Cannabidiol or CBD became famous because of its ability to provide relief for various ailments such as osteoarthritis, heart disease, and even mental health issues like anxiety.
A lot of companies have invested in the CBD industry, particularly on CBD oils, since then.
However, just like any other alternative medicine that became popular, fake CBD oils can be found on the market as well.
It goes without saying that consuming fake CBD oil can be harmful to one’s health.
In 2018, 52 people from Utah fell ill after taking fake CBD composed of synthetic compounds.
Out of the 52 victims, 31 had to go for emergency treatment.
Nausea, dizziness, seizures, and anxiety are just some of the symptoms they experienced after taking fake CBD.
Due to this incident, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention urged other states in the U.S. to regulate over-the-counter CBD products.
Despite this, fake CBD products still exist in both physical stores and online stores, and you could fall victim to these dubious sellers if you’re not careful
To avoid this trap, being a smart shopper is key. Assess the product and store before making a purchase.
That said, here are different ways to spot fake CBD products around the market:
Check the amount of hemp extract
Most consumers go after “extra strength” CBD products as they have more hemp content compared to the usual amount (300mg to 500mg).
However, always check the label before purchasing these “extra strength” products.
Some manufacturers claim that their product has 200,000mg of hemp oil inside a 20mL bottle, which is impossible as that much substance can’t fit in a 20mL container.
Reviewed CBD oils around the market don’t even claim to have a tremendous amount of hemp extract, so make sure to check the details of a product before you purchase it.
Full-spectrum CBD oil shouldn’t be clear
Full-spectrum CBD oils have a naturally dark hue since they still contain raw plant materials.
Aside from that, full-spectrum CBD oils also undergo the least amount of processing, which explains their dark color.
So if a seller offers a clear, full-spectrum CBD, it’s probably a fake.
Full-spectrum CBD oil still has THC
If a full-spectrum CBD oil claims that it has zero amount of THC, it’s probably a fake product.
Full-spectrum CBDs still have THC but often in a small amount.
If a full-spectrum CBD oil claims to have no THC, then it’s not full-spectrum at all. It’s probably a CBD isolate, which is another type of CBD oil.
From the name itself, CBD isolates only have CBD and nothing else.
If we compare CBD isolates and full-spectrum CBD oils, they’ll differ both in their THC and phytochemical content.
In terms of numbers, this difference shouldn’t be a big deal.
However, if a company claims they’re selling full-spectrum CBD oils when their products are actually CBD isolates, that tells you they aren’t very honest and that you should be wary of their claims of legitimacy.
CBD oils can’t be sold on Amazon
Amazon’s policies prohibit the selling of CBD. While there are several “CBD” products on Amazon, they’re probably hemp seed oil.
Hemp seed oil comes from Cannabis sativa seeds that have little to no CBD, so it won’t likely have the same effects you’re looking for in CBD oil.
It’s better to purchase from official websites and trusted retailers than to risk buying an illegitimate CBD product in online selling platforms like Amazon and eBay.
CBD products should be tested via third-party labs
If the CBD manufacturer states that their products aren’t tested via third-party labs, don’t waste your time purchasing from them.
Untested CBD products may be dangerous for your health.
Third-party testing is essential since this verifies the ingredients and the CBD concentration of any particular CBD product.
Lab tests also help verify the amount of THC the product has since this amount shouldn’t exceed 0.3% as per legalities.
Study the company and its history
Take time to do research about the company that produces the CBD oil you’re interested in.
Moreover, check how long they’ve been in business and what other brands they offer.
Pay close attention to the ingredients they claim to use and the effects they say their products have.
Generally speaking, companies that have been in business much longer tend to be more trustworthy.
If you find articles and documents that prove they’ve been running for as long as they claim, then your company (and therefore the CBD product) is most likely legitimate.
Always beware of fakes
The CBD industry has become more popular as researchers and users have discovered the capabilities of CBD in relieving various illnesses.
Unfortunately, this also led to the rise of fake CBD products.
As shown by the Utah incident mentioned above, fake CBD oils can have adverse effects on your body.
As such, you have to be extra careful about what products you decide to buy and consume.
While there are still no fleshed-out regulations regarding the composition and sale of CBD products, the least you can do is to keep the above-mentioned tips in mind and make sure to buy only from trusted companies.