Introduction: The 12-Month Challenge
In the world of retail, shelf life is king. Most major distributors require a minimum of 12 months of guaranteed stability before they will even consider a SKU. For hemp manufacturers, this is a significant challenge. Cannabinoids are organic molecules that are highly sensitive to three "degraders": Light, Heat, and Oxygen.
If your 25mg CBD gummy degrades to 18mg after six months on a shelf, your brand is now out of compliance with its own label—a major liability in a 2026 state audit.
The Carrier Oil Strategy: MCT vs. Hemp Seed Oil
Stability starts with your carrier. Not all fats are created equal.
- MCT Oil (Medium-Chain Triglycerides): Derived from coconut, MCT is composed of saturated fats. Because it lacks double-bonds in its molecular structure, it is highly resistant to Oxidation. Products built on MCT can easily reach an 18–24 month shelf life.
- Hemp Seed Oil: While "on-brand," hemp seed oil is high in polyunsaturated fatty acids. These are prone to going "rancid" when exposed to air. Unless you are using nitrogen-blanketing during production, hemp seed oil can significantly shorten your product’s lifespan to 6–9 months.
Preventing the "CBN Shift"
When THC or CBD are exposed to oxygen and light over time, they don't just disappear—they change. For example, THC degrades into CBN (Cannabinol). While CBN has its own benefits (sleep), a "Daytime Focus" product that has shifted to CBN is no longer the product your customer paid for.
The Fix: Use opaque or amber-tinted packaging to block UV light. For beverages, aluminum cans are superior to clear glass bottles because they offer a 100% light and oxygen barrier.
The Role of Antioxidants
To further extend shelf life, many professional formulators are now adding food-grade antioxidants like Vitamin E (Tocopherols) or Rosemary Extract. These ingredients act as "sacrificial" molecules—they absorb the incoming oxygen first, leaving your cannabinoids untouched and intact.
Low Gravity Hemp’s Perspective
We specialize in high-purity, stable isolates and distillates that are processed to remove the plant waxes and chlorophyll that accelerate spoilage. By starting with a more refined input from Low Gravity Hemp, you are building your product on a foundation of long-term stability.
👉 Build a more durable brand with our stable inputs: [Link]
