A majority of CBD products in Switzerland are too high in dosage

Swiss scientists are warning about a «lamentable report». According to their analyses, 85 out of 100 CBD products do not comply with regulations. 73 of these products are now even banned from consumption because they do not meet the specifications. In most cases, the CBD products obtained these results because the concentration was too high.

«These products are not safe for consumers. We measured the THC and CBD levels, and the toxicological thresholds beyond which a health risk can no longer be ruled out are frequently exceeded. For these CBD products, just one or two drops are enough to exceed the thresholds recommended by all health safety agencies.», warns Patrick Edder, one of the study’s authors, in a interview for Swiss radio station RTS.

He analyzed various extracts, such as CBD oil, as well as gummies, herbal teas, and candies. Most of these products contain too high a concentration of CBD. And even though the substance is not psychoactive, it is not without risk, according to the chemist: «There may be have harmful effects on the liver, », the digestive system, fertility, or drowsiness—so if you're driving, that could be a problem."

The highest THC level ever recorded

Some products also had to be recalled because «the use of unauthorized hemp extracts». The Association of Cantonal Chemists—which conducted the study—does not specify which ones, but one might think of banned cannabinoids, or perhaps extracts such as Delta-8-THC.

These products ended up on the market (and in consumers' homes) because companies «do not exercise, or exercise only to an insufficient degree, the self-regulation they are legally required to practice», scientists say.

That said, don't panic: the maximum THC level of 1 % has never been exceeded. «These products are not narcotics. That doesn't mean they're risk-free,», Patrick Edder's nuance.

Swiss CBD consumers can rest assured: the chemist did not find any dangerous substances. But they do exist elsewhere. Scientists have discovered vitamin E acetate and/or heavy metals in other products containing cannabidiol, including vape pen.