If you’ve bought your vape cartridge or disposable, I’m sure you wondered at one time or another if it would “go bad.” Most DO have an expiration date but if you’ve purchased it from a reputable place (OpenLeaf CBD) it is usually from the date it was manufactured. Dispensaries usually have the manufacture or expiration date on the packaging. Of course if you are ordering online, make sure you buy from a trusted well-established vendor (OpenLeaf’s website will be up and running soon to help with your online ordering needs!! Stay tuned!) In my experience, the shelf life of a vape cartridge is how you take care of them.
The actual shelf life of a vape cartridge is simply the amount of time it takes to lose it’s potency. If stored correctly, Delta 8 can last up to 24 months. Don’t worry if you’ve had one expire or has been exposed to the elements; it isn’t toxic and won’t make you sick. You will know if it has expired; it loses it’s potency and has a much different taste. Tinctures and gummy’s may go rancid after a while but that’s only because of the added oils and sugars. Vape cartridges don’t have those ingredients so there isn’t anything in them that would make them rot.
Here are a few major factors that contribute to the breakdown of the oil in your vape cartridge.
1. Heat
Heat is your biggest enemy. It degrades the potency and can cause it to leak and damage the battery.
2. Light
Believe it or not, light is a big one too. Light breaks down the THC molecules.
3. Oxygen
Over time, oxygen will break down active ingredients in Delta 8 THC oil. A full vape cart will have a longer shelf life than half used vape carts because there is less room for oxygen.
5. Time
Ah, yes. Even under the best conditions, time will eventually take it’s toll.
Some of the best ways to prolong the shelf life of your vape cart is keep it in a dry, dark, cool space. Don’t leave your vape carts lying out in the open for too long and don’t leave them in your car. To maintain the flavor and potency, we suggest to keep it out of direct sunlight, store it upright and of course, turn it off when not in use.
Some signs your vape cart has already gone bad is the color has changed, the oil looks thicker that normal and there may be small specks floating in it. The potency and the taste in your Delta 8 vape cart is the best indicator of whether or not your vape cart has passed on.
In closing, you can extend the shelf life of your vape cart with proper care. In my opinion, the best way to have a long lasting Delta 8 vape cart is to make sure it’s high quality to begin with and avoid common sense errors.
