LegitScript Study: CBD Consumers are Cautious of Product Safety and Compliance Disclosure

The cannabinoid industry has become so popular that the consumer interest in CBD merchandise has rapidly increased. Majority of the consumers in the market prefer cannabis with low concentrations of THC, which is the psychoactive compound in the hemp plant. There are a variety of CBD products tailored for various purposes from the treatment of medical ailments, pain relieves, skincare, pet health, and anxiety issues.

Despite there being legitimate CBD products in the market, the efforts of the law-abiding companies have been watered down by troublesome players in the market. Some of the products are substandard, having not met the set regulatory standards. The industry operates under limited regulations that lack proper oversight. These fraudulent business practices have greatly sabotaged consumer trust due to the rampant noncompliance with legislation.

According to research released recently by LegitScript, a Portland-based organization, there is a huge disparity between CBD products‘ claims and the presence of harmful substances in some of the products. Among the problematic business practices include troubling financial practices and website noncompliance.

The study found out that more than 50% of the tested products contained lower CBD concentrations compared to what was stated in the package. Harmful substances were also present in the products. One of the 30 tested products had 5.8 times the allowed amount of ethylene oxide (a carcinogen), while another one contained 18.5 times the permissible level of lead. Besides that, over 98% of online CBD businesses did not comply in terms of jurisdictions shipped and types of products sold.

“For the cannabinoid industry to grow, these issues have to be addressed urgently. Market monitoring and certification will help cannabis growers and businesses benefit from a safe and secure legitimate market,” said John Horton, CEO, and president at LegitScript.