UK study reveals exaggerated CBD levels in 4 product categories
CBD products in the UK have been found to contain lower levels of the hemp-derived compound than what is advertised, according to a recent study. The research, conducted by experts from Loughborough University and horticulture specialist Bridge Farm Group, was published in the Journal of Cannabis Research. The study examined four different product categories and found varying degrees of discrepancy in CBD concentrations. Interestingly, the price of the products did not correlate with the extent of the deviation. The study examined a wide range of products, including tinctures, oils, e-liquids, and drinks, all of which were purchased online in the UK.
Misleading Advertising
Most of the products analyzed in the study had CBD concentrations that were significantly lower than what was advertised on the labels. In fact, only 5 out of 63 products contained CBD concentrations within 10% of the advertised levels. CBD oils had the least amount of deviation compared to tinctures, e-liquids, and drinks. The study suggests that these findings could be due to poor manufacturing standards or the degradation of CBD in consumer products. It raises concerns about the quality of CBD products and emphasizes the need for improved regulations.
Better Standards Needed
The study found that CBD in e-liquids can degrade by 15-20% over 30 days when exposed to natural light or constant temperatures of 37°C. Additionally, CBD appears to be less stable when dissolved in water compared to oils. The study concludes that the over-labeling of CBD concentrations in UK products highlights the necessity for better product standards. It suggests that clearer legislative guidance is needed to define acceptable tolerance limits for advertised CBD concentrations.
CBD Review Ongoing
The UK Food Standards Agency (FSA) is currently reviewing approximately 12,000 individual CBD products to address the concerns surrounding the growing gray market. Over the past few years, retail outlets in the UK have been inundated with CBD products, raising questions about their quality and safety. The FSA has taken steps to address this issue by advancing 5,342 CBD products to the second stage of its three-stage approval process for new (or “novel”) foods.
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