CBD Potency: What You See Isn't Always What You Get

It seems like CBD is everywhere and in everything – from topical lotions to toilet paper. But how do you know if some of these products actually make sense for CBD absorption? Or, the better questions, how do you know if these products even have any CBD in it at all? 

As of today, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) hasn’t provided regulations or guidance for the CBD industry and that’s left consumers in the lurch. Without regulations there’s no way to stop fraudulent manufacturers from selling fake, mislabeled, or adulterated products that make absolutely no sense for CBD absorption. 

In this post, we explore the recent findings of mislabeled CBD products and share some tips for how to avoid the bad and extremely ridiculous.

CBD Potency Testing Shows Major Problems

In 2020, the US Congress told the FDA to chemically test the CBD products that were cropping up in the market. The results weren’t good. 

Of the 102 CBD products the FDA tested, more than half had the wrong amount of CBD by a margin of more than 20%. Eighteen products had less than 80% of the labeled quantity of CBD and thirty-eight products contained more than 120%.

A study by the website Leafly showed the same inaccurate labeling. They tested 47 CBD products and only 24 of them were accurately labeled. Five of the 47 products contained no CBD whatsoever!

A 20% spread in dosing accuracy is unacceptable, according to experts. Patients need consistent and predictable dosing if they’re going to get the benefits of CBD. At UPSY, we’ve made the choice to partner with an FDA-accredited laboratory to help ensure that our products are formulated consistently. What you see on our labels is exactly what you get and we are hopeful the FDA will begin holding other CBD brands to the same standard.

Is Your CBD Really THC-Free?

Nearly half the products tested by the FDA contained illegal amounts of THC. The 2018 Farm Bill legalized the cultivation of hemp by licensed growers, but it put a cap on the amount of THC that is allowed in the final product (0.3% by dry weight).

In case you don’t know, hemp is a variety of cannabis that has very little THC, unlike its intoxicating cousin marijuana. Most CBD products — such as UPSY’s — are made from hemp, but sometimes, the THC becomes concentrated during the manufacturing process.

It came as a shock when half of the products the FDA tested had more than 3.1 mg of THC per dose. That’s more than enough THC to cause intoxication if you’re sensitive and to show up on a drug test.

To avoid THC-tainted CBD, look for products from reputable brands that are labeled as “CBD isolate.” Quality CBD isolates have no THC. Products labeled as “full-spectrum” or “broad-spectrum” may contain THC.

Fear not, friends! UPSY products are 100% THC-free. We use USA-grown hemp and pharmaceutical technologies to isolate CBD in its purest form. 

Are There Pesticides in Your CBD?

THC isn’t the only adulterant you may find in CBD; pesticides and heavy metals like lead are common too. Hemp is an “accumulator plant” and it cleanses the soil of heavy metals and pesticides. If you’re not careful, they’ll end up in your CBD.

Testing by Ellipse Analytics showed that most CBD products were “highly contaminated.” Of the 240 products tested, the firm found that 70% contained pesticides and herbicides such as the active ingredient in the weedkiller Roundup. Toxic mold byproducts were in many of the products as well.

To avoid pesticide-laced CBD products, find products that are made with organic hemp grown by licensed cultivators. You can also check your CBD’s laboratory test to make sure your product is pesticide-free — if your product is lab-tested.

CBD Testing for Quality

The only way to ensure correct CBD labeling is to take the time to craft better CBD products. At UPSY, we take extra steps to ensure you’re getting the right amount of CBD every batch. As we formulate a batch of UPSY CBD products, we test the potency each step of the way. Then, we take each batch to a third-party laboratory for a final check.

An independent third-party lab runs uber-accurate testing on the products to double-confirm what we already knew: UPSY products are precisely crafted and accurately labeled.

To prove it, every UPSY product has a QR code. When you scan the code with your phone, you can view the test results for the exact product you’re holding in your hand. You’ll see the product’s actual Certificate of Analysis from the independent lab.

Are you ready to try a lab-tested CBD that you can feel good about? One you can confidently use day-in and day-out for wellness and relief?

Then check out UPSY. We have a variety of organic CBD isolate products — from topicals to tinctures — so you’re sure to find a CBD that’s right for you.