The growth of the hemp industry has been accompanied by increased speculation about labeling accuracy of cannabidiol (CBD) levels for commercially available products. A recent study assessing the accuracy of CBD label packaging tested oils from various CBD companies and evaluated the accuracy of the product labels. The study found the declared levels on product labels were generally consistent with the actual amounts of CBD detected in the oil samples; CBD levels in twelve oils were as much or slightly more than indicated on their packaging. However, no CBD was detected in three of the oils, even though their labels stated their product contained up to 30% CBD.
CBD oil samples in the study were deemed safe to use, but there are medical professionals expressing growing concern over the infiltration of low quality or impure CBD in many global markets. They are concerned about the possibility of synthetic THC variants included as an ingredient in some brands, so researchers are developing tests to detect THC variants in CBD.
CBD consumers can ensure they are purchasing higher quality CBD products by choosing a company that meets standards set by CBD regulatory organizations. Dr. Brent Bauer, director of research for the Mayo Clinic Integrative Medicine Program, offers some guidelines for finding a quality supplement. First, make sure your CBD meets Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) mandated in the United States. Dr. Bauer recommended identifying products that meet Australia and the European Union’s certification requirements for quality hemp products in addition to U.S. GMP standards. Higher quality products who meet the stringent requirements of these three regulatory systems will contain the specified amount of CBD. Another helpful tip is to determine a company’s adverse reporting structure. A reputable company will hire an independent company to conduct adverse reporting activities concerning product quality complaints, whereas questionable companies will complete these processes internally.
Medical professionals recommend patients should talk to their medical care team before taking CBD. CBD can interact with certain medications and change the metabolism of the pharmaceutical medications and CBD.
Sources: Eureka Science Alert, Mayo Clinic, Science Direct