Most Cannabis Product Manufacturers Mislead Consumers
FDA Testing Reveals Inaccurate Cannabinoid Content
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) tested a range of cannabis-derived products and found that most manufacturers are misleading consumers. The packaging often lists incorrect concentrations of cannabinoids.
FDA staff purchased 147 CBD products and divided them into six categories:
- Tinctures and oils
- Capsules and powders
- Gummies
- Edibles
- Beverages
- Pet products
Experts analyzed the samples and discovered the following:
- Two products contained no cannabidiol (CBD) at all.
- 18 products had less than 80% of the stated CBD concentration.
- 46 products had CBD content that differed by 20% from what was listed on the packaging.
- 38 products had actual CBD concentrations 120% higher than stated.
- 72 products contained THC and tetrahydrocannabinolic acid above the legal limit.
- Some products contained up to 3.1 mg of THC per serving.
Toxic Substances Found in Cannabis Products
FDA specialists also tested CBD products for harmful substances such as lead, mercury, arsenic, and cadmium. In 132 out of 133 products, the concentration of these elements did not exceed the permissible limit. However, one tincture contained lead above the safe threshold.
The Cannabis Market Resembles the Wild West
In 2019, FDA staff conducted a similar study and obtained comparable results:
- Four out of 31 products contained no CBD at all.
- Seven products had CBD concentrations that differed by 20% from the label.
- 15 samples contained THC, even though the packaging did not list any cannabinoids.
Companies producing cosmetic products were also found to be dishonest. While all products contained CBD, 12 out of 41 also contained THC. In eight out of 14 samples, CBD content was 80% lower than stated; in four, the deviation was 20%; and in two, the actual CBD content was 120% higher than listed. In 68 products made with hemp seed oil, no cannabinoids were detected at all.
Common Violations and Regulatory Concerns
FDA representatives reported that many CBD product manufacturers do not comply with current regulations. The most common violations include improper labeling, selling cannabis products as medicines or dietary supplements, and other misleading practices. According to FDA officials, the safety of CBD for human health has not yet been proven, so products containing cannabinoids cannot display the GRAS (Generally Recognized As Safe) label.