Study: a controversial substance in European CBD e-liquids

Scientists have detected the presence of vitamin E acetate in some European CBD e-liquids. Also known as tocopherol acetate, this controversial substance is believed to be responsible for the deaths of 68 people. The study, conducted by Fundación Canna, The CBD e-liquid research team analyzed 15 samples of CBD e-liquids, purchased anonymously to avoid any risk of fraud.

Vitamin E acetate was found in e-cigarettes and in the lungs of 68 patients who died in hospital, although it is not known whether there is a causal link between the two events. And of the 15 CBD e-liquids analyzed by the Spaniards, one tested (largely) positive for tocopherol acetate.

«There is no data to prove that this substance can be dangerous when inhaled via e-liquids., the scientists qualify. However, the presence of vitamin E acetate in people with serious lung problems makes it more likely that they'll need it. not recommended for consumption.»

7 % less CBD than promised on the label

The researchers also looked at the actual CBD levels observed in each bottle. And the results aren't good. When you buy a CBD e-liquid for an electronic cigarette, you'll get an average of 7 % less cannabidiol than promised on the label. And, in fourteen cases, the levels of the molecule are lower. For one of these bottles, the actual level is even 80 % below the commercial promise. In other words, almost half as much.

Conducted in partnership with the Phytoplant Research laboratory (which develops plant-based medicines) and the Catalan public agency Institut de Recerca i Tecnologia Agroalimentaries, This study confirms the fears of CBD professionals. «It pisses me off to see 10-20 % of CBD, it's completely wrong», says a French salesman contacted by Newsweed.

In all, only one sample proposes a CBD level 6 % higher than the dose indicated on the label. «The difference between the promise of the label and the actual quantity is very high., conclude the authors. The lack of homogeneity [between samples] is also significant. This highlights a lack of controls, and a lack of good manufacturing practices.

Finally, the authors of the study analyzed the presence of THC, traces of which were found in all the samples. «This suggests that CBD is derived from cannabis biomass, and is not synthetic. » But beware of saliva tests! «Depending on the quantity consumed, this substance may test positive for drug use. »