Delta 8 Expiration Date: Shelf Life Explained

Is there a Delta 8 Expiration Date: Do Most Delta 8 Products Have a Longer or Shorter Shelf Life?

A lot of us out there are finding ourselves eagerly stocking up on as many delta 8 products as we can find, as it’s hard to not feel excited about what this unique cannabinoid can offer through various delivery methods.  But one thing that many enthusiasts forget is that cannabinoids do have an expiration date.  We know that CBD is good for about two years before it degrades, eventually losing its potency and making it essentially useless.

 

So, what about delta 8 expiration?  Does delta 8 THC expire sooner than CBD, and what happens when we take expired delta 8?

Delta 8 THC vs. Other Cannabinoids

Delta 8 THC is an incredibly unique cannabinoid, as a matter of fact, mainly because of how it forms in the hemp plant.  Delta 8 is the degraded form of delta 9 THC.  As delta 9 ages in the plant’s chemical composition, it degrades gradually, and this degraded form of the compound is delta 8.  This is why delta 8 is commonly described as a milder form of delta 9.

 

Why Delta 8 May Have a Uniquely Long Shelf Life Compared to CBD and Delta 9 THC

We know that cannabidiol has a shelf life of about two years.  After that point, it begins to break down chemically, which causes it to degrade and lose its potency.

 

Fascinatingly, because delta 8 is technically already the result of degradation, it’s actually more chemically stable than CBD, delta 9, and other popular cannabinoids.  This is good news for those who stock up on delta 8 products in fairly large quantities.  However, that doesn’t mean that delta8 never expires.

 

The thing is that we don’t know exactly how long its shelf life is, because it’s such a new type of product that we haven’t been able to monitor it for a long period of time in order to observe its potency level as it ages.  We’ve been able to do this with CBD due to its being on the market for over a decade.

 

However, what we can say is that like CBD, delta 8 is not going to be toxic once it does expire.  All that will happen is that it will no longer be potent.  You’ll know your delta 8 has expired when it’s no longer delivering the same potent effects that it once did.

Other Ingredients Make a Difference

Remember that with all cannabinoid-infused products, the other ingredients in the formula can ultimately determine the shelf life of the product overall.

 

For example, some edibles are made with natural, unprocessed ingredients that expire sooner than the delta 8 that’s in the formula.  This means that technically, the product’s expiration date is sooner than that of delta 8 itself.  The same goes for tinctures that use plant oils that are not known for their high chemical stability.

Freshness of the Product Matters

If you’ve just bought a delta 8 cartridge, for instance, that had been sitting on the shelf for six months, it’s going to expire six months sooner than a cartridge that was just made fresh yesterday.

Prolonging the Shelf Life of Delta 8 Products

One thing we know for certain is that how we store our hemp products has a lot to do with how long they will be good for.  This is why we want to cover some basics regrading proper storage, as it will keep your delta 8 fresh and potent for a long time to come.

Tip #1: Make Sure the Packaging is Conducive to Longevity

First, you want to make sure that the delta 8 arrived in the right type of packaging to extend its shelf life.  For instance, delta8 tinctures should come in sturdy glass bottles that help to block light and heat from getting into the formula and accelerating the oxidization process, during which the chemical compounds break down.

Tip #2: Store it in an Airtight Container

Your delta-8 should always be stored in some type of airtight container, whether it be the original packaging or something you have lying around your house.  The less oxygen you allow into the formula, the longer it will last.  Leaving a bag of delta 8 gummies open, for example, will cause the delta 8 to lose its potency at a more rapid pace.

Tip #3: Avoid Bright Light

Bright light is one environmental factor that can increase oxidization which slowly breaks down the delta 8 THC.  Therefore, consider storing your products in a dark area of your house that gets limited light exposure, such as a closet or a cabinet.

Tip #4: Avoid Heat

Heat is another factor that can make delta 8 break down.  So, keep your products somewhere cool when not in use.  Don’t keep your products in your car, where they can get hot easily.

Tip #5: Avoid Humidity

Humidity is yet another factor that can destabilize cannabinoids, which is why you should not keep your delta 8 in a bathroom or near your kitchen stove.  Keep it in as dry of an environment as possible.

Tip #6: Buy Limited Quantities

With so many exciting delta 8 products coming out all at once, we understand the temptation to buy as many as possible to have a nice rotation of formulas at all times.  Still, remember that buying a ton of delta 8 can lead to a lot of products that you don’t get to until months later, which can increase the chance of ending up with expired delta 8.  Buy limited quantities at a time to makes sure your delta8 supply is always fresh.

Now You Know!

You’ve often wondered if pot has an expiration date, and as you learn more about the different variants, you want to know more. As it turns out, delta 8 is likely to last much longer than CBD and other cannabinoids, making it less likely to expire when it’s in your possession.  But that doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t still store your delta 8 THC properly to keep it as fresh and potent as possible.  Follow the tips above to keep your delta 8 fresh and potent long after purchase.

Related:

• Delta-8 THC
• Understanding Delta-8 THC
• Medical Conditions