We’re re-pubbing this from Toby’s recent Medium article for the reason that fake CBD scams are in the news. Snopes recently did a piece on a cbd gummy product scam, saying FOX anchor Dana Perino had her own product line (which she doesn’t). There are also fake Shark Tank scam ads rearing their heads – the deception is all over the map. Maybe this will help.
Have You Been A Victim?
Cannabidiol, or CBD, has surged in popularity in recent years for its potential health benefits. As demand for CBD products continues to grow, so does the risk of encountering fake or low-quality products on the market. If you’ve ever shopped for a CBD product, you’ve probably encountered some playful names, colorful packaging and confusing language around the ingredients. Unless you’ve got a trained eye and know how to spot a fake from the real deal (this isn’t about designer bags on NYC street corners), then there’s a chance you bought something that was less than what was promised on the label. Fake CBD products not only waste your money but can also pose serious health risks.
It’s an ever-evolving industry but know that the FDA does monitor the marketing of CBD in its efforts to prevent and limit the number of false claims out there. And there are steps you can take to bolster the odds of getting what you paid for. We all want the real deal, and if you follow these seven essential steps to avoid buying fake CBD products, you’re setting yourself up for success.
The 7 to Know
Check the Product Label: The label of a CBD product provides valuable information about its ingredients and quality. Look for labels that indicate that the product is derived from pure CBD, sourced from hemp, certified, and labeled (the derived CBD) as full-spectrum. These indicators suggest that the product is authentic and meets quality standards.
Know Your Hemp Source: CBD oil products are derived from hemp plants, so it’s crucial to know where the hemp used in the product comes from. Research the farm’s practices and geographical location to ensure it meets regulatory standards and produces high-quality hemp. Of course, take time to read up on CBD and hemp. Cbdeeme (my site) is quickly building out a learning environment for visitors and always looking for suggestions on what people would like to see in the learning vertical.
What is Third-Party Testing?
Seek Third-Party Verification: Legitimate CBD manufacturers invest in third-party lab testing to verify the quality and potency of their products. Look for products that have undergone testing by independent labs, and verify the lab results online if possible. Third-party testing ensures transparency and helps you make an informed decision about the product’s safety and authenticity. If there aren’t COA’s, don’t waste your time because there are plenty of manufacturers who are doing it right.
Listen to The Experts
I recently spoke with Summitt Labs head of Internal Dynamics, Timothy Mackler, who stressed their commitment to quality and a philosophy of using a third-party, reputable verification lab. And third-party testing is an excellent sign that you’re most likely buying a quality product. Mackler noted that at Summitt, they “embody innovation anchored in compliance, setting a gold standard in an industry rife with subpar offerings. Recognizing the pervasive challenges of authenticity, purity, and accuracy, we’ve pioneered a new frontier of transparency.”
Mackler points out that their proprietary batch scan software “offers seamless visibility, automatically connecting consumers to the associated lab for each product.” And, they’re among a growing number of companies with QR codes that “provide direct access to indisputable proof of excellence.”
Not All CBD is Created Equal: The manufacturing process can significantly impact the quality of the product. Look for products that use safe and eco-friendly extraction methods, such as alcohol or CO2 extraction. And supercritical CO2 extraction is highly efficient. Avoid products that use potentially harmful solvents or lack transparency about their manufacturing process.
Who Do You Trust?
Contact Trusted Companies: When in doubt, reach out to trusted CBD companies for guidance. Legitimate companies have accessible customer support teams that can answer your questions and provide information about their products. They’ll also have a good source of basic information available to CBD newbies. Note: Avoid companies that are unresponsive or unwilling to provide information, as they may be selling (“pawning off”) fake or low-quality products.
Research Customer Reviews: Before making a purchase, take the time to research customer reviews and testimonials. Look for feedback from verified customers who have used the product and can provide insights into its effectiveness and quality. Genuine reviews can help you gauge the reputation of the brand and make an informed decision.
Trust Your Instincts: Ultimately, trust your instincts when purchasing CBD products. If something seems too good to be true or if you have doubts about the product’s authenticity, err on the side of caution and explore other options. Your health and well-being are worth investing in high-quality, genuine CBD products.
Our First Poll!
Karma Fix for You: Take Our Fast Poll on Your CBD Use and we’ll publish the results soon.
In short, why blow through your valuable cash on potentially fake or compromised CBD oils, gummies, topicals or any other consumable or topical CBD product? I use these steps as my guiding light and try to avoid getting snowed by yet another scammer looking for an easy victim.
Want more reading? Check out our Virtual AI Education Hub, with AI video 101’s, a dictionary, FAQ’s and other sources for you, the consumer. Ensure that you’re purchasing safe, effective, and high-quality CBD products for your health and wellness needs.
Note: The hemp/cannabis industry has been an extremely busy one lately. I encourage anyone interested in seeing how it develops (and literally, how history is being made), to visit the NCIA site: https://thecannabisindustry.org/.