What to Look for in Your CBD Products!
Your clients are asking more and more about CBD and if it is safe or even legal. The stigma regarding cannabis is going away, if not already with most people. Studies and research over the years have shown that cannabinoid (CBD) is not only safe, but very effective in a number of conditions, such as pain relief, anti-inflammatory agent, anti-anxiety supplement, seizure reducer, and sleep aid. The World Health Organization, (WHO), has stated that CBD has no abuse or dependence potential.
The popularity of CBD has become mainstream, moving from cannabis dispensaries to most if not all retail outlets, such as CVS, Whole Foods, and Kroger markets among the many places. CBD products are expected to reach $1.8 billion by 2022. Last year a Gallup survey reported that one in seven American adults use CBD products and 40% of those users consume CBD for pain relief rather than the over-the-counter (OTC) medications that many times end up with potential side effects.
CBD can be sourced in two ways: either from cannabis or from hemp. The Hemp Farming Act allows hemp-derived CBD to be legally cultivated, sold, and distributed as hemp-based products. The Hemp Farming Act requires products to be tested for cannabinoid content to confirm it contains 0.3% or less THC, (Tetrahydrocannabinol). Like most farm products, cannabis and hemp absorb contaminants and are therefore tested for pesticide levels, microbial, heavy metals, etc. Hemp is not as thoroughly screened as cannabis-derived CBD products. Make sure you purchase your CBD products from a licensed dispensary, to avoid hemp or possibly illegally produced CBD supplements. Cannasafe, a California-based testing laboratory for compliance and regulatory requirements, reports that 69% of CBD products sold online are mislabeled to fool consumers. They report a much higher CBD level than is actually in the product and some also contain more than the legal requirement of THC. Vaping products are especially egregious in their labeling.
While hemp products are not screened as thoroughly as CBD and can therefore contain a higher than legal amount of THC or other illicit substances, you can go to the (CoA), Certificate of Analysis, which grades all products to make sure that the consumer is getting what they are promised on the packaging of their CBD products. Legitimate products will provide these labels on their product or website. Also, make sure the CBD package or bottle has a QR code that you can scan with your smartphone to get the COA results for its legitimacy.
Anthony Yoshino DC, CSCS
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