Your CBD Cream Expiration Guide

Are you dealing with constant discomfort caused by bodily aches, pains, and other health conditions? If so, you may be wondering whether taking CBD can provide you some much-needed relief.

Let's explore CBD cream's effects on the body and how to ensure your favorite CBD cream is safe and effective. 

Key takeaways

• Cannabidiol (CBD) cream may help users experience better pain relief, muscle recovery, skin repair, and other health benefits.
• CBD cream is estimated to have a shelf life between 12 to 24 months in order to maintain its quality and effectiveness.
• Some factors influencing shelf life include product potency, individual ingredients, storage conditions, and manufacturing processes. 
• Some tips for prolonging the effects of CBD cream include applying generously, massaging the area, and layering products. 

See Related: Can You Put CBD or THC Oil in a Diffuser?

What is CBD cream?

Cannabidiol (CBD) is derived from the cannabis plant.

CBD cream is a topical ointment applied directly to the skin and is commonly used for localized pain relief.

Once applied, CBD interacts indirectly with receptors in the skin rather than the bloodstream, which can lead to various physical sensations. This interaction with the endocannabinoid system is what gives CBD its pain-relieving effects.

Localized relief for aches and pains

From physical injury to daily wear and tear, localized pain can have many causes.

According to Harvard Medical School, some early human data show CBD may be an effective treatment for certain types of pain, such as:

• Joint pain: CBD cream may help reduce inflammation associated with common conditions affecting the joints, like arthritis, as well as tension and everyday aches caused by daily wear and tear.
• Muscle recovery: Athletes may use CBD cream after workouts to help with muscle soreness and aid in muscle recovery.
• Chronic pain: CBD cream may help combat discomfort associated with chronic pain. 
• Sports injuries: CBD may be effective at relieving pain caused by strains, sprains, and other injuries due to exercise or overuse.

While CBD creams and oils are beneficial for individuals hoping to treat pain, they can be effective for addressing other health concerns, too.

CBD effects on skin

In addition to CBD's ability to provide localized relief, CBD cream has other potential therapeutic benefits.

For example, CBD can potentially be useful in achieving healthier skin through the following:

• Hydration: CBD lotions often contain moisturizing ingredients that help maintain the skin’s natural barrier, resulting in added hydration and softer skin. 
• Skin repair: While CBD shouldn't be used as a substitute for sunscreen, it can help prevent and repair skin damage due to sun exposure from direct sunlight.
• Anti-inflammatory benefits: CBD cream’s anti-inflammatory properties can help some inflammatory skin conditions and other skin irritation, including rosacea. 

Whether you use CBD cream for pain relief or for other purposes, such as skin health, factors like dosage, expiration date, and application all matter.

Bonus: What Exactly Is Hemp-Derived THC?

How long does CBD cream last?

If you've ever used CBD cream, you may have wondered how long the effects will last.

It can be difficult to say with certainty, but typically, CBD cream’s effect can kick in shortly after application and often last for several hours.

However, how long CBD cream lasts before it expires has a lot to do with its shelf life.

Shelf life

When it comes to shelf life of topical products, it is estimated that CBD creams can last 12 to 24 months from the manufacturer's date when stored under good conditions.

CBD cream shelf life depends on several factors. Some of these factors include:

Potency: Products with a higher concentration of CBD typically offer relief for longer durations.

Ingredients: The quality of the ingredients used in a particular CBD cream can alter the sensation of relief, as well as the duration. 

Storage conditions: Factors like exposure to light can severely impact CBD's effectiveness. Other factors include heat, oxygen, and humidity, which can all cause cannabinoids to degrade prematurely. 

Manufacturing: The type of manufacturing process a CBD product undergoes can impact its shelf life. For example, trusted manufacturers typically use clean extraction methods, which can help CBD products last longer. 

Packaging: Airtight packaging is important to keep CBD cream safe from the elements. Opaque containers, such as those in dark-colored glass, can reduce exposure to light and air, extending the shelf life of CBD products. 

How can I tell if CBD cream is expired?

Just like with traditional medication, safety is key when consuming CBD products for health benefits. Following the correct dosing and paying close attention to expiration dates are important when using CBD safely and effectively.

While the topical application of expired CBD cream isn't exactly dangerous, its effectiveness can decrease over time.

There are several ways to help you determine whether your CBD cream has expired.

Some of the signs of CBD cream past its shelf life include:

Consistency/Texture: There may be a change in the consistency of your CBD cream. For example, it may become thicker, clumpy, or separated into layers. 

Odor: Expired CBD cream may have a rancid or sour smell, indicating it may have gone bad. Fresh CBD cream typically has a milder, neutral scent.

Color: CBD cream that has turned a different color, such as yellow or dark brown, could be expired.

Reduced effectiveness: Expired CBD cream may lose potency over time. If your CBD cream is not providing the same therapeutic benefits, it may be expired.  

Individuals may respond differently to CBD cream, depending on its ingredients. When in doubt over a particular CBD cream, consider performing a patch test. This can help you avoid a larger adverse reaction.

If you are concerned about product safety, consulting with your healthcare provider can be useful when starting a new CBD regimen.

How to apply CBD cream

The amount of CBD cream you should use depends on the severity of your symptoms and the affected area. Other key factors influencing how much CBD you should use include:

• Application areas: Applying CBD cream to larger areas of the body may impact how long the effects last.
• Frequency of use: Consistent use can result in a buildup of CBD in the body, influencing how long CBD cream’s effects last over time.
• Metabolism/body chemistry: Factors like age, body mass index (BMI), and metabolism can all affect the duration of relief.

How long does CBD stay in your system?

CBD cream doesn't stay in your system, per se. Topical CBD is very unlikely to show up on drug tests the way THC would. However, full-spectrum CBD contains trace amounts of THC and should be used with caution if a positive drug test is a concern.

The good news is that the cannabis plant offers more than its psychoactive properties. This is why CBD products are becoming increasingly popular among those looking for a more natural way to combat pain and other health issues.

When it comes to how long you'll experience the effects of topical CBD, the duration of pain relief depends on the product (full-spectrum CBD or broad-spectrum CBD) being used, as well as the user’s individual response. 

How to make CBD cream's effects last longer

If CBD cream is effective at treating your pain, you may want to explore ways to extend that relief.

There are several things you can do to achieve prolonged effects of CBD, including:

Applying generously: Applying the right amount of CBD cream is important in reaching your desired level of effectiveness. Apply a generous amount, especially on larger areas of the body, to improve absorption and lasting relief. 

Starting with clean, dry skin: Ensuring your skin is clean and dry before applying CBD cream can help improve absorption and the effectiveness of the product.

Massaging the area: Gently massaging the cream into your skin for several minutes can improve absorption by stimulating blood flow. Doing this can enhance CBD's therapeutic effects. 

Layering products: Layering CBD cream with other topicals, such as a transdermal patch or oil, can produce prolonged effects. 

How to store CBD cream

Did you know proper storage of your CBD products is crucial for extending its shelf life and enjoying the full extent of your CBD effects?

Whether you are using pure CBD, a full-spectrum CBD, or a broad-spectrum CBD, storage methods can make all the difference in effectiveness.

Beyond CBD topicals

There are thousands of different types of hemp-derived CBD products on the market.

From CBD oils to CBD topicals, several factors can influence how the body responds to a particular product.

Aside from applying CBD topicals, some other methods of consuming CBD include:

CBD oils

Some studies show that CBD oil carries potential benefits such as reducing symptoms associated with chronic pain, reducing anxiety and depression, and improving sleep quality. 

CBD edibles

CBD edibles offer a convenient, discreet way to enjoy CBD. The effects of edibles tend to last longer than other methods of consumption, typically from 6-8 hours. 

Once consumed orally, CBD compounds work their way through the digestive system.

Consuming safe, lab-tested CBD products is the best way to reap its potential benefits. Clean Remedies is dedicated to providing high-quality cannabis products to help users enjoy the many effects of CBD gummies, Delta 9 THC products, and more.

Consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new wellness regimen, including those that include CBD.

Conclusion

There is no denying CBD's vast therapeutic potential. From CBD creams to CBD oils, there is an extensive variety of CBD products to choose from on your path to pain relief and better health.

If you are considering taking CBD for pain relief, safety is paramount. By carefully reading labels and following correct dosing, you can reap the full benefits of CBD products for pain relief and beyond.

Keep Reading: How to Identify a Hemp Plant

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

Does CBD lose potency over time?

Yes, CBD can lose potency over time if it is not stored properly. Shelf life depends on various factors, from individual ingredients to product packaging.

Should you refrigerate CBD cream?

Refrigerating CBD cream is not necessary for standard use. However, doing so may extend its shelf life, preserving its effectiveness for an extended period of time.

Do CBD creams work for arthritis? 

According to the European Journal of Pain, some animal studies and small human studies demonstrate promising results for CBD’s anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving effects, making it helpful for treating pain associated with arthritis. However, there are currently no non-prescription CBD products approved by the FDA to treat arthritis. 

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