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Do oil cartridges go bad?

The short answer to this question is yes. But, that “yes” is largely contingent on just how long an oil cartridge has been sitting out and where. If the cartridge’s oil is still the same color and viscosity — no sludge or strange separation — as when first purchased, it’s probably just fine. 

However, the oil cartridge still might’ve lost some of its potency, especially if it’s been sitting out in bright or warm environments. It’s also incredibly important to check old cartridges for any mold; even just a touch is an absolute no-go and the oil should be tossed immediately. Ultimately both THC and CBD oil can last for a very long time, but this extended shelf life is only possible under the right conditions. 

Why do THC/CBD vape oils expire?

Asking how long THC oil lasts really means digging into what makes it, and CBD oil, go bad in the first place. Oxygen, time, light, and heat are the four major culprits for quickly affecting THC and CBD’s shelf life. In their own ways, each one of these elements encourages the degradation of cannabinoids, terpenes, and will even speed up the process by which some concentrates or infusions change. 

Oxygen

• Even the air we breathe can slowly degrade THC and CBD oils. Cannabis oils such as these often contain a lot of fatty acids that don’t play well with oxygen molecules. While maybe not the worst element when it comes to oil preservation on its own, when oxygen is combined with an abundance of sunlight or heat these elements can easily ruin a cartridge througt oxidation. THC and CBD oil will expire in just a month or two under these harsh conditions. 

Time

• Objectively, there’s no exact way to keep time from degrading oil cartridges. A good rule of thumb is to use THC or CBD oil cartridges in the first four to six months of ownership. Because it’s more difficult to control the other elements on this list, controlling the time that one is using a singular cartridge is both easy and helpful. 

Light

• One of the most impactful elements when it comes to cartridge degradation is direct light. If intense sunlight hits THC or CBD oil, its rate of photosynthesis (at a molecular level) decreases. When these molecules break down, its tiny plant atoms break down as well, degrading THC crystals if present. This degradation, if serious, can turn THC to CBN over time — taking all psychoactive effects with it. To avoid this, cartridges should always be kept in a cool, dark place. 

Heat

• Both direct and indirect warmth can break down the THC in oil cartridges. Even simply keeping oil cartridges loose in your purse or backpack — being taken inside and outside amongst unregulated temperatures — can lead to degradation. Vape pen carrying cases can help curb this issue as well as light by encapsulating the cartridge in a safe and protected way. Anything from balmy California weather to natural body heat can shorten potency and THC / CBD shelf life. 

Shelf life of vape oil and potency 

The degradation of THC and CBD vape oil is tied somewhat directly to their beginning potency and ultimate shelf life. Most budtenders will agree that there’s a significant correlation between the quality of cannabis and what remains post-extraction. Terpenes usually experience a low-level of degradation through extraction, therefore impacting the taste and medicinal effects of the end product. 

Concentrates and wax — products being used for dabbing — are extracted with the intention of terpene preservation. However, extractions that are used in products like edibles, tinctures and topicals may not be made intentionally for preservation and therefore have a shorter shelf life. 

Removing impurities from cannabis is always the aim, but many fats and lipids in solventless concentrates can remain since they’re more difficult to remove. Solventless extractions though, produce a combination of terpenes, flavonoids and cannabinoids plus these fats and lipids. The specialized process of “winterization” can remove such materials and leave behind a purer product. This does cause some degradation and compromises the final substance. But, this is actually necessary for the making of very stable shatters, saps and sugars.

How to store vape oil

• Try to eliminate the factors that can negatively impact the vape oil.
• Understand which kind of THC or CBD vape oil is being used / is found to judge its usability. 
• Store in a cool, secure location such as a cupboard, bedside drawer, or even the refrigerator.
• Remove from any well-lit areas and spots in direct sunlight.
• Use the THC or CBD oil within its shelf life — approximately a few months depending on type.

FAQs

Can old CBD oil make you sick?

No— if the proper safety precautions are being taken to confirm the oil is still good, CBD oil should not make someone sick. If there is anything concerning about how the CBD oil is being stored or appears, it should be tossed. Always air on the side of caution and consider the prime culprits of degradation: oxygen, time, light and heat, before consumption. 

How do you know when CBD oil goes bad?

Consider all of the leading factors of degradation and study the product in question. Ask: How long have I had this cartridge? Has the color of this oil changed? Where has this cartridge been stored? Is there anything wrong visibly (discoloration, mold, cracks, etc.) with the cartridge? Positive responses indicate an all-clear, while negative ones suggest the product is bad and should be tossed.

Does CBD oil need to be refrigerated?

CBD oil doesn’t technically need to be refrigerated, but this act might be in the oil’s favor. Keeping THC or CBD oil in the refrigerator easily eliminates the issues of heat and light that would otherwise degrade the product slowly but surely. While oil doesn’tneed to be refrigerated, most would probably argue it’s a good idea if feasible.  

Does CBD oil go bad in heat?

The short answer is… sort of. Heat can be one of the most powerful forms of degradation when it comes to THC and CBD oils. The potency of such an oil can be seriously compromised if exposed to an abundance of heat, especially if it’s for long periods of time. While using such a product may not make a consumer feelbad necessarily, it probably won’t hold the same desired, full-spectrum effects as normal.

How long does THC oil last?

The answer depends largely on the individual product. It’s safe to say that when stored properly in a cool, dark environment, THC and CBD oil cartridges can easily last up to a few months. However, this time range can be vastly shortened if products are not being stored in the best of locations.