Independent testing on the quality and composition of CBDs and hemp oils offered on the European market has confirmed substantial deficiencies – and possibly even risks to consumers.

Results clearly indicate the need to introduce precise standards for the safe production and distribution of cannabis-based products – and systematically monitor their adherence.

The historically first independent testing of hemp oils and certain types of commercially available CBDs (i.e. materials from cannabis having no psychotropic effects) has taken place in cooperation with the University of Chemistry and Technology in Prague (VŠCHT). Here, in the framework of the Department of Food Analysis and Nutrition, is Europe’s first laboratory certified by the Patient Focused Certification program also being used in training by Americans for Safe Access in the U.S.

The team led by Professor Jana Hajšlová tested a total of 29 oils containing cannabidiol and another 25 oils extracted from hemp seeds. All tested products were purchased on the European market in the last quarter of 2016. The International Cannabis and Cannabinoids Institute (ICCI), headquartered in Prague, Czech Republic, performed the final assessment of the results.

Besides verifying whether the content of CBD stated by the producer on the packaging truly reflects the reality, the quality of cannabis-based foods was assessed chiefly on the basis of two key criteria. The first to go under the microscope were multi-nuclear polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (e.g. benz(o)pyrene), which the International Classification for Cancer Research ranks among carcinogens. The ICCI director of research, Tomas Zabransky, warned: “These are substances whose carcinogenicity was proven experimentally on animals, and it has been proven in a great number of epidemiological studies. Mainly for ill persons trying to take advantage of the known beneficial effects of CBD, these hydrocarbons are undeniably dangerous, mainly upon long-term use.”

The second aspect that was given special attention during chemical analysis was the content of tetrahydrocannabinol – THC. “THC is another medically active substance from cannabis, but as opposed to CBD it is psychoactive,” Zabransky said. “So even relatively low amounts can cause changes in perception among more sensitive individuals, which can threaten their capacity to drive and make decisions in general – especially in case of being unaware of the possibilities of influencing one’s psyche by an external substance. Another problem among drivers could be testing positive during traffic controls, which can lead at the very least to losing one’s driving privileges.”

So what results did the analysis uncover? Worse results than the initiators themselves expected. In terms of the content of polyaromatic hydrocarbons, which can help cancerous growth, only 9 of the 29 tested CBD oils were satisfactory. That’s less than one third.

A bit better off were those hemp oils, which in reality came from seeds and not the plant. In this category, legislative limits were met in a full 92 percent of the 23 tested products.

The analysis also uncovered gaps in information that producers provide to customers regarding the composition of the product. Of 10 tested CBD oils, six did not state any THC content. This finding is alarming, especially when the consumer can realistically be punished for exceeding the permitted level of THC in the blood – whether during traffic stops or at work.

For a fourth of the tested oils, the user can be unknowingly exposed to this risk even when using the recommended dose. For another 10 percent of oils, this risk exists in relation to using the maximum dose stated on the packaging.

What comes next? The ICCI are contacting all manufacturers of tested cannabis foods, share the results and offer help when checking the safety and increasing the quality of the product. The list of those foods satisfying the limits in the analysis is available to all consumers at the website of PFC International.

Information will be provided to members of patient organizations associated in the international association IMCPC by means of the society KOPAC regarding the quality of a specific oil they are using, as to whether it was among those tested, and if so, with what results.