The 2018 Farm Bill legalized hemp by removing it from the Controlled Substances Act (CSA) of 1970. However, the lawmakers did not intend for manufacturers to create or extract intoxicating compounds for use in consumer products. For consumers though, it has been an interesting experiment. Our guest author, Laura Barrett, MBA, BSN, RN, also known as Nurse Laura, elaborates on why she refers to it as an experiment below.
An Unregulated Hemp Marketplace
Cannabidiol (CBD) and other non-impairing cannabinoids, whether sourced from hemp or cannabis, have shown significant potential in alleviating numerous disease symptoms. The widespread availability of these compounds followed the removal of hemp from the CSA, however the lack of regulation in the hemp industry has resulted in a marketplace that is more experimental than safe, making it challenging for consumers to access reliable products and information. As more states legalize medical and adult-use cannabis, the availability of non-intoxicating cannabinoids in dispensaries is decreasing. Consumers seeking minimal Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) along with CBD and other cannabinoid combinations are turning to hemp processors for their botanical remedies. Their best chances lie in finding a trustworthy company that adheres to Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), offers third-party lab testing, and provides accurate labeling. Unfortunately, such reliable sources are not always easy to find.
The Delaware Secret Shopper Investigation
In response to these concerns, the 2024 Delaware National Clinical Director Consortium undertook a secret shopper campaign across two dozen hemp shops in Delaware. They tested thirty different products and discovered issues like inaccurate labeling, non-compliance with the Farm Bill, and the presence of harmful contaminants. Alarmingly, eighty percent of the vapes, flowers, and edibles tested were actually of cannabis potencies, not hemp. This made them immediately non-compliant. Over half contained synthetic cannabinoids. Among those labeled, there were discrepancies in dosing and content claims. Particularly troubling was the assertion that these products contained 0.3% THC or less, as required by the Farm Bill. In fact, higher THC levels were detected, making them unsafe for many consumers.
How to Find Safe, Trustworthy CBD Products
Armed with this information, how can a consumer find the best hemp-derived CBD products? Trustworthy CBD companies typically use independent third-party labs for testing. These labs provide a Certificate of Analysis (COA), detailing active ingredients and other contents of the product by batch. Some of the most reliable products include a QR code that can be scanned to view these results. It’s crucial to check for this feature and ensure that the report is up-to-date and corresponds with the product’s lot number. Ideally, packaging should list the processor’s name and address, active and inactive ingredients, weight, batch or lot number, production and expiration dates, storage instructions, serving size, and any warnings. Most importantly, purchasing from a trusted professional who offers educational consultations or follow-up opportunities ensures safety and confidence with dosing titration.
Why I Recommend Bloom Hemp CBD
Bloom Hemp is an excellent choice for myself and the patients that I educate, coach and guide. Their products adhere to quality, GMP, and labeling standards. They also come with a free nurse hotline for inquiries and educational support on product options. Many patients have experienced notable benefits using the Focus tincture in the morning and the Trilogy tincture in the evening. For those crafting their own THC oils at home with legally purchased cannabis, Bloom also offers CBG, CBD, and CBN isolates in a bundle to enhance the entourage effect. Personally, I incorporate the Bloom Hemp Essentials Digestive tincture into my daily gut maintenance regimen.”
Laura Barrett, known as ‘Nurse Laura,’ is the Founder and Executive Director of the National Clinical Director Consortium and runs Ask Nurse Laura. She is also a Nurse Executive for us at Holistic Caring & The Green Nurse. She is committed to educating on cannabis and psychedelic medicine, and teaches at the University of Maryland and New York University. Nurse Laura collaborates with healthcare professionals to promote consistent educational resources. Her focus areas include regulations, science, and patient data. She has extensive experience in the cannabis industry and recently became Chair of the Cannabis Nurse Task Force at the University of Miami. Her mission is to enhance cannabis therapeutics through tailored care plans and standardized practices.
