Poorly labeled CBD and related cannabinoid oils marketed in Europe: a hidden risk for consumers? Insights from a...

UHPLC-HRMS analysis of 186 commercial cannabidiol (CBD) and related cannabinoid oils collected over the past decade revealed generally poor labeling accuracy. In total, 49% of products (86 of 181) did not contain the declared amount of CBD. Multivariate analysis of minor cannabinoid profiles enabled classification of the likely CBD source used in the formulations. In addition to trans-Δ⁹-tetrahydrocannabinol (trans-Δ⁹-THC), several samples contained other, less frequently monitored psychotropic THC isomers, including cis-Δ⁹-THC, Δ⁸-THC, and Δ¹⁰-THC. Moreover, hexahydrocannabinol (HHC) was detected in a product marketed as a full-spectrum oil. Considering the potential consumer risk associated with exposure to psychotropic cannabinoids, the acute reference dose (ARfD) of 1 µg/kg body weight, recently established by EFSA for the combined intake of Δ⁹- and Δ⁸-THC, would be exceeded in 39% (72 of 186) of cases when the products are consumed according to the recommended dosage. Another concern is the presence of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), which were detected in all analyzed samples, with 54% (101 of 186) exceeding the EU maximum limits for oil-based food supplements.