect such products’ use and shelf-life.

The shelf life of Hemp Oil can last a very long time. So, keeping it in a cool, dark place at room temperature is always the recommended approach.

Conclusion

Hemp oil does expire, but the typical shelf life should be plenty, even if you don’t take it regularly. Choosing a good quality product and storing it properly will help maintain its freshness and potency longer.

If you do happen to unearth a forgotten bottle of Hemp oil, a quick look and sniff should tell you if it’s still past its prime and time to chuck it.