5 Ways To Identify Fake CBD Oil
For many years, Cannabidiol products of all types have experienced a surge in demand. Out of all these options, CBD oil happens to be gaining traction unbelievably. This is because preliminary studies have shown the potential benefits of cannabidiol–coined: the wonder supplement of the decade–has on a variety of health problems. Unfortunately, as CBD becomes increasingly more popular, so is the danger of fake Cannabidiol products.
In fact, in a 2020 analytical testing laboratory study conducted by SC Laboratories in collaboration with the United Cannabis Business Association (UCBA) as cited by Reader’s Digest, it was discovered among 17 samples bought at unlicensed CBD retailers or shops in and around Los Angeles, that more than 70% of the samples failed either for not qualifying as hemp or for excessive contamination.
In this guide, you will learn how to look for quality CBD products and weed out the wheat from the chaff that will help your health dreams take flight and save yourself from being a victim of unscrupulous scam-artists.
Why Is Counterfeit CBD Dangerous?
While buying Cannabidiol products, consumers across the globe look for items that are sustainable, safe, and pure. By purchasing fake products, however, they commonly end up getting exposed to a host of substances that can put a person at risk. In the article published by Tech Story, these substances include:
Additives: There are many cases of individuals falling sick due to vaping-related hobbies. While it is perfectly fine to vape on CBD oils that are winterized, distilled, or isolated, the presence of questionable ingredients in cannabis vape juice may lead to various health problems. Vitamin E acetate, for instance, is one of the most harmful CBD vape juice additives. Other dangerous substances such as artificial ingredients, propylene glycol (PG), artificial colorings, and sweeteners are found in orally ingested Cannabidiol products as well.
Heavy Metals: Cannabis Sativa is proven scientifically to be the world’s most notorious bio- accumulators. Although this property allows the hemp plants to rapidly grow up big and strong, it also sucks up soil-borne toxins at an incredibly quicker pace than other crops. To grow hemp safely and to avoid this contamination concern, it’s essential to operate the hemp plant in an indoor environment that is climate-controlled. Unfortunately, unscrupulous growers won’t consider spending this additional cost and open up potential buyers to heavy metal poisoning.
Other Environmental Toxins. Distressing industrial substances like xenoestrogens are capable of exerting umpteen of unknown negative effects in endocrinology and human genetics.
How to Identify Fake CBD Oil?
When it comes to spotting fake CBD products, Cannabis law recommended to begin searching for some basic information about the offered assortment, the seller, and their contact details. If something looks suspicious, make sure to call the company from the contact information provided and check if it is valid before making a purchase.
Moreover, take notice of the quality of writing. While it is unavoidable to make mistakes, odd turns of phrase, repeated misspellings or spelling errors, or even intimidating language can all be indicators that you are dealing with frauds. The following are five more important ways to distinguish real from fake cannabidiol products.
Inspect the Information Labels
According to the Ministry of Hemp, a high-quality CBD oil is one that contains more of the natural compounds and is manufactured using the whole plant. CBD Isolates are highly well-known, but it may actually be less effective than whole plant extracts.
Hemp Extract or Full-spectrum CBD reserves more of the natural compounds found in hemp. These include flavonoids, terpenes, and other cannabinoids that are often believed to work synergistically with Cannabidiol, increasing the benefits of CBD other than CBD alone. These products do have very low doses of THC in them. Another type of hemp extract is a Broad Spectrum CBD which retains a few amounts of these natural chemicals but lacks any THC.
Contrary to popular belief, it is likely for CBD oil of any type to theoretically cause a false positive for marijuana in a drug test. That is because many tests are very inaccurate and inefficient. However, CBD isolate products or broad-spectrum may be less likely to do so than hemp extract in the full spectrum. Then again, more studies are needed to find definite answers about drug tests and CBD.
Therefore, it is recommended to inspect the labels to figure out if the manufacturer uses the whole plant in their products or look into their websites for the information. Authentic CBD products will have specific keywords in the ingredient lists such as Whole Plant or Pure Cannabidiol, Certified CBD, Hemp-Derived, Broad Spectrum, or Full Spectrum. Experiment to determine which works best for you.
Note the Extraction Process
Like any manufactured product, using high-quality materials is one of the best ways to ensure quality. This is particularly significant in CBD oil. As mentioned earlier, Cannabis Sativa acts as a “hyperaccumulator.” This means the hemp plant easily absorbs any heavy metals or toxins in the soil. If the hemp plant grows on rich soil, however, the hemp plant outcome will be of high-quality and can produce CBD oil that has the same quality as well.
However, being a hyperaccumulator has impediments too. If you grow hemp in soil with pollution or heavy metals, those toxins could find their way into any consumable products like the CBD oil made from those plants. Sadly, some manufacturers would prefer to use low-quality hemp to process as CBD oil, and such plants may be contaminated with toxins. These manufacturers only look for a quick financial turnaround and don’t care about the potential consequences of their products. This is why CBD oil is at risk of getting a negative reputation.
Thus, the Ministry of Hemp advised to research where the CBD brand sources grew their hemp from. Whenever possible, it is recommended to purchase CBD oil products made from U.S.-grown hemp. Such information can be found on the manufacturer’s or retailer’s websites and support center. Natural Health Magazine has a list of the high-quality and organic CBD Oil 10% products that are manufactured responsibly and these brands even practice sustainability.
Read the Certificate
Reader’s Digest emphasized that a CBD manufacturer should have a third-party Certificate of Analysis (COA) that presents how its products performed on screenings for THC, CBD, and even contaminants. A COA should include CBD and THC levels, the product batch number, and certification indicating that pesticides, heavy metals, and solvent residues fall within the scope of allowable limits (which may vary from state to state). Experts added that if the product has an old and/or outdated COA, or if there is no information about product testing, these are signs that the brand’s products do not contain the advertised ingredients. This information should be available on the website of the brand, or if they have a QR code on the product itself, it will be better as it will lead you to these details for further analysis.
Ask for Third-Party Lab Reports
In line with checking the certificate, CBD Health and Wellness explains that the primary and best way to identify if the product you are using is a fake product and not the original is to ask the store or brand manufacturer you are buying it from, for a lab report of the product. Government officials in cannabis-legalized states have made it mandatory for all Cannabidiol manufacturers to have their products tested by third-party laboratories to screen any contaminants and the authenticity of the CBD used.
After the screening and testing, the Certificate of Analysis (COA) will be given to act as a proof of document that certifies the quality and purity of the CBD, while providing you an in-depth review of the ingredients applied in making that product. The absence of an updated and proper lab report indicates that there is something wrong with the product, making it non-suitable for human use. Another essential thing to note is that the lab report is for the batch of CBD you are considering purchasing and should not be more than 6 months old.
Check Pricing and Available Offers
CBD Health and Wellness also clarified that if the pricing of the certain brand you are considering purchasing has a very low price, then there is a chance that it is not made using real natural CBD and thus is a fake product. This is because the entire manufacturing process of the hemp plant right from planting and harvesting, to its extraction, testing, packaging, and marketing is very expensive and makes it unlikely to offer or sell the product at low prices.
Any brand that offers the CBD product that has hard to believe offers or has a price that is too good to be true, when compared to other brands will certainly not be the authentic stuff. Ascertain and do try if the offer or price is genuine and the company has used the best quality process and CBD before you purchase such products.
Quality CBD Oil: Final Takeaway
With these simple tips of identifying fake CBD products above, looking for a reputable seller isn’t as difficult as it looks. Nevertheless, the CBD shopping experience requires proper research and some caution to ensure you are investing in high-quality products and goods that are safe for your health. As long as you remember to inspect the information labels, review the extraction process, search for a certificate of analysis, inquire for third-party lab reports, and be skeptical about the ridiculous prices and offers, you should not have issues in finding quality CBD products. Many CBD brands have earned their reputation and have been around for a long time now and are trusted by most consumers.
Always make certain you pick the best CBD products from a trustworthy and reputable company when you place your order. Never let promotions, free trials, doubtful claims, or discounts fool you and waste your money.