Among the reasons why CBD products have increased in popularity over the course of the last few years is the fact that it’s so widely available for purchase. Nowadays CBD products can be purchased in just about any specialty or vape store across the country.
Since that’s the case, it’s easy to reach the assumption that all CBD products are the same; and that there’s probably no difference between one bought from a dispensary using an Ohio marijuana card, versus CBD products bought at Circle K.
Simply put, that idea couldn’t be further from the truth. That’s why when it comes to purchasing CBD products on the open market, there are several important facts to remember. Some helpful insights to remember when it comes to making smart CBD purchases include:
Over The Counter CBD Products May Overpromise and Underdeliver
Similar to other products, CBD brands rely on effective marketing to help get their products off the shelves. Unfortunately for consumers, the way many CBD brands market their products can lead to disappointment in how effective they are.
As recently as 2019, three companies were reprimanded by the FTC for making false claims about diseases their products are capable of treating. While the CBD industry continues to grow, the threat of CBD companies making false claims grows as well. That threat is detrimental to consumers in numerous ways, too.
Let’s say for example you come across a CBD tincture that claims to treat chronic back pain, so you decide to give it a try. The problem is that the product hasn’t helped at all, so now you’re back to using pain medications like aspirin meaning you’ve wasted your hard earned money on a CBD product that couldn’t live up to its claim. That would likely prevent you from giving legitimate CBD products a try in the future.
Fortunately for consumers, the FTC is making efforts to crack down on CBD companies who make claims about prevention and treatment of conditions without the proper evidence to back those claims.
CBD Products Don’t Require FDA Approval
Part of the reason why it’s so easy for CBD manufacturers to make untrue claims about their products is because there is no FDA approval process in place for CBD products to adhere to prior to being sold. Without an approval process in place, or an entity with the authority to enforce quality standards, there’s no way to ensure these products consistently provide consumers with the pain relief effects many of them claim to have.
Another drawback to CBD products not being required to adhere to FDA standards is that the ingredients used aren’t always consistent with what’s communicated to consumers. Not clearly communicating the ingredients in CBD products has become a widespread problem throughout the CBD industry, too. A recent report from the FDA revealed that more than half of the CBD products they tested were labeled inaccurately, or contained amounts of CBD inconsistent with the labeling on the product.
That means consumers who purchase full spectrum CBD products over the counter could end up consuming higher levels of THC than they anticipated. Purchasing CBD from medical marijuana dispensaries on the other hand provides consumers with peace of mind that they’re getting exactly what they’re paying for. Nothing more, nothing less.
There’s No Telling What’s In Over the Counter CBD Products
Since there are no regulations in place for CBD, that clears the way for CBD manufacturers to add as many additives as they see fit. Those CBD manufacturers often use dangerous additives like 5F-ADB and dextromethorphan (DXM) in their products regardless of the ways they affect consumers.
Early studies about DXM reveal that consumers who frequently consumed the substance suffer from side effects like abnormal heartbeat and hallucinations. Those aren’t the only harmful substances that are often found in CBD products. Other reports have revealed that some over the counter CBD products contain microbial contaminants like E-Coli and Salmonella.
Even though there are so many additives that are present in over the counter CBD products that are harmful to consumers, there are no immediate plans for the FDA to provide regulations at the current moment. That means consumers are basically left to use their own best judgement when it comes to over the counter CBD products. Since that’s the case, there’s no better option for consumers interested in buying safe, reliable CBD products than medical marijuana dispensaries.
CBD Products Sold at Cannabis Dispensaries in Ohio Are Tested for Quality and Safety Prior to Sale
Without a medical marijuana card, you’re basically restricted to buying the CBD products that are available for sale over the counter. Securing your medical marijuana card, provides access to a wide range of medical marijuana CBD products that have been tested for quality and purity and approved by a board of certified medical professionals.
CBD has a multitude of benefits to offer, but over the counter products typically aren’t the optimal way of receiving them. The best way to take part in the medicinal benefits CBD products have to offer is to schedule an appointment with a certified medical marijuana physician, so you can receive your medical marijuana card to gain access to the safe, reliable CBD products you deserve.
Doctors Who Care.
Relief You Can Trust.
Here at Ohio Marijuana Card, our goal is to help everyone achieve wellness safely and conveniently through increased access to medical marijuana. Our focus on education, inclusion, and acceptance will reduce the stigma for our patients by providing equal access to timely information and compassionate care.
If you have any questions, call us at (866) 457-5559, or simply book a medical marijuana evaluation to start getting relief you can trust today!
Check out Ohio Marijuana Card’s Blog to keep up to date on the latest medical marijuana news, tips, and information. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram to join the medical marijuana conversation in Ohio.
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