When thinking of purchasing CBD online, the process is very easy: search for a product, add it to your cart, and complete the order. However, what you probably don’t know is that some CBD products are harmful or fake. So, this is my guide to help you avoid being scammed.
Key Takeaways
- The factors to consider before buying CBD include: the source, ISO certification, lab testing results, and information about the company.
- Avoid products or brands promising to cure your condition or making other bold medical claims.
- Be suspicious of CBD products with ridiculously low prices below the market average.
Top Caution Signs to Look Out For When Buying CBD Online
There are always signs that will let you know that you shouldn’t buy a CBD product. Let me explain to you how to find out the ways to spot red flags when sifting through CBD products online.
The Product Has No Lab Testing Results
In the CBD world, every legitimate product goes through third-party testing and provides its lab results to customers. Usually, the lab tests are conducted by reputable third parties with ISO certifications, which verify the product’s CBD content to ensure that it is healthy for wellness and recreational consumption.
When this is done, the company will include a Certificate of Analysis (COA) on its website or within the product description. If you can’t find lab results linked on the product page or brand website, it’s likely a bad product, so skip it.
The Brand Makes Bold Health Promises
CBD has been ongoing research about its wellness benefits such as pain and anxiety relief, but no matter how great a product is, it is not a miracle cure. Any company that preaches otherwise online is one you don’t want to buy CBD products from because that’s a big red flag.
For instance, if a company or product says they can cure cancer, depression, or Parkinson’s disease, it’s not only dishonest, but it also violates the FDA’s mandate that prohibits companies from making false medical claims. So, when shopping, only buy from brands with honest and research-backed claims.
The Prices Are Too Good or Cheap
While companies may offer discounts periodically, quality CBD products don’t come cheap. That’s because growing, processing, and packaging CBD is cost-intensive, so any ridiculously cheap CBD product is most likely fake. For instance, if a product with 1,000mg of CBD is retailing at $10, you should flee from it.
A good approach is to compare prices across different reputable websites to know what’s obtainable and fair. Any product of the same size and potency with a price that’s too good to be true is probably too good to be true.
The Product Lacks A Clear Ingredient List
The beauty of online shopping is that you can easily find all the information you need on the product pages. Likewise, every CBD product should include a complete ingredient list that lets you know what you’re putting into your body, and you can avoid unintentionally harming yourself if you are allergic to the ingredients.
To avoid such issues, choose legitimate CBD brands and products with clear ingredient information from their labeling to product descriptions. Vague labels like “proprietary blend” or no ingredients listed at all are massive red flags. Also, always check customer reviews online to get first-hand experiences of CBD products from current users.
Limited or No Information About the Brand
Transparency is another crucial factor to look out for when shopping for CBD online. Legitimate companies provide detailed information about their processes, how they grow or source their cannabis plants, their extraction methods, business partners, and production standards.
When a marijuana company doesn’t provide these details or has limited information on its website, it’s a red flag. A good approach is to choose transparent companies, preferably those with products from U.S-grown hemp that offer organic CBD.
Where Does the FDA Come In?
As of the time of writing, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has yet to properly regulate CBD products and companies. Though plans are reportedly in the works for the agency to regulate the production and sale of CBD products, you may need to do the extra work of protecting yourself before that is achieved.
So, until they’re regulated, CBD companies can get away with a lot of things that many other supplement companies can’t. In the meantime, it’s up to you to be informed and cautious. Use the five red flags in this article as a litmus test when shopping for CBD online.
Buy Authentic CBD with Confidence at MamaKana
Looking for lab-tested, high-quality CBD products you can trust? I’ve got premium homegrown, carefully extracted, and tested CBD options you should consider. Happy shopping!