Unlike the bouquets of roses, carnations and lilies you can find filling vases in the grocery store, CBD flowers are not delicate, nor do they possess dainty petals that drop after several days off the vine.
No, CBD flowers are sturdy and durable.
What is a CBD flower, exactly? Resembling small, condensed evergreens, CBD flowers are produced by the female Cannabis sativa plant and contain high levels of, you guessed it, CBD — a cannabinoid that can positively affect the health of our minds and bodies.
...when stored properly, the CBD hemp flower can last for a couple of months up to a year.
All that said, does CBD flower expire? Not exactly; however, its potency can degrade over time if not stored correctly.
The Pre-Shelf Life of CBD Flowers
Industrial hemp plants, which produce CBD flowers, are dioecious. This means that there are distinct male and female varieties. The female hemp plants are the ones that will produce the flowers, which are also called buds.
Typically, the flowers will begin to show a few weeks after the hemp is planted. In the wild, the buds would attract pollinators that carry pollen from the male hemp plants. The female hemp plant would then begin to produce seeds.
However, many hemp farmers today remove male hemp plants from the fields entirely. This allows all energy to go toward growing the bud. Once the CBD flower reaches its full maturity at six weeks, the CBD within the flower is the most potent and concentrated.
The majority of the CBD is found in the bud’s trichomes — hair-like structures that cover the tightly-bundled flower and protect it from predators and UV rays. Trichomes are often sticky and give the flower a sparkling appearance. They’re also abundant in two additional potentially beneficial compounds:
- Flavonoids – Flavonoids are found in many plants, as well as fruits, vegetables, wine, tea and chocolate. They’re rich in antioxidants and nutrients and may even have anti-inflammatory properties. They’re also responsible for the bright and vibrant colors of many plants.
- Terpenes – Terpene is a chemical compound that protects plants and gives them their distinct aroma and flavor. Terpene compounds may be antifungal, anti-inflammatory, and they can promote feelings of calmness and relaxation.
Once the CBD flowers reach their full maturity, farmers harvest the buds by removing them from the stalks and leaves of the hemp plant. They’re then stored in a building where they’re dried and cured to fully release all moisture and ensure optimal potency.
During the curing process, the CBD flower is often vacuum-sealed for freshness. If you’re curious about hemp, learn more about the differences between hemp flower vs CBD flower.
The Shelf Life of CBD Flowers
During the distribution process, CBD flowers are typically packaged in a way that helps protect their quality and extend their shelf life. And yes, they do have a shelf life. These packaging types include items like a vacuum-sealed bag or an airtight container.
Typically, manufacturers and retailers will also store the flowers in dark and cold areas to preserve the freshness of the buds. Refrigeration is another method that can lengthen the shelf life of CBD flowers. However, if not done correctly, condensation may begin to form, which can cause mold growth within the packaging.
Typically, the packaging will indicate an expiration date. However, this date is not set in stone. Additionally, when answering the question, does CBD flower expire? the answer will greatly depend on several factors, such as:
- Quality of the flower
- Storage methods
- Environmental elements
However, when stored properly, the CBD hemp flower can last for a couple of months up to a year. But that doesn’t mean it becomes toxic after that period. Rather, the concentration of the cannabinoid, terpene and flavonoid compounds will decrease over time. In effect, vaping or smoking CBD flower after its expiration date may yield little to no effects.
Fortunately, you can often extend the shelf life of a CBD flower if you properly care for the buds.
How to Properly Store CBD Flowers
You’ll want to follow the same standards set by manufacturers and retailers to preserve your CBD flowers properly. In other words, you should:
- Store your CBD flowers in an airtight container – Use a mason jar or plastic Tupperware container to store your CBD buds. This helps prevent air and moisture from seeping into the container and affecting the quality of the flowers.
- Place them in an area with low light – Light exposure may break down the cannabinoids present within the CBD bud, which can impact its potency and effects. Particularly, place your CBD flowers in a drawer or closet so they don’t come in contact with sunlight.
- Keep the buds cool – Heat can actually activate the cannabinoids in the CBD flowers, which is why they’re commonly smoked or vaped. To ensure each compound stays intact, keep your CBD in a room that’s no more than 70 degrees Fahrenheit. Additionally, don’t place your CBD near a radiator, lamp or stove.
- Avoid high-humidity places – When CBD flowers come in contact with moisture, they’re more likely to form mold, which can greatly degrade the integrity of the flower. As such, it’s best to keep your CBD flower in a dry place and check the container regularly for any signs of condensation.
- Keep the trichomes intact – Avoid crushing the flowers or rolling them around in your hands, as this can damage the trichomes, which hold a high concentration of CBD and other beneficial compounds.
The Benefits of Properly Stored CBD Flower
Ensuring that your CBD flower is free from moisture, heat and harsh light can help preserve each of the compounds that exist within the tightly knit knobs of the bud. In addition to terpenes, flavonoids and CBD, the CBD flower may also contain:
- Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC)
Legally, a hemp plant cannot contain more than 0.3% of THC. However, the hemp plants, and their flowers, do contain trace amounts of the cannabinoid. THC is most known for its psychoactive effects when inhaled or ingested. While it’s unlikely that you’ll experience such effects when inhaling or consuming CBD flower, there’s some evidence that THC may actually help activate the potential effects of your CBD dosage. This is what’s called the “entourage effect,” which theorizes that these compounds work synergistically to enhance feelings of relaxation and euphoria.
- Cannabigerol (CBG)
CBG is found in much smaller quantities than other cannabinoids, but it’s often referred to as the “mother of cannabinoids.” That’s because in the early formation of the hemp plant, CBG was available in large quantities. As the plant matures, CBG is broken down into other cannabinoids, such as THC and CBD. It may have anti-inflammatory properties.
- Cannabinol (CBN)
The cannabinoid CBN is largely believed to help support healthy sleep cycles, and it forms when THC degrades after being exposed to heat. As such, you can likely activate CBN when smoking CBD flower. It can also support eye and skin health.
- Cannabichromene (CBC)
CBC is another cannabinoid that may have anti-inflammatory, as well as neuroprotective, effects, similar to CBD.
- Amino acids
Amino acids are the building blocks of protein. They’re essential to various bodily functions, including metabolism, tissue repair, muscle growth, hormone secretion, immune function and digestion.
- Fatty acids
Fatty acids are the building blocks of fat. They’re critical to our energy levels and may also support heart, joint, skin and eye health, as well as brain function.
Combined, these compounds can produce various potential therapeutic effects for the body and mind. These include:
- Relief from stress, nervousness or angst
The cannabinoids in the CBD bud are similar in structure to the endocannabinoids that are naturally found within our bodies. These endocannabinoids attach themselves to receptors throughout the body to help regulate moods by increasing serotonin and dopamine, which can create feelings of contentment. They also play a role in the function of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, which controls the body’s stress response. Accordingly, cannabinoids can replicate endocannabinoids and interact with these systems similarly to elevate your mood.
- Improved sleep
Because CBD can affect the body’s stress response, it may be able to calm the nervous system and help relax the body, making it easier to fall asleep and stay asleep.
- Physical wellness
CBD has shown potential as a therapeutic agent for a range of physical wellness benefits, including relief from physical aches, anti-inflammatory effects and neuroprotection. CBD may effectively address discomfort, including aches associated with muscle tension or minor injuries, by reducing inflammation and modulating the body's response to physical sensation. It can also protect the brain and nervous system from degradation to improve cognitive function and memory.
- Skin health
CBD may also help to keep your skin glowing and healthy (think of it as a CBD beauty boost). Specifically, its potential anti-inflammatory properties can help reduce the appearance of blemishes, rashes and redness. It may also ease itchiness. CBD’s potential antioxidant properties can also protect the skin from oxidative stress from pollution and UV radiation.
- Heart health
Although more research is needed, it’s believed that CBD’s anti-inflammatory properties may reduce inflammation within the cardiovascular system to support heart health.
Choose Zebra CBD For a Garden of CBD
Generally, CBD flowers will begin to lose potency and produce less desirable effects after one year. However, you can potentially improve the shelf life of your CBD flower stash by storing it properly. That is, keep your CBD flower in an air-tight container away from humidity, sunlight and heat.
For CBD that’ll last, choose Zebra CBD. From CBD topicals to CBD gummies, our premium CBD product options are crafted with top-quality hemp to deliver the maximum benefits that CBD has to offer.
Don't leaf your wellness up to chance. Choose Zebra CBD.
Source:
Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry. Development of Cannabinoids in Flowers of Industrial Hemp (Cannabis sativa L.): A Pilot Study. https://programs.ifas.ufl.edu/media/programsifasufledu/hemp/files/journal-articles/Development-of-Cannabinoids-in-Flowers-of-Industrial-Hemp.pdf
Healthline. What Are Flavonoids? Everything You Need to Know. https://www.healthline.com/health/what-are-flavonoids-everything-you-need-to-know
Healthline. Cannabis 101: What’s the Deal with Terpenes? https://www.healthline.com/health/cannabis-terpenes
Verywell Mind. What Is Cannabigerol (CBG)? https://www.verywellmind.com/cannabigerol-cbg-uses-and-benefits-5085266
Forbes. What Is CBN? Benefits, Risks And Where To Buy. https://www.forbes.com/health/body/what-is-cbn/
Cleveland Clinic. Amino Acids. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/22243-amino-acids
Kids Health. Fatty Acids. https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/fatty-acids.html
Medical News Today. What's the difference between CBD isolate and full-spectrum CBD? https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/cbd-isolate-vs-full-spectrum-cbd
Sleep Foundation. CBD as a Sleep Aid. https://www.sleepfoundation.org/sleep-aids/cbd-for-sleep
