Lab testing of 18 CBD tinctures sold online found 12 (67%) had inaccurately labeled CBD concentrations, with broad-spectrum products significantly less accurate than full-spectrum.
CBD consumers, regulators, clinicians recommending CBD products
What the researchers found
12 of 18 CBD tinctures had CBD concentrations deviating more than 10% from labeled amounts. Broad-spectrum tinctures were significantly less accurate than full-spectrum (p = 0.0282). No correlation between price and accuracy (p = 0.2117). Two broad-spectrum tinctures contained Δ9-THC despite being labeled THC-free. All full-spectrum tinctures had THC below the 0.3% federal limit.
Why it matters
Consumers relying on label accuracy for dosing decisions are being misled by the majority of products. For people using CBD for specific health conditions, inaccurate labels mean unreliable dosing.
The numbers in context
18 tinctures tested; 12 (67%) inaccurately labeled for CBD; significant accuracy difference between broad- vs. full-spectrum (p = 0.0282); no price-accuracy correlation (p = 0.2117); 2 broad-spectrum products contained undisclosed Δ9-THC.
How the study worked
Reverse-phase HPLC-UV analysis of 18 CBD tincture samples from different brands sold online in the United States. Labels deemed inaccurate if actual CBD deviated by more than 10% from labeled amount.
What this study cannot tell us
Small sample of 18 products from online retailers only. Single testing method (HPLC-UV). Does not capture the full diversity of products on the market. Products were purchased at one time point.
How to read the evidence
Direct laboratory measurement provides reliable data, but small sample size (18 products) limits generalizability.
When this study was published
2025 publication.
The bigger picture
This study adds to a growing body of evidence that the unregulated CBD market has a serious quality control problem. Without FDA oversight, consumers cannot trust product labels, which undermines both safety and the ability to use CBD effectively.
Questions still open
- Would FDA regulation of CBD products improve label accuracy?
- Are products sold in dispensaries more accurately labeled than online products?
Common questions
Are CBD product labels accurate?
Can CBD products contain THC even if labeled THC-free?
Read the original research
Substances of Health Concern: Label Accuracy of Cannabidiol and Tetrahydrocannabinol in Commercial Cannabidiol Tinctures from the United States.
Cannabis and cannabinoid research
Citation
Sullivan, Zander; Lapierre, Coady; Weiser Erlandson, Laura; Pham, Linh. (2025). Substances of Health Concern: Label Accuracy of Cannabidiol and Tetrahydrocannabinol in Commercial Cannabidiol Tinctures from the United States.. Cannabis and cannabinoid research. https://doi.org/10.1089/can.2025.0016
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