Fake CBD Products: How to Spot a Dupe and Stay Safe

CBD, or cannabidiol, is the non-psychoactive part of the cannabis plant that's become increasingly popular due to its potential health benefits, including relief from anxiety, pain, sleep, and inflammation. Derived from hemp extract, CBD is widely available in many different forms, such as tinctures, capsules, edibles, and even topical lotions and oils. The fast growth of the CBD market has also seen a rise in counterfeit products, which can pose significant risks to consumers, like contaminant exposure, adverse side effects, and improper dosing. This article explores how to identify fake CBD products so you can stay safe.

What is fake CBD?

Fake CBD is pretty much how it sounds — not authentic. It refers to products that are falsely labeled. They may contain different amounts of CBD, synthetic cannabinoids, or don't actually contain any CBD. These counterfeit CBD products are often marketed to capitalize on the popularity of legal CBD. However, inconsistencies in the composition may be not only ineffective but also harmful to some.

Common characteristics of fake CBD

Some common issues among fake CBD products are listed below. Be sure to review these so you’re aware of the potential problems with counterfeit CBD products.

Lack of cannabidiol

Fake products may contain little to no cannabidiol (CBD). In 2020, the FDA formulated a report on testing the products that claimed to contain specific amounts of CBD and compared those claims to their testing results. Of the 102 products tested:

• 18% contained less than 80% of the indicated amount of CBD.
• 37% contained more than 120% of the indicated amount of CBD.
• 49% of the products contained THC, which is concerning when people think they are buying THC-free products.

These findings highlight significant discrepancies in CBD product labeling and the presence of unclaimed THC, both of which can pose potential risks for consumers.

Synthetic cannabinoids

Some counterfeit CBD oils use synthetic cannabinoids, which may have unpredictable effects on health due to the way they are manufactured. A review published in Frontier Public Health Journal on synthetic cannabinoids found that severe psychotic episodes, cognitive impairments, kidney injury and disease, and cardiovascular problems were all side effects consistent with the use of these synthetic cannabinoids.

Poor labeling

Inaccurate or misleading ingredient lists confuse people. You might think you’re purchasing something that may help, but instead, you could experience the opposite due to this misinformation. Poor labeling can mean incorrect ingredients, wrong concentrations/amounts, and not disclosing contaminants, all of which are important to consumers and their health.

Contamination

Contamination can be a significant health threat, especially for elderly and immunocompromised people taking CBD. In 2020, there was a U.S. federal lawsuit, Davis vs. CBD American Shaman, and products failed laboratory tests, where yeast, mold, and heavy metals (namely lead, nickel, and copper) were present. These things have been linked to negative health consequences like neurological toxicity, respiratory problems, and immune issues. Contamination from microorganisms and heavy metals is one of the most common problems with counterfeit CBD products.

Absence of hemp extract

Genuine CBD products should be derived from hemp flower extract or full-spectrum CBD, and fake products are not.

How to spot fake CBD oil

Spotting fake CBD oil takes careful attention and understanding. Here are key steps to ensure you are buying an authentic product.

Check the label

Examine the product label for important information:

• Ingredients list. Authentic CBD oil should list cannabidiol or hemp extract. Avoid products that list hemp seed oil as the primary ingredient, as it does not contain CBD.
• Dosing Information. Quality CBD products have accurate and transparent dosing information, including the concentration of the product, how much is present, and how much should be safely taken.
• THC content. Look for products labeled as 'THC-free' if you want to avoid THC.
• Certificate of Analysis (COA). A COA from a third-party lab test should be readily available, verifying the cannabinoid potency and purity.

CBD ingredients to avoid

Beware of products with vague terms such as 'hemp oil' without specifying hemp extract or cannabidiol. Also, avoid products that list synthetic cannabinoids.

Third-party lab testing

Reputable CBD brands provide third-party lab test results. A Certificate of Analysis is a document provided by an independent, accredited laboratory that verifies the contents of a CBD product. It provides detailed information about the product's chemical composition and helps ensure its quality and potency. Here's what a typical COA includes:

• Cannabinoid profile. Lists the types and concentrations of cannabinoids present in the product.
• Terpene profile. Details the various terpenes present in the product as well as their levels. Terpenes are responsible for the different colors, flavors, and aromas of CBD.
• Contaminant testing. Checks for the presence of harmful substances, such as pesticides, heavy metals, solvents, and microorganisms.
• Batch number. Ensures the COA corresponds to the specific batch of the product being tested, allowing it to be tracked for safety.
• Lab information. Includes the name and accreditation of the testing laboratory, ensuring the test was conducted by a credible organization.

A COA is crucial for consumers to verify a CBD’s product quality. It helps confirm it contains the advertised amount of CBD and is free from harmful contaminants.

Brand reputation

Research the CBD brand's reputation. Trusted brands have positive reviews and transparent practices, besides being willing to provide lab test results and COA reports. Avoid brands with numerous complaints or negative reviews.

Price too good to be true

Extremely low prices can indicate a fake product. Quality CBD oil production is relatively expensive. The extraction processes and quality control measures mean a product that costs more. Additionally, high-quality packaging often means it’s a genuine product, as the brand knows that reputation and quality are at stake. Poor packaging might indicate a counterfeit.

Why is fake CBD a problem?

Fake CBD products pose many problems, including health risks, legal implications, and consumer fraud issues, just to name a few.

Health risks

Fake CBD products can pose significant health risks due to potential contamination and the presence of harmful substances like heavy metals and pesticides, all of which can cause negative health impacts. Synthetic cannabinoids, often found in counterfeit products, can have severe side effects, including cardiovascular issues and psychosis, among others.

Legal implications and consumer fraud

Selling and purchasing fake CBD products contributes to consumer fraud and undermines the credibility of reputable CBD products. Legal repercussions can arise for both sellers and buyers of counterfeit products.

Fake CBD products might contain illegal levels of THC, leading to potential legal consequences unbeknownst to the buyer. Selling or distributing fake CBD products can violate consumer protection laws, creating legal problems for the seller.

Consumers may spend money on products that don’t provide the advertised benefits, leading to financial loss and frustration. Misrepresentation of ingredients can expose consumers to health risks, resulting in liability for health damages and legal consequences for manufacturers and sellers of the fake products.

Real CBD oil vs. fake: how to tell the difference?

To distinguish real CBD products from fake ones, consider these factors:

• Label accuracy. Genuine products clearly state CBD content and provide a COA.
• Ingredients. Authentic CBD oil contains cannabidiol or full-spectrum CBD, not just hemp seed oil.
• Testing. Look for third-party lab test results confirming purity and potency.

Applying these tips will ensure you buy the real deal and avoid any fake CBD products.

What to do if you suspect a fake product

If you suspect you have purchased a fake CBD product:

1. Report it to authorities. Notify the relevant consumer protection agencies about the counterfeit product. This can help protect you and future buyers.
2. Seek refunds or replacements. Contact the seller for a refund or replacement with a genuine product, making sure to double-check its authenticity.
3. Consult a professional. If you've used the product, consult a healthcare professional, especially if you’re experiencing adverse side effects.

These steps will ensure you rectify the wrongful sale of a counterfeit product and get the support you need to get a quality product.

Final word

Navigating the CBD market can be a challenge with all the fake products out there. By understanding how to spot fake products and prioritize quality and authenticity, you can experience the benefits of CBD safely. Always choose reputable brands, verify third-party lab results, and remain aware of how to spot a fake product.