While cannabidiol (CBD) product labels give one enough information about its capability, reading through its minutiae can be quite challenging. Granted, CBD products are almost available everywhere on the market; a conscientious understanding of labels is necessary.
Cannabis-derived products are recognized by the Food and Drugs Administration (FDA) though they still haven’t approved any nonprescription products. They are committed to ensuring the health as well as the safety of consumers. That is why the agency is taking feasible steps to enhance its regulatory pathways.
However, the risk of consumers buying poor-quality products is highly unavertable. Thus, consumers are encouraged to be aware and do further research regarding the product labels and health benefits of CBD products, including the CBD oil.
CBD companies and manufacturers should understand that the FDA is also taking steps to file a lawsuit for mislabeling and false advertising of CBD products. In evading such, a solid grasp of CBD regulatory risks is also essential.
Now, for a better understanding of CBD labeling guidelines, start with recognizing and classifying your CBD products.
CBD Product Classification
Determining whether your product is a food or supplement is extremely essential. There is a line between CBD isolates and CBD food and beverages when it comes to labeling regulations. For product qualifies as either food or drink, labeling is aligned to stipulations of FDA Food Labeling Guide. On the other hand, if it’s a supplement, companies must consider the FDA’s labeling regulations on dietary supplements.
Bear in mind that the suggested serving size for those which are tagged are food or beverage should cohere with supplement’s RACC (recommended amount customarily consumed).
Apparently, most of the hemp-CBD products are categorized as supplements. So, upon classification, it is required to ascertain the product’s composition.
CBD Product Composition
Certificate of Analysis (COA) is what one can turn to if in doubt of the composition of your CBD product. This analysis is granted to companies to get support claims from a third party. Adhering to COA can make yourself aware of an accurate list of percentages and actual ingredients found in the product.
A 2017 study in Jama revealed an alarming situation regarding CBD labeling. An incongruence with the CBD content and the labels are found out from a portion of studied products. Some had higher levels of CBD than what is stated in the labels. The levels are high enough to present health risks to consumers, including intoxication.
The mere point of these studies is how brand owners need to be cautious about their product’s composition — while for consumers, scrutinizing ingredients of these products is always a wise decision to do.
FDA Regulations on CBD Products and Labeling
After knowing the importance of distinguishing your product’s composition, delve further to understanding how CBD and CBD labels are regulated. In fact, FDA looks through labels to affirm if the product is lawful or not. Thus, make sure you are knowledgeable of FDA’s stipulations to keep on the right track.
According to FDA, even if the CBD product is classified as “hemp” under 2018 Farm bill, it should still adhere to other applicable laws. At this point, the agency isn’t still allowing companies to sell food, drinks, and supplements containing CBD. The only instruction they are giving to hemp extract companies is not to make claims.
However, these companies are following the lead of cosmetic makers. With FDA defines cosmetics as products poured or sprayed to the human body, hemp-derived products seem to fit the description. They are warning companies to comply with their regulations to ensure public safety. FDA prohibits claims which are not aligned to their regulations.
FDA regulations for CBD-infused health and beauty products are as follows. Labels, according to them, should be accurate, not false or misleading, should specify the required information, accurately display the product’s label information, and not go against the rules set under the Poison Prevention Packaging Act of 1970
Reading CBD Labels
In a typical CBD product label, consumers need to look for the following details to make sure of a safe selection. While for brand owners, a careful affirmation of these aspects are essential:
Distributor/Manufacturer
CBD labels should always present the product’s distributor or manufacturer. Consumers can make use of this to research if the company is trustworthy. For a pure and free-of-contaminants consumption, it is a good idea to investigate on company’s testing standards.
CBD Content
Each CBD product is equipped with information concerning its CBD content. Measurements are given in milligrams (mg). To make sure that the product fits your needs, it is still important to consult a doctor about it. The doctor knows the potency of each serving and, thus, would be best to inform one of how much of the product should be taken.
Serving Size
Most of CBD products would include information on Servings per Package, the suggested Serving Size, or Servings per Unit. Such information would allow you to know the product’s volume and its time duration. But, it is still suggested to follow your doctor’s advice, especially at matters of serving size.
Hemp Content
Some CBD products also include details on hemp oil content. Some companies also disclose from where hemp plant does the product extracted.
Label Regulations Takeaway
All in all, risks on CBD consumption can only be avoided if consumer education on labels is not neglected. With CBD companies, proper marketing and labeling is the only key to ensure both parties’ protection and well-being.
Until FDA sets clear regulations, careful consideration of the CBD products is needed.