Posted On:
July 18, 2023
What Happens If You Take Expired CBD Gummies?
CBD gummies are soft, chewable, and sweet-tasting candies that many CBD users love. It just looks like regular candies, so you can take it anywhere you want. Gummies are made by infusing CBD oil along with other ingredients such as pectin/gelatin, sweeteners, flavorings, coloring agents, and carrier oils. Since everything has an expiration date, it’s not a surprising fact that CBD gummies will not last forever. So, what happens if you take expired CBD gummies? Doesn’t sound healthy, right? But don’t worry; we’ll discuss this in more detail in this article.
However, it is also important to know that CBD oil can expire as well. But there is no specific timeline for that. Or else, you can say the expiration date is unknown for CBD oil. For safety, a general rule of thumb is to keep in mind at least one year of validity for CBD oil products. A good-quality CBD extract is often derived from hemp flowers. Hemp flowers exhibit signs of expiration such as a sweet and rancid odor, loss of aroma, discoloration, harsh taste, and mold.
Do CBD Gummies Expires?
If you have been still wondering whether CBD gummies do expire or not, let us give you a clear answer: CBD gummies do expire. Depending on factors like ingredients and storage conditions, the shelf life of CBD gummies normally ranges from 6 to 18 months. However, some manufacturers claim that their gummies remain good and healthy for 2 years.
Besides, whether the gummies are formulated with pectin or gelatin, their shelf life can vary. For instance, gelatin-based gummies can last for anywhere between 12 and 18 months. On the other hand, gummies made with pectin may last longer. It’s an important fact to remember that gelatin isn’t vegan-friendly as it comes from animal bones and skins (a form of collagen). On the contrary, pectin is a plant-based ingredient produced from dried citrus peels or apple pomace.
Over time, the cannabinoids in the gummies can degrade and can cause reduced potency and changes in flavor and texture. It can become harder to chew (gelatin-based gummies) or lose their shape and texture (pectin-based gummies).
What Are the Signs of Expired CBD Gummies?
If you store CBD gummies improperly, they can go bad even before the expiration date. But how do you verify the gummies in the jar have expired?
Let’s see some of the common signs of expired CBD gummies:
- Changes in Potency: Expired gummies are most likely to lose their effectiveness as the cannabinoids (e.g., CBD, THC, CBN) degrade over time. The entourage effect of CBD may also be lessened.
- Alterations in Taste: The gummies are made with various fruity flavorings which may become unpleasant or noticeably different from when the gummies were fresh.
- Texture Changes: Have you ever eaten old gummy bears? If yes, you might have experienced gummies getting harder over a long duration. Gelatin-based expired gummies are harder to chew. Plus, expired pectin-based gummies may lose their shape and texture becoming mushy or falling apart.
- Discoloration: You might observe unusual changes in color in expired gummies such as darkening or spotting. This could indicate spoilage.
- Odor: Expired CBD gummies might get a rancid or off-putting smell that indicates degradation of ingredients.
In short, if your CBD gummy jars no longer look, smell, or taste as they did when fresh, it’s best to abandon them.
What Happens If You Consume Expired CBD Gummies?
Eating expired gummies doesn't pose a major health issue. The possible health risks are rare, and the side effects are mostly mild. If you eat CBD gummies that have passed their expiration date, you might get an upset tummy or an unpleasant taste. However, the severity mostly depends on the degree of expiration and individual sensitivity.
Here's what could happen:
- Digestive Discomfort: There is a small chance that eating expired gummies causes mild digestive problems such as nausea, and diarrhea. Particularly if the ingredients have started to degrade or develop harmful.
- Reduced Potency: Cannabinoids degrade over time. So, expired gummies may lose their effectiveness. As a result, you might not have experienced the desired therapeutic benefits.
- Unpleasant Taste and Texture: Expired gummies may not feel nice anymore. The flavor could change and make them taste weird or not as yummy as before. Plus, the texture of gummies may become hard, mushy, or just not chewy like they used to be.
- Risk of harmful Bacteria: If mold or bacteria have grown on the gummies, consuming them could lead to food poisoning or other health complications, especially in people with weakened immune systems. That’s why it’s best if gummies are consumed within 6 to 9 months.
In essence, expired gummies are not supposed to hurt you in most cases. However, you’re not likely to receive the full benefits of CBD due to reduced potency.
What to Do with Expired CBD Gummies?
If you have expired CBD gummies, the first thing you need to do is ensure nobody eats them.
Let us give you some tips on what else you can do with expired gummies:
- Check for Signs of Spoilage: See if there is any change in color, texture, or smell. If something isn’t right, the best approach is to avoid eating them.
- Dispose of Them Properly: If your CBD gummies are expired or showing signs of spoilage, it’s safe to throw them away. Ensure to get rid of expired gummies in a way that keeps them out of reach of children and pets.
- Replace with Fresh Ones: If you still want to enjoy the benefits of CBD gummies, consider purchasing a new, fresh batch from a reputable brand or CBD online shop.
How to Store CBD Gummies Properly
Want to prevent CBD gummies from going bad before their expiration date? It’s simple. You need to store your favorite gummy jar properly.
Let’s learn how you should store your gummies to maximize their shelf life:
- Keep Them in an Airtight Container: Store your CBD gummies in a tightly sealed container to protect them from exposure to air.
- Always Store in a Cool, Dry Place: Keep the CBD gummy container away from heat and moisture, as these factors can speed up degradation. Avoid storing them in areas prone to temperature fluctuations, like near stoves or windows.
- Protect From Light: Store gummies in a dark place, away from direct sunlight. Because light can degrade the cannabinoids and affect the quality of gummies.
Check the Expiration Date: Remember the expiration date on the packaging and consume the gummies before this date for optimal freshness and potency.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some relevant questions and answers related to “What happens if you take expired CBD gummies?”.
Can You Take CBD Gummies After They Expire?
Ans: Yes, technically you can eat CBD gummies that have passed their expiration date. Because gummies that have gone bad shouldn't hurt you. Also, companies often put expiration dates on it earlier than expected. However, expired gummies might not provide the full therapeutic benefits. Having said that, it's important to note that we highly advise against taking expired CBD gummies.
How Can I Tell If My CBD Gummies Have Expired?
Ans: If the gummies are expired, they might show signs like changes in color, taste, or smell, as well as the presence of mold and mildew.
Are There Any Potential Risks Associated with Eating Expired CBD Gummies?
Ans: Yes, there might be some potential health risks associated with expired CBD gummies. For instance, digestive issues, or exposure to harmful bacteria.
The Bottom Line
Expired CBD gummies may not necessarily make you sick if consumed. But no one can give 100 percent assurance. However, it is important not to underestimate the potential health risks associated with consuming expired CBD products. When you take expired gummies that have developed bacteria on them, it may expose you to severe illness. We recommend you get rid of the expired gummies and bring fresh ones.
