A study by researchers associated with the University of Kentucky has found most cannabidiol gummies analysed have inaccurate product labeling.
Labeling issues have plagued the USA’s CBD industry for years, and time doesn’t seem to be improving the situation.
In this new study, the cannabinoid content of 56 selected cannabidiol gummy products available online from national brands were analyzed using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry.
In total, 70% of the gummies contained CBD in a concentration that differed by more 10% of the dose noted on the packaging. 39% of the products contained delta-9 THC and some contained delta-8 THC. This was particularly problematic in instances where the presence of THC in whatever amount wasn’t mentioned on labeling. While the THC content wasn’t particularly high, it could be enough to trigger positive drug tests.
Among their conclusions, the researchers stated:
“This study further confirms that CBD products do not have reliable CBD concentrations-both relative to the dose listed on the label and among individual gummies within the same bottle … The results of this study support the growing body of literature suggesting the necessity of CBD product regulation to ensure customer health and safety.”
The study has been published in the journal Cannabis and Cannabidiol Research.
The USA’s FDA has been repeatedly pushed to get on top of the situation by implementing and enforcing regulatory guidelines. But back in 2023, the agency claimed a new regulatory pathway for CBD was needed and it wasn’t in a position to regulate it. Two years on and not much has changed.
In April this year, the U.S. House Oversight Committee held a hearing where US Hemp Roundtable General Counsel Jonathan Miller testified regarding FDA inaction on CBD and regulating hemp consumables.
“We as an industry strongly oppose the sale of these products, the marketing of these products, to children and really we’re looking for the FDA’s help to ensure that doesn’t happen,” he said.
Mr. Miller claimed there were a number of tools available under current law that the FDA could use immediately, but the agency has chosen not to.
The USA isn’t the only country where mislabelling of cannabidiol products has been rife – it has also been a significant issue in the UK.
A study by researchers associated with the University of Kentucky finds most cannabidiol gummies analysed have inaccurate product labeling. Read More
