MONROE, La. (KNOE) – CBD is used to treat several ailments including pain, insomnia, and anxiety. If you’re buying it, make sure it’s the real thing.
According to the Associated Press, Louisiana State Police found at least 14 gummy products that were marketed to contain CBD but were laced with synthetic marijuana. A further investigation by the Associated Press found the problem is happening nationwide, and users are getting sick from the laced products.
Tim Hitt is the Supplement Manager at Fiesta Nutrition Center in Monroe. He is an advocate for CBD products but says the laced supplements were bound to happen.
„This industry, just like other industries, they will get some tainted products in the supply chain. That’s been known to happen,” said Hitt.
Legal CBD products have less than 0.3 percent of THC, a chemical found in marijuana. CBD cannot get you high; however, synthetic marijuana has an intense high and the side effects can be life-threatening, according to Drugabuse.gov.
CBD products are sold in stores, but a majority of them can be found in online shops. However, the products aren’t always regulated on the internet.
„The internet is a big place, and there’s a lot of good stuff on the internet, but there’s a lot of bad, tainted stuff on the internet as well,” Hitt said.
Hitt encourages consumers to do their research before buying products to make sure they are legit.
„Speak with someone reliable, someone who’s been in the industry for a lot of years dealing with these CBD products.”
With the reports of spiked CBD, Hitt and the Fiesta Nutrition staff take extra steps to ensure their products don’t contain any dangerous chemicals.
„We can show the consumer all of our products have a QR code on the back and literally scan the box and then the certificate of analysis for the lab work comes up right on your phone and that’s the sign of a good quality product,” Hitt said.
CBD vape products are also illegal across the state.