A study released Wednesday shows that most CBD sleep products are mislabeled, with 60 percent displaying incorrect levels of active ingredients on their packaging.
The research released on Wednesday by CBD source Leafreport shows that more than half of CBD products deviate from the label. The levels of ingredients such as cannabidiol (CBD), cannabinol (CBN), and melatonin differed more than 10 percent from the label.
Cannabis oil in sleeping pills
Research has shown that compounds in cannabis, including CBD and CBN, can support healthy sleep. That led to an increase in sleep aids containing cannabinoids, often mixed with other supplements, including melatonin. But Leafreport's research shows that less than half of the products tested were labeled with accurate levels of active ingredients.
Leafreport is a science-based, peer-reviewed website that provides consumers with information about CBD. The company's mission is to bring transparency to the CBD industry through patient-centered, educational content and medical assessments by a team of physicians, chemists, nutritionists, pharmacists and naturopaths.
3 things to keep in mind when choosing CBD
Gal Shapira, product manager at Leafreport, says there are three key factors consumers should consider when choosing CBD products. “The most important thing to do is make sure the brand uses a third-party testing lab and that their Certificates of Analysis (CoA) are linked to the product labeling or at the very least clearly stated on their website,” Shapira wrote in an email. . “These tests ensure that the product does not contain harmful contaminants and that the dosage is correct.”
“The second thing to consider is whether a product is defined as isolate, broad spectrum, or full spectrum,” Shapira continues. “These classifications are very important in determining the presence of other cannabinoids such as THC. The third important factor that consumers should be aware of is additional vitamin and supplement additives in addition to the active CBD ingredient and whether they are listed on the CoAs.
Research into cbd sleep products
To complete the study, Leafreport purchased 52 CBD sleep products, including gummies, tinctures and capsules. The products were then sent to Infinite Chemical Analysis, an accredited cannabis testing lab in California, where the levels of CBD, CBN and melatonin were measured and recorded for comparison with certificates of analysis provided by the product manufacturers.
“While some variation is expected for CBD products, it should still remain within reasonable levels. Industry experts advise that cannabis products should have a cannabinoid content within 10% of the label, meaning accurate CBD products should contain between 90% and 110% of the advertised cannabinoid content,” explains Leafreport in the study. “While melatonin is not a cannabinoid, we also used the 10% benchmark to be consistent.”
Just under half of the products contained inaccurate levels of CBN, while more than half reported inaccurate levels of CBD. Two of the three products containing melatonin had levels that were not in accordance with the labeling. Products containing two of the ingredients tested were less accurate than those containing one or all three. Only 29% matched the label. Of the nine products containing all three ingredients tested, five (55,6%) met the label, but only one did for each ingredient.
Capsules most accurate
CBD sleep products in capsule form most likely had accurate levels of active ingredients. Capsules outperformed all product categories, with 50% matching the label, followed by 40% gummies and 30% tinctures. Of the 32 products advertised as broad or full spectrum, 25% were mislabeled.
“Frankly, the results of this research are shocking and continue to illustrate the need for a more transparent CBD industry,” Shapira said in a statement about the Leafreport investigation. “Consumers benefit from certain quality standards.” Leafreport is here to help those same consumers make more informed decisions about what they put into their bodies. We see this report as an essential service to help consumers ensure they buy products that actually work.”
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