New Study Warns Lead, Mercury, & Other Contaminants Prevalent In Mislabeled CBD Products

Various heavy contaminants are commonly present in CBD products, according to a soon-to-be-published paper that analyzed more than 500 products. The study also confirmed a common problem with these products – mislabeling.

“Low-level contamination of edible CBD products with heavy metals and phthalates (additives for plastics) is pervasive,” according to the research paper, authored by researchers led by Hannah Gardener of the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine and two Colorado-based organizations.

As for mislabeling, the authors determined a “substantial discrepancy between product label claims for CBD potency and the amount measured in both edible and topical products,” writes Hemp Today. Numerous previous studies confirmed the ongoing problem of mislabeled CBD products.

Results of the study are expected to be published in the December edition of “Science of the Total Environment,” a natural science journal. Co-authors of the paper include Chela Wallin, Ellipse Analytics and Jaclyn Bowen of the Clean Label Project, a nonprofit that promotes transparency in food and consumer product labeling concentrating on the dangers of exposure to certain contaminants. Ellipse is an analytical chemistry lab that tests various consumer packaged foods.

Key Research Highlights

• Of 121 tested CBD edibles, 42% contained lead, 37% had mercury, 28% had arsenic, and 8% contained cadmium;
• The percentage of edible products with detectable concentrations of plastics additives varied between 13% and 80%;
• Four CBD edibles had traces of lead above the California threshold for daily consumption of 0.5 micrograms in two servings;
• Less than half the products tested (42%) fell within 10% of the CBD claimed on the label. 

The authors highlighted that “it is important to characterize the degree of contamination in CBD products and their label accuracy to better estimate potential health benefits and risks associated with consumption.”

In conclusion, researchers said more rigid rules for CBD product labeling are necessary to protect consumers, especially those who are medically sensitive. 

Photo: Courtesy of Mikael Seegen on Unsplash