Study Shows Marijuana Is Often Mislabeled

One of the major challenges that the marijuana industry has been facing is how safety precautions can keep up with the drug's expanding user base. In the edibles market, this is especially true as there are several health risks that go along with lacing ingestible foods with THC.

This week, a new study showed that the edibles market was failing to meet the safety standards that have been set for the industry, a blow to the marijuana trade.

Mislabeled

Edible marijuana products are required to display the potency on their packaging labels in order to prevent accidental overdoses. However the study, which analyzed 75 different products from several different cities, showed that only 17 percent of the products accurately described what was inside. The results sent shockwaves around the marijuana community as it suggests that the industry is operating on a largely unregulated basis.

Related Link: Dangers Of Marijuana Uncertain In Growing Industry

THC Levels Uncertain

Of the mislabeled products, 60 percent had less THC than the packaging advertised and 23 percent had understated the amount of THC the product contained. However, both cases can potentially be dangerous for consumers.

If a product has more THC than the consumer thinks, there is a better chance for an overdose, but if a product has too little THC, there are other problems. If a product is not potent enough, it could have a negligible effect on a medical marijuana patients' symptoms. It could also lead to the consumption of even more marijuana in order to receive the desired results, something which would also increase the risk of an overdose.