CBD gummies have become increasingly popular among many people who are seeking the potential benefits of cannabidiol. While most CBD gummies available in the market are made from hemp-derived CBD, which is legal in the US as long as the THC content is less than 0.3%.
However, as with any food product, CBD gummies, and CBD edibles also have an expiration date, and many people wonder whether eating them past their expiration date is safe and what will happen if you eat a CBD gummy that’s expired recently.
In this article, we will answer some of the most commonly searched questions about CBD gummies’ expiration dates, including whether it is safe to eat expired CBD gummies, what happens if you consume them, and how to increase their shelf life.
Is it safe to eat expired CBD gummies?
The expiration date on the packaging of a CBD gummy indicates the date until which the manufacturer guarantees the quality and safety of their gummies. After that date, the gummy may still be safe to consume, but its quality and potency may be compromised.
A CBD gummy usually has a shelf life of 6 to 12 months, depending on the manufacturer; after that, it will expire and the cannabidiol will start to degrade and lose its potency, making the gummies less effective than before.
However, the main risk associated with eating expired CBD gummies is that they may have grown mold or bacteria in them, which can cause food poisoning.
Additionally, the gummies may have also lost their texture and flavor, making them less enjoyable to eat.
It is worth noting that consuming expired CBD gummies is not recommended for anyone, especially if you have a weakened immune system, because you may be more susceptible to their harmful effects.
How to find out if CBD gummies have expired?
There are several signs that can indicate if CBD gummies have expired or are no longer safe to consume. Here are a few things to look for:
- Best-before date: The best-before or expiration date on the package is a clear indication of when a CBD gummy is no longer safe to consume. If the gummies have passed their best-before date, they should not be consumed.
- Changes in color or appearance: If the gummies have changed color or have developed spots or other discolorations that were not before, it may be a sign that they have expired or have been contaminated.
- Changes in texture or consistency: If the gummies have become hard, sticky, or have developed a strange texture, it may be a sign that they have expired or have been exposed to moisture.
- Unpleasant odor: If the gummies have developed an unpleasant odor or smell, it may be a sign that they have expired.
- Change in taste: If the gummies taste different or have a strange flavor, it may be a sign that they have expired or have been contaminated.
It is generally recommended to consume CBD gummies before their expiration date and to discard them if they show any of the signs mentioned above.
Do expired CBD gummies work?
If you eat expired CBD gummies, they may still work because the CBD in them can still have some therapeutic properties, but their potency and effectiveness will be reduced.
CBD is a relatively stable compound, but it can still be affected by environmental factors such as heat, light, and oxygen, which can cause it to break down or lose its potency.
As a result, expired CBD gummies may not be as potent or effective as fresh ones, and they may not provide the same level of benefits and experience.
Additionally, the texture and flavor of expired CBD gummies may also be affected, making them less enjoyable to eat. This can be due to factors such as moisture and exposure to air can break down the ingredients of a gummy over time, making them less appealing.
However, it is important to note that the effectiveness of expired CBD gummies can vary depending on how long they have expired.
What happens if you eat expired CBD gummies?
If you ate an expired CBD gummy by accident, don’t worry because a few days or weeks beyond expiration is normally harmless and you may not feel anything, but you should immediately trash the rest of it and see a doctor if any complication occurs.
Nevertheless, consuming expired CBD gummies can pose several risks to your health, and depending on the extent of contamination and deterioration of the gummies, you may have certain negative effects such as stomach discomfort, nausea, diarrhea, or vomiting.
Moreover, as CBD gummies age, they become more vulnerable to contamination, which can also lead to food poisoning or other health issues.
Eating an expired CBD gummy may also result in the reduced effectiveness for which it was intended because the active cannabinoids in the gummies may degrade over time, resulting in a weaker product that may not provide the same level of benefits as fresh ones.
Furthermore, consuming expired CBD gummies may also lead to an unpleasant taste in the mouth.
It is worth noting that the risks associated with consuming expired CBD gummies depend on several factors, including how long they have expired, how they have been stored, and the individual’s health status.
For the best experience, it is recommended that you consume CBD gummies before their expiration date, and you should always discard them if they have passed that date.
How to increase the shelf life of CBD gummies?
There are several steps you can take to increase the shelf life of CBD gummies and ensure that they remain fresh and effective for as long as possible, such as:
- Store in a cool, dry, and dark place: Exposure to heat, light, and moisture can cause the active ingredients in CBD gummies to degrade, reducing their potency and effectiveness. Therefore, it is recommended that you store them in a cool, dry, and dark place away from direct sunlight and humidity.
- Keep them in their original packaging: The original packaging of CBD gummies is designed to protect them from exposure to the environment. Therefore, it is recommended to keep them in their original packaging until you are ready to consume them and don’t forget to properly close the container after taking a gummy.
- Use airtight containers: If you need to transfer CBD gummies to a different container, use a good quality airtight container that properly protects them from exposure to air and moisture.
- Don’t expose them to extreme temperatures: Extreme temperatures, both hot and cold, can affect the potency and effectiveness of CBD gummies. Therefore, it is recommended that you avoid exposing them to temperatures outside of the recommended range.
- Avoid touching them with your hands: Touching the rest of the CBD gummies with your hands can transfer bacteria and other contaminants to the product, which can cause them to spoil more quickly. Therefore, it is recommended that you use clean utensils or gloves when handling CBD gummies.
By following these simple steps, you can increase the shelf life of CBD gummies and ensure that they remain fresh and effective for as long as possible.
Final thoughts
CBD gummies can be a convenient and enjoyable way to consume cannabidiol, but like most consumable goods, they also have an expiration date, and eating them past that date can potentially be unsafe and less effective.
To increase the shelf life of CBD gummies, you should store them properly and buy them from a reputable manufacturer; however, if your CBD gummies have passed their expiration date, it is recommended that you discard them and buy a fresh batch.
Moreover, if you experience any adverse effects after consuming expired CBD gummies, you should consult a medical professional immediately.
Disclosure:
The information in this article is intended for general use only and may not always be appropriate for everyone’s needs. Your health and wellness are unique to you, so before acting on anything we say, seek personalized advice from a medical professional.
We value the accuracy and editorial integrity of all our articles, and we strive to ensure that the content we publish is accurate and up-to-date to the best of our knowledge.