A report published by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2020 showed through its latest hemp product tests that much remained to be improved in quality control.
The FDA report submitted to Congress, including historical data, is available here.
The FDA catalogued hundreds of CBD and hemp-derived consumer products and tested many of them. It extensively examined tinctures, oils, capsules, powders and other edibles to identify inaccurate labels and contents. It also tested CBC, CBD, CBDA, CBDV, CBG, CBGA, CBN, THC, ∆8-THC, THCA and THCV.
Two products contained no CBD. Among products containing measurable CBD:
- 18 contained less than 80% of the stated CBD amount.
- 46 contained 20% of the stated CBD amount, as reported in the original article.
- 38 contained more than 120% of the stated CBD amount.
- 72 contained THC and THCA above safe and legal limits.
Although these 2020 findings were troubling, the FDA continues working to improve consumer protection standards. In recent weeks, it provided an update on efforts to collect better data about cannabidiol use and safety.
Aiming to develop and improve near-term research project plans for collecting and analyzing CBD and hemp data, the FDA appears set to work harder on gaps in its existing research capabilities.
Although it welcomes third-party research helping develop better evidence on CBD product use and safety, it generally considers information from small studies using poor-quality data techniques insufficient.
Even with the FDA's continued commitment, therefore, it would be unrealistic to expect consumer protection standards soon. Until then, uncertainty and confusion appear likely to continue for consumers and the industry.
