New Study Shows CBD Pens Contain Dangerous Ingredients
A recent study published by researchers at Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) found that certain lines of commercially available cannabidiol (CBD) pens contain dangerous ingredients.
CBD is a compound found in cannabis that does not produce a high, which consumers use to relieve pain and combat health conditions such as anxiety and diabetes. However, this study indicates that some CBD pen manufacturers are engaging in unethical behavior that can have harrowing impacts on the health of CBD consumers.
What Are CBD Pens?
Cannabidiol (CBD) is a compound found in cannabis and is growing in popularity among consumers in states with legalized medical marijuana. Unlike the psychoactive component of marijuana, tetrahydrocannabinol, this compound does not produce a high.
CBD often counteracts the effects of THC. Instead, this compound affects different parts of the brain and body. As a result, many CBD users experience relief from chronic pain and other conditions without the lethargy, paranoia, or disorientation that some people feel with THC consumption.
People usually consume CBD in an oil form. Manufacturers extract CBD from the cannabis plant. Next, they mix it with a carrier oil, usually coconut or hemp oil. Manufacturers sell CBD as an oil or distill it into a pen for easy consumption. VCU researchers found that the chemicals in these pens were not solely CBD and oil – dangerous psychoactive compounds and other substances such as synthetic marijuana were also present.
Common CBD Uses
Significant research has shown that CBD has health benefits for several health conditions. Patients looking for symptom relief often choose CBD oils and CBD-heavy marijuana strains to avoid the psychoactive effects of the drug.
- Studies indicate CBD oil can help with chronic pain relief.
- Studies indicate CBD oil can help with anxiety and depression reduction.
- Studies indicate CBD oil can help with chemotherapy side effect relief.
- Studies indicate CBD oil can help with inflammation relief.
- Studies indicate CBD oil can help with multiple sclerosis treatment.
- Studies indicate CBD oil may help reduce cancer symptoms and induce cancer cell death.
- Studies indicate CBD oil may help with psychotic symptom reduction.
- Studies indicate CBD oil may help with epilepsy treatment and seizure reduction.
- Studies indicate CBD oil may help with substance abuse treatment, including alcoholism and hard drugs.
The Diamond CBD Study
VCU researchers found commercially developed CBD pens to contain dangerous chemicals. Diamond CBD, an online company, produces these pens for sale in states where recreational and/or medical marijuana is legal. According to researcher Michelle R. Peace, one consumer used a Diamond CBD pen and got extremely high – which should not happen with normal CBD oil.
Peace and her research team investigated these claims by examining the chemical compounds of nine CBD e-liquids from Diamond CBD. Of these nine e-liquids, four tested positive for synthetic marijuana. One compound contained dextromethorphan, an ingredient used in cough syrups.
In 2014, the Drug Enforcement Agency found that 2,311 incidents involving the same synthetic marijuana resulted in death or medical intervention. This compound mimics the psychoactive effects of natural cannabis but has a different chemical structure. Its side effects can include dizziness, confusion, seizures, and lack of coordination.
The other chemical found in the Diamond CBD products, dextromethorphan, is an ingredient in cough syrups. Often, people looking for a similar high to street drugs like PCP and ketamine abuse dextromethorphan. It causes hallucinations, agitation, and sedation.
Although Diamond CBD’s website states that it monitors and tests all its products carefully, and that it is 100% natural with no traces of THC, the VCU study proves otherwise. While CBD users specifically seek a product without the psychoactive compound, Peace and her team also discovered that two of the nine liquids from Diamond CBD contained THC.
It is unclear how Diamond CBD will respond to this study and its claims of extreme manufacturer negligence. The company has not yet issued a statement regarding this study. However, the presence of synthetic marijuana in its products should be a major cause of concern, as consumers could hold the company liable for death or illness. This study serves as a warning to many companies to take precaution in the manufacturing and distribution of their products.