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Creating your own CBD products at home—whether it’s oils, salves, edibles, or tinctures—can be incredibly rewarding. You control the ingredients, customize to your needs, and often save money. However, one critical factor that’s often overlooked is storage. If you don’t properly store your homemade CBD, its potency, freshness, and effectiveness can quickly diminish.
In this blog post, you’ll learn why storage matters, the best ways to preserve different CBD products, and expert tips to extend their shelf life. Let’s make sure all your DIY efforts don’t go to waste!
Why It’s Important to Properly Store Your Homemade CBD
CBD (cannabidiol) is a naturally derived compound, which means it’s sensitive to environmental factors such as light, heat, air, and moisture. Over time, these elements can degrade cannabinoids and reduce the therapeutic value of your product.
Common Signs of Degradation:
- Change in color or smell
- Separation or thickening
- Loss of potency or effectiveness
- Rancid or sour taste (especially with oils or edibles)
To avoid these issues, it’s essential to properly store your homemade CBD from the very beginning.
Storage Tips by Product Type
1. CBD Oils and Tinctures
- Container: Use dark-colored glass bottles with tight droppers.
- Storage Spot: Store in a cool, dark place like a pantry or drawer.
- Avoid: Direct sunlight, bathroom humidity, and excessive heat.
2. CBD Salves and Balms
- Container: Use tins or amber glass jars with secure lids.
- Storage Spot: Keep away from heat sources to prevent melting.
- Avoid: Leaving them in hot cars or windowsills.
3. CBD Edibles (like gummies or chocolates)
- Container: Airtight containers or sealed silicone bags.
- Storage Spot: Store in the fridge or a cool, dry cabinet.
- Avoid: Exposure to moisture and fluctuating temperatures.
4. CBD Capsules and Pills
- Container: Pill bottles with desiccants (moisture absorbers).
- Storage Spot: Pantry or medicine cabinet away from sunlight.
- Avoid: Bathroom cabinets due to high humidity.
5. CBD Topicals (like lotions or creams)
- Container: Pump bottles or squeezable tubes to avoid contamination.
- Storage Spot: Cool cabinet or skincare fridge.
- Avoid: Dipping fingers directly—use a spatula to preserve cleanliness.
Best Practices to Properly Store Your Homemade CBD
- Label Everything: Include the date you made it and the ingredients.
- Keep It Cool: Aim for temperatures below 70°F (21°C).
- Seal Tightly: Prevent exposure to oxygen by sealing containers immediately after use.
- Minimize Light: Always use amber or cobalt glass when possible.
- Clean Tools: Always use clean equipment and utensils when handling or repackaging.
By following these steps, you can properly store your homemade CBD and enjoy its benefits for much longer.
FAQs About Storing Homemade CBD Products
It depends on the type, but most homemade CBD products can last 6–12 months if stored properly. Oils with preservatives or antioxidants may last longer.
Yes, you can freeze certain CBD edibles and oils. Just ensure they are in airtight, freezer-safe containers to prevent moisture intrusion.
Yes, CBD can degrade due to heat, light, and air exposure. That’s why it’s essential to properly store your homemade CBD to maintain its strength and benefits.
Not always, but refrigeration helps extend the life of edibles and oils. For items you use daily, cool pantry storage is often sufficient.
Look for changes in color, smell, texture, or effectiveness. A rancid or sour odor, separation of ingredients, or reduced impact are all red flags.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve taken the time to create custom CBD products at home, it only makes sense to preserve them well. By learning how to properly store your homemade CBD, you’ll extend shelf life, preserve potency, and ensure safety. Whether you’re whipping up CBD lotions, gummies, or tinctures, proper storage is just as important as the formulation itself.
Give your products the care they deserve and keep your wellness routine running smoothly. Your future self will thank you!
