Cannabidiol (CBD) product contamination: Quantitative analysis of Δ⁹-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ⁹-THC) concentrations found in commercially available CBD products

Background: Regulation has not kept pace with the growth of the hemp-derived CBD market. We have evaluated the risk of Δ⁹-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ⁹-THC) contamination in 80 unregulated products with comparison to a regulated control, Epidiolex®. Methods: Local and national brands of hemp-derived oil products were purchased online and from local retailers in central Kentucky (which carry both national and local brands). These were extracted by solvent extraction and quantified by liquid-chromatography tandem mass-spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) using a validated method. Results: Of the 80 unregulated products and Epidiolex®, Δ⁹-THC was detected above the limit of quantification (LOQ = 0.005 mg/mL) of the assay in 52 samples, ranging from 0.008 mg/mL to 2.071 mg/mL. Twenty-one of the products tested were labelled as “THC-Free”, and 5 of these products contained detectable levels of Δ⁹-THC ranging from 0.015 mg/mL to 0.656 mg/mL. Conclusions: Consumers are taking hemp-derived CBD products without understanding the risks of unintentional consumption of Δ⁹-THC. This accidental use of Δ⁹-THC could have adverse effects on health and safety as well as potential legal consequences (e.g., child custody, impaired driving), as Δ⁹-THC drug test findings could impact employment, military, and sport eligibility status.