Analysis of cannabidiol (CBD) and THC in nonprescription consumer products: Implications for patients and practitioners

Summary & key facts

Researchers bought nonprescription products sold as cannabidiol or CBD and measured how much CBD and tetrahydrocannabinol or THC they actually contained. They found that product labels often did not match the lab results. Some products had little or no CBD despite saying they did, and some contained measurable THC even when labels said they did not. This matters because people using these products can get the wrong dose, unknowingly be exposed to THC, or have unexpected interactions with medicines, so doctors and patients should be aware of that uncertainty.

Key facts:

• The team tested over-the-counter products that were sold as CBD to measure real CBD and THC levels.
• Many products did not match their labels for CBD content, so people may get more or less CBD than they expect.
• Some products contained measurable THC even when the label did not list THC, which could cause a positive drug test or mild psychoactive effects for some users.
• Because CBD and THC levels were inconsistent, people using these products for health reasons could end up with unpredictable effects or interactions with other medicines.
• The study suggests clinicians should ask patients about use of nonprescription CBD products because labels can be unreliable and patients may be exposed to THC without knowing it.

Topics

Cannabis and Cannabinoid Research Diet, Metabolism, and Disease Substance Abuse Treatment and Outcomes

Categories

Health Sciences Medicine Pharmacology

Tags

Alternative medicine Anticonvulsant Aqueous extract Cannabidiol Cannabinol Cannabis Clinical trial Consumer safety Dosing Drug Epilepsy Gabapentin Intensive care medicine Medication adherence Medicine MEDLINE Pharmacology Psychiatry

Substances

Cannabis