Among all the prescribed hemp or cannabis-based medical products, THC oil ranks highest. Hundreds and thousands of patients use it to get relief from various symptoms. The oil comes from the plant and contains large quantities of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), along with other cannabinoids and terpenes. In this blog on how long does THC oil last, we will take a look at all the fundamentals.
Some of the potential perks of THC oil include relief from physical discomfort, better sleep, and increased appetite. It may alleviate the nausea that comes with chemotherapy and a few other conditions.
So, what is the shelf life of the average THC oil product? To answer this question, we need to take a closer look at how this oil works in the body and all the factors that dictate how long a bottle of THC oil will last.
Exploring the Basics
Before explaining the complexities of THC oil, let us explore THC to understand how it works.
1. Highlighting THC
Delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol, more commonly known as THC, is one of the two primary cannabinoids yielded by the Cannabis sativa L. plants. The other compound is called CBD (cannabidiol). THC interacts with the endocannabinoid system and may offer certain therapeutic benefits associated with medical cannabis. It is also responsible for producing psychoactive effects and a few physical and mental effects.
2. What is THC Oil?
THC oil is available in multiple formats, including THC tinctures for sale, topicals, and capsules. THC oil is a concentrated form of cannabis oil that contains different levels of THC based on the product. In its purest form, THC is colorless, clear, and odorless, but most medical THC oil options are prepared with carrier oil. We do the same thing at Green Herbal Care. This means you should expect it to be a little thicker than most other oils and usually comes in a darker shade of green or brown. THC concentration in these oils may range from 50% to 90%.
There are three main variants of cannabis oil products, namely full-spectrum, broad-spectrum, and isolate.
- Full-spectrum oil contains cannabis plant compounds, including other cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids.
- Broad-spectrum oil contains all compounds found in cannabis, but not THC.
- Isolate oil, based on the primary cannabinoid in it, contains pure THC or CBD without any other substance.
The type of product you are prescribed is based on your medical history and your condition at the time. The effectiveness of the product may differ from one patient to another. Also, multiple factors can influence its shelf life.
3.How Long Does It Take to Feel the Effects of THC Oil?
The time it takes to feel the effects of THC oil depends on how you consume it. When consumed sublingually, or under the tongue, THC oil can be absorbed quickly into the bloodstream. The effects can be felt within 15 to 30 minutes. This happens because the oil is directly absorbed through the mucous membranes, bypassing the digestive system.
If THC oil is ingested after adding to food and/or drinks, the process slows down. It must first be digested and metabolized in the liver, which can take anywhere from 30 minutes to 2 hours. The effects also tend to be more intense and long-lasting when ingested, as the THC is broken down into a more potent form. If you are new to edibles, you should start with a low dose, as the delayed onset can lead to accidental overconsumption.
Methods of Extraction
The methods of extracting THC oil from cannabis plants can be simple and affordable or complicated and costly. The most basic method is where the plant material is steeped in high-proof alcohol for a short period without straining. Another method involves combining heat and pressure for squeezing out the desired oils. When it comes to large-scale production, neither of these procedures is effective. Naturally, manufacturers of cannabis-based medical products do not use them.
1. THC Oil Extraction Techniques
Wondering how long does THC oil last? We are yet to reach the point where this question can be answered. For now, we will talk about THC oil extraction techniques. Manufacturers of medical cannabis merchandise use a procedure called supercritical CO2 extraction, which involves using high-pressure carbon dioxide to pull out the desired elements from the raw plant material.
It starts with a machine that compresses an amount of CO2 into a liquid form and then combines it with the plant material. This process creates a highly potent cannabis extract that can be further refined into THC oil.
2. Other Methods of Extraction
Other than supercritical CO2 extraction, there are a few alternate ways of extracting THC and other cannabinoids from the plant. These include solvent-based extraction methods like butane extraction, which is also quite popular for large-scale manufacturing.
Factors Affecting THC Oil Shelf Life
The shelf life of THC oil depends on three factors.
- Product Type: As you already know, THC oil comes in several forms, and some tend to have a longer shelf life than others.
- Storage Method: Inappropriate storage can significantly affect shelf life of Delta-9 and Delta-8 THC oil. Proper storage means keeping the bottle in a cool, dark place to prevent exposure to heat and light, which can result in degradation.
- Extraction Quality: The extraction method can also affect cannabis oil shelf life. Certain extraction techniques tend to leave harmful solvents that need to be further refined, which may affect product quality and longevity.
So, How Long Will It Last?
The answer depends on multiple factors, including additional ingredients added to the oil, extraction method used, and storage conditions.
In short, a bottle of concentrated full-spectrum THC oil can last two to three years.
Does THC Oil Go Bad?
Yes, THC oil can go bad over time. Just like any other cannabis product, its quality deteriorates due to factors like exposure to light, heat, and air. THC oil contains cannabinoids that can degrade and lose potency, making the oil almost ineffective. It may even develop a rancid smell or taste as the oil oxidizes. You already know what to do to extend its shelf life – store it in a cool, dark place, away from direct sunlight or high temperatures. Properly sealed contains can also help preserve is freshness and potency, ensuring you get the best experience when using the oil.
To Conclude
How long does THC oil last? Everything from extraction methods to storage conditions can affect the shelf life of cannabis oil. Proper storage, including keeping the product in a cool and dark place and protecting it from heat and light, can help maintain potency and quality of the oil for longer periods.
As long as you store your prescribed THC oil in the correct container and adhere to proper storage guidelines, know that it will remain safe and effective for your medicinal needs for up to two years and maybe even longer. And, as always, remember to consult a healthcare professional before you start any new medication, including THC oil. All it takes is a bit of care and attention for THC oil to be a valuable tool in managing various medical conditions.
Also Read: How Long Does CBD Take To Work?
