Dazed and confused: variability in reported and measured tetrahydrocannabinol content in cannabis edibles

The increasing popularity of edible cannabis products for both recreational and medicinal use has raised concerns regarding the accuracy of product labeling, particularly regarding Δ8-tetrahydrocannabinol and Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol content. This study aimed to evaluate the accuracy of package-labeled tetrahydrocannabinol content in cannabis edibles by comparing it to laboratory-measured Δ8-tetrahydrocannabinol and Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol amounts.

A total of 12 cannabis edible packages, purchased from local dispensaries and convenience stores in Jackson, Mississippi, were analyzed using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry to quantify cannabidiol, Δ8-tetrahydrocannabinol and Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol content.

The results revealed significant discrepancies, with products containing Δ8-tetrahydrocannabinol and Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol contents ranging from 288 mg less to 5,491 mg more than those advertised on the packaging and no cannabidiol detected. Additionally, the advertised versus measured contents of Δ8-tetrahydrocannabinol differed by 1,542 mg, 719 mg, and 5,491 mg in three products of the same brand.

These discrepancies highlight a persistent lack of standardization and quality control in the cannabis edible industry, which could have serious implications for consumer safety, especially in pediatric cases of unintentional ingestion.

Measured amounts of Δ8-tetrahydrocannabinol and Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol were inconsistent with package labels. We believe that these findings emphasize the need for stricter regulatory oversight and standardized testing methods to ensure accurate labeling and mitigate risks associated with cannabis edibles.