A recently published study has revealed significant discrepancies between label claims of some cannabinoid products sold in Portugal and actual cannabinoid levels and composition.
Cannabis is decriminalized in Portugal and medical use of the plant was legalized in 2018. While local cultivation facilities exist, a lack of processing and manufacturing infrastructure means raw materials are exported to create finished products, and imported medicines produced from plants grown elsewhere are also common.
In Portugal, cannabidiol (CBD) products can be purchased without a prescription if the THC content is below 0.2%, and the country has seen an influx of imported over-the-counter products. According to Statista, Portugal’s overall legal cannabis market is projected to reach a revenue of US$42.80m this year, growing to $47.8m in 2029
In the study, 31 samples of over-the-counter cannabis-based products imported into Portugal and marketed for medical and non-medical use were analysed. The products included teas, other beverages, creams and oils, which were obtained from large and small supermarkets, hemp shops and pharmacies.
Analysis of most of the samples revealed cannabinoid concentrations were found to be below what was indicated on the label, and some did not even include information on the presence and concentration of cannabinoids although clearly indicating they were cannabis products.
In one example, the label of an oil product indicated 20% CBD and the presence of other cannabinoids such as CBN, CBC, CBDA, CBG, CBGA, and CBCA. However, testing indicated just 16.13% CBD, and no other cannabinoids were detected. Another sample promising a concentration of 10% CBD was found to have just 1.82%.
The researchers noted products with labels that didn’t provide detailed information raise significant concerns as they prevent consumers from making informed choices about products. On the plus side, none of the products contained THC above the 0.2% threshold.
The researchers concluded:
“There is an urgent need for standardised regulations and robust quality assurance protocols. Beyond mere labelling inaccuracies, the implementation of quality control mechanisms allows the safeguarding of consumer safety and ensuring product efficacy within the burgeoning cannabis industry.”
The study has been published in the journal Molecules.
Accurate labelling isn’t just an issue in Portugal. It seems these issues occur wherever CBD is treated with a comparatively light regulatory touch.
